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Trichomonas vaginalis

What is it and how do I get it?

Trichomonas vaginalis (sometimes shortened to TV) is an STI that’s caused by a tiny parasite. 

You can catch TV by having vaginal sex without using a condom or by sharing sex toys.

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What are the symptoms?

Many people with TV do not have any signs or symptoms. If they do show up it’s usually within a month of you coming into contact with the infection. You might notice:

Women

  • Soreness, inflammation and itching in and around the vagina.
  • Discomfort when having sex
  • A change in vaginal discharge
  • Pain when peeing.

Men

  • A discharge from the penis – which may be thin and whitish
  • Pain or a burning sensation when peeing
  • Inflammation of the foreskin.
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What does getting tested involve?

There are different ways of testing for TV, the doctor or sexual health worker will either take a swab for testing or ask you for a urine sample.

 

A swab looks a bit like a cotton bud and collecting a sample only takes a few minutes. It is not painful, although it may be a little uncomfortable for a moment.

 

 

 

 

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How can I get tested?

You can get tested and treated for TV at your local Genito-urinary Medicine (GUM) or Contraception and Sexual Health (CaSH) clinic or at your GP surgery.

All of these services are totally confidential. CaSH and GUM clinics are specialist clinics that deal with STIs. You don’t need to have been referred by your GP to use them you can make an appointment over the phone yourself.

If you want to find out more information about GUM and CaSH clinics, have a look at our 'What to expect: GUM clinics' and 'What to expect: CaSH clinics' pages.

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What does treatment involve?

TV can be treated easily with a course of antibiotics. This can be a single dose or a longer course (up to a week). 

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What are the health effects?

If you do not treat TV you may be more at risk of becoming infected with HIV or passing on HIV if you already have it.

TV can cause problems with a pregnancy. It can be passed to a baby during the birth and cause an infection in the baby’s vagina.

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