Trichomonas is caused by a tiny parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. This parasite infects the genitals and urethra (the tube which carries urine from the bladder to the outside) in both men and women. Trichomonas is spread by unprotected sexual contact with a partner who has Trichomonas.
Symptoms of Trichomonas
Trichomonas is widespread. It is most common amongst young people. How would you know if you had trichomonas? There may be no symptoms. Men and women with trichomonas may not know they have an infection. Women with trichomonas may notice:
• change to vaginal discharge such as smell and/or change of colour
• itch or irritation around the outside of the vagina
• painful vagina, especially during sex
• discomfort in the lower part of the abdomen
• burning or stinging when passing urine
• needing to pass urine more often than usual.
Men with trichomonas may notice:
• discharge from the penis
• burning or stinging passing urine
• needing to pass urine more often than usual.
How can you test for Trichomonas?
Swabs from the urethra in men and swabs from the vagina in women can be tested for trichomonas. Urine should also be tested. Some people with trichomonas have other sexually transmissible infections. Tests for other STIs can be done at the same time. If you think you have been at risk of getting trichomonas, it is best to have a sexual health check to be sure.
If you find out that you do have trichomonas, anyone you have had sex with in the past few months will need to also be tested and treated. This is to make sure that they are cleared of the infection and to prevent you from being re-infected. If you feel uncomfortable or embarrassed about telling your partner or partners, the doctor or nurse can contact them. This is a confidential process and your name will not be mentioned. This is very important for your health, for your partner’s health, and the health of other people they have sex with. Trichomonas can be detected from a pap smear test.
How can you be treated for Trichomonas?
Trichomonas can be effectively treated with antibiotic tablets or vaginal creams. To ensure the infection has been cured:
• it is important to finish the course of treatment, otherwise the
infection may not be properly cured
• do not have sex until you have finished treatment and you have returned
to your doctor or clinic for a follow-up appointment to check you have been
cured.
Sexual partners who could have been infected should be treated at the same time, otherwise you may be infected again. If you are uncomfortable to talk to previous sexual partners your local sexual health clinic can assist with confidential contact tracing.
What happens if Trichomonas is not treated?
Without treatment, the infection persists. It has been shown to persist in women for many years, and in men for many months. During this time, it can be passed on to sexual partners. Trichomonas may also increase the risk of the spread of HIV, and affect pregnancy outcomes eg, premature delivery of baby.
How do you avoid getting Trichomonas?
Practise safe sex. Always using condoms when you have vaginal or anal sex is the best way to avoid getting trichomonas. Using water-based lubricant with condoms is recommended. This reduces the risk of the condom breaking and increases both partners’ enjoyment of sex. Oil based lubricants (such as Vaseline) should not be used. They weaken the condom and may cause it to break. If you are giving a man oral sex (his penis in your mouth) then he will need to wear a condom. It does not matter whether your are male or female, if you put your mouth in contact with your partner’s anus or vulva while having sex you will need to use a dental dam.
If you are having unprotected sex, talk to your sexual partner about the risks involved (while some can be cured, others cannot – don’t forget that by having unprotected sex you are at risk of being exposed to HIV). From a good discussion with your partner you may be able to come to a clear agreement about using condoms.
There are lots of ways to enjoy physical intimacy with your partner. Explore other ways to be intimate, which do not put you at risk of sexually transmitted infections or an unintended pregnancy.
If you tend not to use condoms after drinking alcohol or taking other drugs it may be time to have a think about this and the risks involved. While, for some it may be unrealistic to think of not enjoying a drink, there are many ways of cutting down so that you stay in control and can make more rational choices about your sexual contact.
If you or your partner have more than one sexual partner and do not use condoms, have regular sexual health checkups.
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This article has been reproduced with the kind permission of Queensland Health. This government department in Australia retains copyright.