ABOUT STIs

Trichomonas Vaginalis (TV)

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TV is a curable sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a protozoon called Trichomonas vaginalis, or ‘TV’. Protozoa are tiny germs similar to bacteria.

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Trichomonas Vaginalis (TV)

What is Trichomonas Vaginalis (TV)?

Trichomonas vaginalis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a tiny parasite called Trichomonas Vaginalis (TV) that infects the vagina and female urethra or the male urethra (the pipe you wee from).

How could I get TV?

TV can be spread by having unprotected sex – vulva to vulva or penis to vagina with a person who is infected. It can also be spread by sharing sex toys if you don’t wash them adequately or if you haven’t covered them with a new condom before each use or if sharing. Anyone who is sexually active can catch the infection and pass it on.

How can I avoid getting TV?

Using a condom and covering any sex toys you use with a condom, and washing sex toys after use is the best way to stop the infection from spreading from one person to another.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms can take up a month to show and in some show no symptoms. If symptoms do develop they will usually present as:

  • Abnormal vaginal discharge that may be thick, thin or frothy and yellow-green in colour
  • Noticing more discharge than normal, which may also have an unpleasant “fishy” smell
  • Uncomfortable symptoms around the vagina such as soreness, persistent itching and swelling, you might also notice some itching on the inner thighs.
  • Pain when weeing.
  • Needing to wee more frequently than usual.
  • Discharge from the penis that is usually thin and white.
  • Redness, swelling and soreness around the head of the penis or foreskin

How do I get tested for T V?

You will require a physical examination at one of our nurse led sexual health clinics. The doctor or nurse may need to take a swab from either the vagina or penis, or it may be tested for from a urine sample.

All of our services are free and confidential.

How is it treated?

Trichomonas can be easily treated with antibiotics. If you are diagnosed with TV, it’s important that your sexual partner(s) are also tested.

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