TRICHOMONIASIS TESTING

Trichomoniasis also known as Trich is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by a parasite. Trich can easily be treated using antibiotics. The parasite responsible for causing trich can be found in sexual fluids such as semen, pre-cum, and vaginal fluid of an infected person.

There are usually no symptoms if infected with Trichomoniasis, so the person is unaware that he/she is infected. A common symptom is vaginitis i.e. irritation of the vulva or vagina and occasionally the urethra.

How can I contract Trichomoniasis?

The parasite that causes Trichomoniasis is microscopic and contracted by having unprotected sex with an infected person. It can be transmitted through most types of sexual fluids.

It can also be contracted by direct contact and/or touching genitals i.e. the penis, urethra, vulva, and vagina and/or sharing sex toys. Trich however does not infect the mouth or anus.

Most people are asymptomatic to the infection, which is easily transmitted, so it is important to practice safe sexual and be regularly tested for Trich.

You can be easily tested for Trichomonas and other STIs at our Sexual Health Clinic if you are worried or have concerns.

Risk factors of Trichomonas

Groups reported to be in the high risk category for contracting Trich:

• People with multiple sex partners.
• People that have had Trich infections in the past.
• People with a history of other STIs.
• People who have unprotected sex.

Symptoms of Trichomoniasis

Symptoms of Trich are usually not noticable and painless. About 7 in 10 people infected with Trich have no symptoms at all. However when symptoms do appear, they are usually mild and easily mistaken for less severe health problems. Since it is easy to mistake these symptoms for something else, it is important to get tested.

Trich symptoms usually occur after 3 – 30 days of infection. In women, it usually presents as vaginitis which is characterised by the following:

• Irritation and itching of the vagina.
• Greenish, greyish, yellowish, and fishy-smelling vaginal discharge.
• Pain and discharge and/or bleeding during sex.
• Swelling of the genital region.

Other common symptoms of Trich include:

• Painful and burning sensation on passing urine.
• Frequent urge to urinate.
• Pain during sexual intercourse.
• Itching and irritation of the penis.
• Discharge from the urethra.

Prevention of Trichomoniasis

• Engage in safe sexual practices i.e. use latex condoms during sexual intercourse.
• Avoid multiple sexual partners.

At sexual health clinic we use an accredited laboratory for testing your samples, and our doctors are experienced in sexual health concerns. We offer numerous sexual health tests, including the Trichomoniasis test. You can contact us to book an appointment for your test today or visit our clinic at Suite 17, 117A Harley Street London, W1G 6AT.

Our doctors are always available to discuss your sexual health concerns and you will be treated in kindness, sensitively and in the strictest confidence. (No information is passed to any third parties.)