TRICHOMONIASIS ("Trich")

What is it?

Trichomoniasis (often known as 'trich') is an infection caused by the parasitic protozoan (single celled organism) Trichomonas vaginalis and is common in New Zealand. 

How do you get it?

Trichomoniasis is passed on by having sex, sexual contact or sex play with another person with trichomoniasis. Ιt can also be passed on by sharing sex toys, e.g. vibrators.

Symptoms

Some people don’t notice any symptoms and don’t know they have the infection. Symptoms may develop after sexual contact with someone else with the infection. It is more common for symptoms to show in people with a vagina.

  • In people with a vagina

    People with a vagina may see symptoms such as:

    • a discharge or fluid leaking from the vagina
    • a bad smell or odour in the genital area
    • itchy or sore genitals

  • In people with a penis

    Most people with a penis do not have symptoms, however they can still pass trichomoniasis on. Some people with a penis may have:

    • discharge or fluid leaking from the penis, and/or
    • pain when passing urine

Is it serious?

Trichomoniasis is easily treatable with antibiotics.


  • In pregnancy

    Pregnant people with trichomoniasis may have babies who are born early or with low birth weight (less than five pounds).

  • In HIV

    People with trichomoniasis may have increased susceptibility to HIV infection for people with a vagina if exposed to the HIV. 


    Having trichomoniasis may increase the chance that an HIV-infected person with a vagina passes HIV to their sex partner(s). 

How do you get tested?

To get tested for trichomoniasis, you will need to see your doctor, nurse or sexual health clinic for a check-up. People with a vagina will have a vaginal swab. People with a penis, will have a urine test.

Treatment

Trichomoniasis is easily treated with antibiotics.

  • Read More

    Trichomoniasis is treated with antibiotics, which is very effective. You may be given a 7-day course or a single dose of the right antibiotic usually cures it. The tablets sometimes make you feel a bit sick, but it helps if you take them with food. Don't drink alcohol for 24 hours after taking the tablets as it will make you feel really sick.


    It is important to make sure any at risk current sexual partner/s are treated and not to have any unprotected sexual contact for the duration of your treatment (including oral sex).


Prevention

Condoms used correctly every time you have sex from start to finish will provide protection from trichomoniasis and offer good protection from many other sexually transmitted infections.

Telling your sexual partner/s

If you are diagnosed with trichomoniasis, you’ll need to inform anyone you have had sexual contact with in the last three months. It is important that they are tested and treated too. Your nurse, doctor or sexual health clinic can help you deal with this situation, or read our page on How to tell a partner about STIs?