Trichomonas Vaginalis (TV)

What is it?

Trichomonas vaginalis is a tiny parasite that can be passed on during sex

How is it passed on?

TV is easily passed on by having unprotected vaginal sex or sharing sex toys

What are the symptoms?

Vaginal symptoms include:

• Soreness and itching in and around the vagina
• Discomfort while having sex
• Change in vaginal discharge
• Pain when passing urine or needing to pass urine more often
• An unpleasant smell

Usually TV does not cause any symptoms in the penis, but you may notice:

• Discharge from the penis
• Pain or burning when passing urine
• Irritation of the foreskin (this is unusual)

How do you test for it?

Testing is available after an assessment with a Nurse/Doctor. If you need testing, the Doctor or Nurse will take a swab from the vagina, or a urine sample if you have a penis.

What is the treatment?

TV can be treated with antibiotics.

This treatment is effective for most people but it is important you have a further TV test to make sure that the treatment has worked you have any further sexual contact.