Trichomonas Vaginalis (TV) – What is it?

TV is an STI caused by a tiny parasite. It can be easily passed on through sex and most people are unaware they are infected.

Symptoms

In women, TV can cause a frothy yellow or watery vaginal discharge which has an unpleasant smell, soreness or itching around the vagina, and pain when passing urine.

In men, TV rarely causes symptoms though men may experience pain or burning after passing urine, a whitish discharge, or an inflamed foreskin.

Treatment

TV is diagnosed from either a urine sample or a swab test. Once diagnosed, TV can usually be treated with antibiotics.

Prevention

Trichomonas cannot be passed on through oral or anal sex, kissing, hugging, sharing cups, plates or cutlery, toilet seats or towels.

The best way to prevent TV is to have safer sex. This means always using a condom when having sex, covering any sex toys you use with a condom, and washing sex toys after use.