Trichomonas infection
ট্রাইকোমোনাস সংক্রমণ
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
Symptoms of trichomonas
Most people with trichomonas infection have no symptoms at all, but they can still pass the infection on to others.
If you do get symptoms, you may notice:
- a yellow or green discharge from the vagina or penis, which can sometimes smell unpleasant
- itching and soreness around the genitals
- pain or a burning feeling when you pass urine
Some women may also have pain or discomfort during sex.
What does a trichomonas test involve?
Testing for trichomonas infection is quick and straightforward. The sample can be collected in 2 main ways:
- using a swab, where a small cotton bud is gently wiped over the area that might be infected, such as inside the vagina or penis
- a urine sample, which should ideally be given at least 1 or 2 hours after you last peed
Most sexual health clinics can look at the sample straightaway under the microscope and see the parasite. In some clinics, and at your doctor's, the swab has to be sent to a lab before a diagnosis can be made.
The test is more accurate on samples taken from the vagina. It's less accurate on samples from the penis and on urine samples.
Treatment of trichomonas
Trichomonas infection is treated with antibiotics.
If you have the infection, it's advised that both you and your partner(s) are treated. You and your partner(s) may be asked to return to your doctor or sexual health clinic for another test, to check that the infection has gone.
Avoid having sex until 1 week after you and your partner(s) have finished treatment. If the infection isn't treated, you may pass it on to other sexual partners.
How trichomonas spreads
Trichomonas infection spreads through unprotected sex and through sharing sex toys. It isn't passed on through oral or anal sex.
You can't pass on trichomonas through:
- kissing or hugging
- sharing cups, plates or cutlery
- toilet seats
How to prevent trichomonas
The best way to lower your risk of STIs (sexually transmitted infections) is to practise safer sex. That means using a condom every time you have vaginal, anal or oral sex.
Other STIs
If you've been diagnosed with trichomonas infection, you should get tested for all STIs, including:
- chlamydia
- gonorrhoea
- syphilis
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Read more: Chlamydia · Gonorrhoea · Syphilis