Trichomoniasis, sometimes called trich or TV for short, is an STI (sexually transmitted infection) caused by a parasite (a tiny organism). It spreads when people have sex without a condom. The good news is that you can cure it quickly with antibiotics.  

It’s less common in the UK than in other countries so you might not have heard of it. We do not test for it as standard on the NHS, but you can get a quick, confidential test if you have any symptoms or you are worried you have been exposed to it. 

Up to half of people with TV get no symptoms. If you do get them, they tend to appear in the month after you’re infected. 

Symptoms in women include: 

  • abnormal vaginal discharge that can be thick or thin, looks frothy and yellow-green and may have an unpleasant smell 
  • pain, swelling or itching around your vagina and sometimes your inner thighs 
  • pain when you pee or have sex

Symptoms in men include: 

  • white, thin discharge from your penis
  • pain when you pee or when you ejaculate
  • needing to pee more often 
  • pain, swelling or redness around the head of your penis or the foreskin

You might find some of these symptoms tough to talk about, but they shouldn’t be ignored. It’s a really good idea to get checked out by your GP if you have any of them, even if you do not test positive for TV or another STI with us. 

TV is most often spread by having vaginal sex without a condom. It can also be spread by sharing sex toys that have not been cleaned or covered with a new condom first. 

Unlike many other STIs it is not thought to be passed on through anal or oral sex. It’s still a good idea to use condoms to protect you against other STIs, though. 

If you have symptoms you can get checked at a sexual health clinic. To make an appointment call our information and booking line on 0800 328 3383 or find a clinic online.  

Because it’s less common in the UK you will not be offered a test unless you have symptoms. The symptoms of TV are like symptoms of other STIs, so it makes sense to test for those at the same time. 

If you have symptoms a doctor or nurse may ask to look at your genitals and take a swab from your penis or vagina. This may feel a little uncomfortable or awkward, but it should be quick and will not hurt. We will do our best to make you feel relaxed. If you are a man, you may also be asked to give a pee sample. 

TV can be quickly cured with antibiotic tablets. It’s important to finish the full course.

You will be asked to come back after 2 weeks for a test to check that the infection is gone. It's important not to have sex until you’ve finished the treatment and had the results back from your follow-up tests.

If you test positive you will need to tell your sexual partner, and any recent partners, so they can get checked and treated. 

We understand that talking to your partner or past partners about an STI might be hard or upsetting. We can contact them by text for you. We will not give out your name. 

You can also call us on 0800 328 3383 for details of this service if you're being treated elsewhere.

It’s unlikely that TV will go away without treatment, but it’s rare for it to cause complications. Pregnant women are at extra risk. If you have untreated TV when you are pregnant your baby could be born too early, have a low birthweight, or you could have a miscarriage. 

You can avoid getting TV, and other STIs, by using a condom when you have sex. You should also wash sex toys or put a new condom on them before you share them.

While TV is not thought to be passed on through oral or anal sex, you still need to use a condom to stop yourself catching or passing on other STIs. 

Learn more about preventing STIs, and safe sex.