Trichomonas Vaginalis (TV)

What Is TV?

TV is a sexually transmissible infection (STI), caused by an organism called Trichomonas vaginalis. It can cause infection of the vagina and urethra (tube you urinate through).

How Is TV Spread?

You can catch TV when you have sex with someone who already has the infection.

What Are the Symptoms?

Symptoms in women

• Frothy yellow/green vaginal discharge
• Fishy vaginal odour
• Bleeding after sex or in between periods
• Burning or discomfort when passing urine
• Vaginal burning
• Some women have no symptoms

Symptoms in men

• Burning or discomfort when passing urine
• Discharge from the penis
• Most men have no symptoms

How Can I Prevent It?

Using condoms during sex greatly reduces your chance of catching TV.

How Can I Be Tested For TV?

Women usually have a swab taken from the vagina.

Men can be tested by urine sample. If you have symptoms, a swab from the urethra may be advised. Men are usually advised to have a TV test only if their partner has an infection.

How Is TV Treated?

TV is effectively treated with a single dose of antibiotics taken by mouth, but your doctor may also recommend a longer course of antibiotics.

Should My Sexual Partners Be Treated?

It is important to tell all partners from the last six months, that you have been diagnosed with TV, and that they should be tested and treated even if they don’t have symptoms. Ask your doctor or nurse if you need help with this.

Can I Have Sex If I Have TV?

You should avoid sex until seven days after both you and you partner(s) have been treated. This will give the antibiotics time to clear the TV from your body, and stop you from being reinfected by your partner.

TV And Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, TV may lead to low birth weight or premature birth of your baby; TV can be safely treated in pregnancy.

For Further Information

FPNSW Healthline: 1300 658 886 (TTY 02 8752 4360)
SHIL (Sexual Health Information Line): 1800 451 624

NRS (for deaf) 133 677

 
The information in this Factsheet has been provided for educational purposes only. Family Planning NSW (FPNSW) has taken every care to ensure that the information is accurate and up-to-date at the time of publication.  Individuals concerned about any personal reproductive or sexual health issue are encouraged to seek advice and assistance from their health care provider or visit an FPNSW clinic.

Reviewed: August 2011