Summary
Read the full fact sheet- Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
- It may cause a yellowy green, ‘frothy’ discharge that is often accompanied by an unpleasant odour and vaginal or vulval itching.
- The infection can be treated with antibiotics.
- You should either avoid sex or use condoms until the infection has been treated.
On this page
About trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is caused by the organism Trichomonas vaginalis. It is transmitted through sexual contact with a person who has this infection.
Trichomoniasis during pregnancy may lead to low birth weight babies and premature birth.
Symptoms of trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is detected more often in women and rarely in men. Some women don’t have any symptoms of infection. When symptoms are present, they may include:
- a yellowy green, ‘frothy’ discharge
- an unpleasant odour
- vaginal or vulval itching.
Men usually don’t develop symptoms, but they may be carriers of the infection. Symptoms in men may include a discharge from the penis and burning during urination.
Diagnosis of trichomoniasis
For women, a vaginal examination and swab is required.
For men, a swab is taken from the penis if discharge is present. Otherwise, a urine sample can be collected.
Treatment for trichomoniasis
Antibiotics are used to treat trichomoniasis. This will involve one of either:
- metronidazole (Flagyl) – a single dose, taken with food
- tinidazole (Fasigyn) – a single dose, taken with food.
Avoid drinking alcohol during treatment and for 48 hours after taking metronidazole, or for 72 hours after taking tinidazole.
Side effects of treatment for trichomoniasis
These medications may cause:
- nausea or an upset stomach
- a metallic taste in your mouth, which will disappear soon after the treatment is completed.
Preventing re-infection of trichomoniasis
If you have trichomoniasis, all sexual partners should be treated – regardless of whether or not they have symptoms. It is recommended that you either have no sex or have completely protected sex (use a condom before any physical contact occurs) until treatment is completed for both you and your partner.
Recurrences of trichomoniasis can occur
Occasionally, trichomoniasis may recur after the initial infection has been treated. If this occurs, consult your GP, who may prescribe a longer course of treatment.
Where to get help
- Your doctor / GP
- Sexual Health Victoria (SHV). To book an appointment call SHV Melbourne CBD Clinic: (03) 9660 4700 or call SHV Box Hill Clinic: (03) 9257 0100 or (free call): 1800 013 952. These services are youth friendly.
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre Tel. (03) 9341 6200 or 1800 032 017 or TTY (for the hearing impaired) (03) 9347 8619
- Thorne Harbour Health (formerly Victorian AIDS Council) Tel. (03) 9865 6700 or 1800 134 840
- Ballarat Community Health Sexual Health Clinic Tel. (03) 5338 4500
- Bendigo Community Health Sexual Health Clinic Tel. (03) 5434 4300 Or (03) 5448 1600
- Gateway Health Clinic 35, Wodonga Tel. (02) 6022 8888 or 1800657 573
- Sunraysia Community Health Services Tel. (03) 5022 5444
- Barwon Health Sexual Health Clinic Tel. (03) 5226 7489
- 1800MyOptions Tel:1800 696784 is a statewide phone service for information about sexual health as well as contraception and pregnancy options
- Sexual health factsheets, Melbourne Sexual Health Centre
- Australian STI Management Guidelines
- Sexually Transmissible Infections, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)
- Family Planning Victoria
- Department of Health, Australian Government
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