In brief...
Usually in girls and women, boys and men who are infected often have no symptoms. An infection of the vagina, caused by a microscopic parasite, which can be caught during unprotected sex. It is easy for us to test for and treat Trichomonas Vaginalis, TV.
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What is TV?
Trichomonas vaginalis is an infection that is caused by a protozoan, a type of bug different from bacteria, viruses or yeasts. You can catch TV if you have unsafe sex with someone who is infected. Very occasionally it is caught by sharing towels or washcloths with someone who is infected. It can infect both sexes.
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What are the symptoms?
In girls and women
TV usually causes an increase in vaginal discharge, which is often foamy and yellow in colour, and itching or redness of the vulva, the folds of skin around your genitals.
In boys and men
TV infects the urethra, the water passage your urine comes out of, but usually causes no problems or just a slight stinging when you pee. You can be infected and infectious without any symptoms.
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What tests can you offer?
We will take some swabs from the urethra of boys and men and/or vagina in girls and women. We will also some urine samples.
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What treatment can you offer?
We can easily treat TV with antibiotics.
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What should I do before and after coming to the clinic?
You should avoid having sex until you know what infection you have and are given the 'all clear' after treatment.
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Should my partner(s) be 'checked out' too?
Your partner(s) should also be checked out in case they re-infect you after you have received treatment.
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How can I avoid getting TV?
Use a condom perfectly and this can help you avoid other infections too.
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