Experts are warning over a sexually transmitted infection (STI) few people actually know about, despite thousands of people contracting the disease each year in the UK alone.
Trichomoniasis is one of the most common STIs, with the World Health Organisation reporting there were 156 million new cases recorded globally in 2020 – more cases than chlamydia, gonorrhoea or syphilis. Luckily, trichomoniasis is also one of the most easily curable STIs.
GP for LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, Dr Bhavini Shah told the ECHO: “Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasitic protozoan called Trichomonas vaginalis. Sometimes the STI is referred to as 'trich' or trichomonas and you may see this name on online listings or packaging for STI tests.”
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LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor surveyed 500 adults and found that, despite being so common, less than a third of people (29%) had heard of trichomoniasis before. Dr Shah continued: "The STI can affect both men and women, although it doesn’t always show symptoms.
“Symptoms of trichomoniasis can vary from person to person. Similarly to other STIs, some people might not experience any symptoms at all. In fact over half of people with the infection won’t have noticeable symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they differ slightly depending on your biological sex."
Trichomoniasis in men
Trichomoniasis in men can cause:
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Pain when peeing
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Needing to pee more than usual
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Pain during ejaculation (when you orgasm)
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Thin, white discharge from the penis
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Red or swollen head of the penis
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Sore or itchy penis
Trichomoniasis in women
Trichomoniasis in women can cause vaginal problems, such as:
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Abnormal vaginal discharge which might be thick, thin, frothy or yellowy green
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Unpleasant smelling vaginal discharge
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More vaginal discharge than normal
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Vaginal itching, burning, or irritation
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Pain when peeing
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Pain during sex
If you have any of these symptoms, you should get tested for STIs as soon as possible. You can do this by visiting your GP, a sexual health clinic or a GUM clinic.
Dr Shah added: “If left untreated, trichomoniasis can lead to health complications, although these are rare. Having trichomoniasis might increase the risk of contracting or transmitting other sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
"To prevent catching or spreading other STIs you should use condoms when having sex. If you catch trichomoniasis while you’re pregnant and don’t get treatment the risk of you having your baby early increases.
"Your baby could also be born at a low birth weight. If you think you’ve been exposed to trichomoniasis you should speak to your GP or midwife.”
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