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HealthInfo Canterbury

Trichomonas infection

Pokenga paipai pirinoa

Trichomonas infection is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It's caused by the trichomonas vaginalis organism and is also called trichomoniasis.

Many people don't have any symptoms with this infection. Women may notice itching around their vagina or an abnormal discharge that may be smelly. Men may get pain on peeing or a discharge from their penis.

Women can be tested with a vaginal swab. There isn't an easy test for men.

Trichomonas is easily treated with antibiotics.

Your sexual partner will need to be treated at the same time. You should avoid sex or use condoms until seven days after you and your partner have been treated.

Using a condom during sex is the best way to protect yourself from getting or passing on this infection.

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Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed June 2022.

Sources

See also:

Telling your sexual partner (partner notification)

Understanding your vaginal swab results

Page reference: 54578

Review key: HISYP-53679