Quick read
Key points
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Trichomonas vaginalis, often shortened to TV or trichomoniasis, is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a tiny parasite. It can cause unusual vaginal discharge, itching, discomfort during urination or sex, though around half of people with the infection have no symptoms at all.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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You notice unusual vaginal or penile discharge, itching, or discomfort
01 · Know
What is Trichomonas vaginalis (TV)?
Trichomonas vaginalis, often shortened to TV or trichomoniasis, is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a tiny parasite. It can cause unusual vaginal discharge, itching, discomfort during urination or sex, though around half of people with the infection have no symptoms at all.
In men, symptoms, if present, can include discharge from the penis and irritation. Because it's often symptomless, testing is important if you have concerns about exposure, and it's straightforward to treat with antibiotics.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Self-care advice
Visit a sexual health clinic or your GP for testing and treatment if you have symptoms or possible exposure to trichomoniasis.
03 · Act
When to see a doctor
- 1You notice unusual vaginal or penile discharge, itching, or discomfort
- 2You experience pain during urination or sex
- 3A sexual partner has been diagnosed with trichomoniasis
- 4You'd like routine STI screening
- 5Symptoms don't fully clear after completing treatment
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Take these self-care steps
These measures can help ease symptoms, support recovery, and reduce the chance of things worsening — but they don't replace medical advice if symptoms are severe or persistent.
- 1Complete the full course of antibiotics.This is essential to fully clear the infection, even if symptoms improve before you finish.
- 2Avoid sex until treatment is complete.This includes avoiding sex until both you and any partners have finished treatment, to prevent reinfection.
- 3Notify sexual partners.This allows them to be tested and treated, since trichomoniasis can be passed back and forth between partners.
- 4Get tested even without symptoms.Since many people have no symptoms, testing is important if you or a partner may have been exposed.
- 5Avoid alcohol during treatment if advised.Some antibiotics used for trichomoniasis can interact with alcohol, so check specific guidance with your pharmacist.
Evidence
References
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
- HSE: Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) ↗
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Trichomoniasis is easily treated with antibiotics, and treating both partners together prevents the infection passing back and forth.
Since around half of people with trichomoniasis have no symptoms, testing is the only reliable way to know if you have it.