What is Trichomoniasis and what are the main symptoms of Trichomoniasis?? Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the parasite Trichomonas Vaginalis (TV) Symptoms normally appear within 4 weeks of infection, but half of all infected people experience no symptoms. Trichomoniasis mainly affects the vagina and the urethra, also during pregnancy this can result in the premature birth of the baby as this is the main areas this parasite infects in women. The main symptoms include:
Unusual vaginal discharge that can be more than usual, thick, thin or frothy, yellow green in colour and with an unpleasant fishy smell Soreness, swelling and itching around the vagina and maybe on the inner thighs Pain when passing urine, during sex or in the lower abdomen
In men the urethra is usually affected but the head of the penis, foreskin and prostate gland can also be involved. The following symptoms can be experienced: Pain during urination or ejaculation Needing to urinate more frequently Thin white discharge from the penis Soreness, redness and swelling on the head of the penis or foreskin
Trichomoniasis can be diagnosed by a laboratory test which tests your urine for the presence of the parasite. If either you or your partner is diagnosed with Trichomoniasis then you should both have treatment, even if you are not experiencing any symptoms. It’s very important to advise any sexual partner if you become infected to prevent them spreading the infection. Even though complications from Trichomoniasis are rare, it’s important to get treated as infection with TV increases your likelihood of catching another STI. In addition, pleased be advised that Trichomoniasis during pregnancy can result in the premature birth of the baby.
Trichomoniasis Test:
Pharmacy2U offer a fully confidential laboratory urine test for the presence of the parasite Trichomonas Vaginalis (TV). At the same time as testing for TV, the test will also look for genital Chlamydia trachomatis that causes Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea as the symptoms can be similar and these are more common infections. The test is conducted by the largest independent accredited provider of clinical laboratory diagnostic services in the UK and is the same test your GP would order for you if you provided a urine sample there. The test is fully diagnostic, in other words no other information is needed to be certain that you have or have not got the parasite Trichomonas Vaginalis, Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea.
To buy a Trichomoniasis, Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea test kit please visit us here. If you test positive, the Pharmacy2U Online Doctor service will be able to provide antibiotic treatment following a simple online consultation with our experience UK registered GPs.
Trichomoniasis Treatment:
If you have tested positive for Trichomoniasis, or your sexual partner has tested positive for Trichomoniasis then the Pharmacy2U Online Doctor service can provide antibiotic treatment to treat the infection. You do not need to have been tested using a Pharmacy2U test.
The treatment provided is metronidazole 400 mg tablets, take one tablet twice a day for seven days. The symptoms should improve within 2-3 days. If you take the full course as directed, there is no need for a retest to confirm that the Trichomoniasis has been cleared.
