In men it is unusual to have any symptoms at all, and we largely rely on female partners being diagnosed in order to inform men they need treatment. However, a small number of men may experience some symptoms which can include;

• White discharge from penis
• Pain and/or burning when passing urine
• Sore foreskin

In women symptoms are more common but not always present. They include the following;

• Soreness around the vaginal opening
• Itching around the vaginal opening
• Change in discharge
• Smelly discharge
• Pain when passing urine

TV can be diagnosed by taking a swab from the vagina or urethra (water pipe). It can sometimes be found on a microscope test within the clinic.

Tests taken within a sexual health clinic are treated confidentially, a unique clinic number being issued and used in place of a name for each person attending. Results can be accessed in whichever way is most convenient, whether this is via text, email, telephone, mail, phoning into clinic or via another person  (e.g. friend)

Trichomonas Vaginalis (TV) is curable with an antibiotic, which is offered free of charge from GUM/sexual health clinics in the UK. It is advisable to treat your partner at the same time as you can catch it again once treated.

Also you will be advised to avoid sex whilst you are having treatment.