trichomoniasis (infection with Trichomonas vaginalis (TV))
Last reviewed 01/2018
Trichomoniasis is a result of infection with Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), causing a sexually transmitted disease
- TV is a flagellated protozoan
Women with TV commonly complain of vaginal discharge and dysuria (due to urethral infection).
TV is always sexually transmitted and is a rarer condition than bacterial vaginosis or vulvovaginal candidiasis
Possible sites affected include:
- the vagina
- urethra - both male and female
- bladder (occasionally)
- under foreskin
- paraurethral glands (1)
It is the second most common cause of vaginal discharge, after candidiasis.
It is only rarely recognised in the male and is more common in Afro-Caribbeans than whites.
A total of 6029 new diagnosis of trichomoniasis were made by GUM clinics in the UK in 2007, out of which 5592 were in women and 437 were in men (2).
Reference:
- (1) RCGP & BASHH (2006) Sexually transmitted infections in primary care. Royal College of General Practitioners.
- (2) HPA (2008) All new STI episodes seen at GUM clinics in the UK: 1998 - 2007. Health Protection Agency.
- (3) FSRH and BASHH Guidance (February 2012) Management of Vaginal Discharge in Non-Genitourinary Medicine Settings.