What should you know about avian trichomoniasis?

The similar names can cause confusion, but a bird health report does not diagnose a human genital infection. If your concern is vaginal discharge, irritation or possible sexual exposure, a clinician can test for human trichomoniasis and other causes.

Avian trichomoniasis affects birds and is associated with a different Trichomonas organism from the one responsible for genital infection in people. Human trichomoniasis is caused by Trichomonas vaginalis and is passed through sexual contact. It can affect the vagina, urethra and surrounding genital tissues.

Human trichomoniasis may cause an unusual vaginal discharge, genital itching, burning, discomfort when urinating or pain during sex, while some infected people notice no symptoms. Those symptoms also occur with other conditions, so their presence cannot identify the cause without an appropriate assessment and test.

Book a sexual health or gynaecology appointment if you have new vaginal discharge, itching or burning, or if a sexual partner has been diagnosed with trichomoniasis. Tell the clinician about symptoms, recent sexual contact, pregnancy or possible pregnancy, allergies and medicines. Testing may use a vaginal swab or urine sample.

Human trichomoniasis is treated with prescribed antimicrobial medicine. Take it exactly as directed and complete the prescribed course. Sexual partners may also need assessment and treatment to prevent the infection passing back and forth. Avoid sexual contact until the treating clinician says it is appropriate to resume. Do not use medicine intended for birds or share another person's prescription.

Seek prompt medical assessment if vaginal symptoms occur with fever, worsening lower abdominal or pelvic pain, vomiting, faintness, bleeding outside your expected period or feeling markedly unwell. These features can point to an infection or another problem that needs timely examination rather than self-treatment.

Contact a maternity service or clinician promptly if you are pregnant or may be pregnant and develop genital symptoms. Obtain urgent help for severe pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, collapse or breathing difficulty. Urgency comes from these warning signs, not from the similarity between the names of the bird and human conditions.

Ask which infections and non-infectious causes the test will check, how the sample is collected, whether partners need treatment and when sexual contact can safely resume. If treatment is prescribed, clarify how to take it, what to do after a missed dose, which side effects require help and whether repeat testing is advised.