What should you know about trichomoniasis how does it start?

The infection affects the genital area and can be present without obvious changes. When symptoms occur, they may develop as vaginal discharge with a new smell or colour, vaginal itching, soreness, burning when urinating or discomfort during sex. A symptom such as vaginal itching can come from conditions other than trichomoniasis, so it is not a diagnosis on its own.

Symptoms may be mild, come and go, or be absent. That means the timing of symptoms cannot reliably show when transmission happened. A clinician can use your history and a laboratory test to decide whether trichomoniasis is present.

Book a sexual-health or gynaecology assessment if you have new genital symptoms or a partner has been diagnosed. Until you have medical advice, consider avoiding sex or use barrier protection. If testing confirms trichomoniasis, take the prescribed course exactly as directed, and make sure current partners receive advice because untreated partners can pass the infection back. Do not self-treat with medicines intended for another condition. See Antibiotic Treatment for Pelvic Infection for related treatment information.

Get prompt care for pelvic or lower-abdominal pain, fever, pain during sex, unusual bleeding, or new symptoms during pregnancy. Severe pain, fainting or heavy bleeding calls for urgent medical attention rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

Ask what sample will be collected, whether other sexually transmitted infections should be checked, how partners will be notified, and how long to avoid sex during treatment.