Embarrassing Illnesses

Toni Belfield, former director of information at FPA (formerly the Family Planning Association), provides answers to important questions people may ask if they have trichomoniasis.

I don’t believe I got trichomoniasis through sex. Are there other ways you can get it?

Trichomoniasis is almost always sexually acquired, but not many people know this. It’s not something that can be passed on by close contact or shared bedding. Most of the calls we get on our helpline deal with the question of how someone could have got this condition when they’re in a faithful sexual relationship. Some STIs, such as herpes or genital warts, can be around for a long time without you knowing it. But you have to assume that one side of the partnership has not been faithful.

My partner has trichomoniasis but I’m not showing any symptoms. Should I get tested?

Yes. It is infectious. One of the main problems with many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is that they don’t have any obvious symptoms. But very often we find on the FPA helpline that when we ask people about their supposed lack of symptoms they will say, “Oh yes, I did have a bit of discharge but I thought that was normal for women.”

How infectious is it? How likely is it that I’ve passed it on?

You can’t really say whether one infection is more infectious than another. However, you do acquire it from having vaginal sex or possibly sharing sex toys. You can’t catch it from having oral or anal sex. We do know that having trichomoniasis increases your risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. It is also possible for a pregnant woman to pass the infection to her baby at birth.

Could my employer or my insurance company find out I have trichomoniasis if I tell my GP?

Some people are understandably very nervous about talking to their GP about STIs, so don’t forget you can always talk to your practice nurse if that’s easier. Whoever you talk to, you can rest assured that anything to do with your health will remain confidential. Even if the receptionist is your best friend’s mother, she can’t pass on any information.

I’m pregnant and have heard that trichomoniasis can damage babies. Will mine be OK?

Research suggests that trichomoniasis can cause problems in pregnancy. Having trichomoniasis and leaving it untreated can lead to a premature birth or a low birth weight baby. It can also be passed on to your baby during the birth. If you are at all concerned, you should be checked. You can easily be treated during your pregnancy or while you are breastfeeding - just make sure you tell your doctor or nurse that you're pregnant or breastfeeding to ensure you get the right kind of antibiotics for your condition.