Trichomoniasis is thought to be very common, but many men and women with it have no symptoms. Women are more likely to have symptoms of trichomoniasis than men.

The symptoms of trichomoniasis are similar to those of many other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). See your GP or local genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic if you develop any of the symptoms below.

Symptoms in women

Trichomoniasis affects the vagina and urethra (tube through which urine passes), causing any of the following symptoms:

• soreness, inflammation (swelling) and itching around the vagina – sometimes your inner thighs also become itchy
• vaginal discharge that appears thicker, thinner, frothy or yellow–green in colour
• producing more discharge than normal, which may also have an unpleasant fishy smell
• pain or discomfort when passing urine
• discomfort during sexual intercourse
• pain in your lower abdomen (tummy)

Symptoms in men

Trichomoniasis affects the urethra (the tube through which urine passes) and occasionally the prostate gland (a gland at the neck of the bladder that helps produce semen), causing any of the following symptoms:

• pain after urination and ejaculation
• thin white discharge from the penis
• discomfort during sexual intercourse