EXPERTS are warning women of a stealthy STI that is often missed, but strikes one in 16 in some parts of the country.
Trichomoniasis is more common than the well-known STI gonorrhoea, experts found.
But not only is is relatively unheard of, it is not always included in standard STI “check ups” at sexual health clinics or at-home kits.
The NHS says to see a GP or sexual health clinic if you have symptoms of the illness, with both men and women affected.
However around half of those with it do not show any signs, and are able to spread it further.
Others may be mystified by their symptoms, which can be vague.
New research suggests that many women are carrying trichomoniasis without realising – up to one in 16 women in some areas.
And it is disproportionately affecting women from racially minoritised and deprived communities.
Dr John White, Medical Director at Preventx and Consultant Physician in Sexual Health and HIV, said: “Trichomoniasis is a relatively unknown STI amongst the general population, but it can cause significant pain and discomfort.
“I know from the patients in my care that it can also cause a lot of emotional distress for the person infected too.
“Women, in particular, can remain infected for years – and their distressing symptoms are often misdiagnosed or dismissed.
“If untreated, TV [trichomoniasis] can also increase the chance of acquiring HIV in at-risk communities, as well as cause complications in pregnancy.”
The study involved 8,676 women across England.
Of them, 5,116 had experienced vaginal discharge – which is normal – and of them, 3.5 per cent were positive for trichomoniasis.
They were considered symptomatic because one of the signs of trichomoniasis is discharge, which can be in excess, thick, thin or frothy, yellow-green, or smell fishy.
Rates were higher in women from Black, Black British, Caribbean, or African background (5.2 per cent), but lower in white women (3.4 per cent).
Almost six per cent (one in 16) of symptomatic women in the most deprived communities tested positive, compared with 1.4 per cent in the wealthiest women.
When looking at women without vaginal discharge, 0.8 per cent of white British women tested positive.
But twice as many women from Black, Black British, Caribbean, or African background (2 per cent), and three times as many from a deprived area (2.7 per cent) tested positive.
“Our new data shows worryingly high positivity rates, with certain communities more affected than others,” Dr White said.
Rates of trichomoniasis in women studied were higher than gonorrhoea – 3.5 per cent compared to 0.6 per cent.
But gonorrhoea is routinely tested for, while trichomoniasis is not.
Dr White said trichomoniasis can be “easily diagnosed” outside of a clinic, and then easily treated with antibiotics.
He therefore said it was “vital” more testing is carried out across the UK.
The symptoms of trichomoniasis
The NHS says symptoms of trichomoniasis usually develop within a month of infection.
But up to half of all people will not develop any symptoms (though they can still pass the infection on to others).
Symptoms in women
- abnormal vaginal discharge that may be thick, thin or frothy and yellow-green in colour
- producing more discharge than normal, which may also have an unpleasant fishy smell
- soreness, swelling and itching around the vagina – sometimes the inner thighs also become itchy
- pain or discomfort when passing urine or having sex
Symptoms in men
- pain when peeing or during ejaculation
- needing to pee more frequently than usual
- thin, white discharge from the penis
- soreness, swelling and redness around the head of the penis or foreskin
Source: The Sun
