Trichomonas vaginalis - Preventing trichomoniasis

If you have had trichomoniasis and it has been treated, you will not be immune to the infection and you can get it again.

Like any sexually transmitted infection (STI), the best way to prevent trichomoniasis is to have safe sex. This means always using a condom.

The following measures will help protect you from trichomoniasis and most other STIs, including chlamydia and gonorrhoea. They will also help prevent you passing it on to your partner:

• Use condoms (male or female) every time you have vaginal or anal sex.
• If you have oral sex, cover the penis with a condom or the female genitals with a latex or polyurethane square (a dam).
• If you are a woman and rub your vulva against your female partner’s vulva, one of you should cover your genitals with a dam.
• Avoid sharing sex toys. If you do share them, wash them or cover them with a new condom before anyone else uses them.

If you are not sure how to use condoms correctly, read more about how to use a condom or call the FPA (see below) for advice.

If you have been diagnosed with trichomoniasis, make sure both you and your partner are treated, and that any sex toys you have used are cleaned.

Getting tested

If you are sexually active, go for regular sexual health check-ups. You can get an appointment by visiting your local genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic. Find your local sexual health clinic.

If you notice any signs or symptoms of an STI, avoid having sex and visit your GP or GUM clinic as soon as possible.

Further help and advice

Call the Sexual Health Helpline on 0300 123 7123 for confidential advice and support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Alternatively, call Sexual Health Direct, run by the FPA, on 0845 122 8690.