How common is Trichomonas in Australia?

Trichomonas is an STI caused by the parasitic protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis which lives in the urinary tract, vagina, and urethra. The condition that this infection causes is called Trichomoniasis.

The Trichomonas vaginalis parasite spreads the same way other STIs do: through unprotected vaginal sex, anal sex, and oral sex, or genital-to-genital contact. It can also be spread by sharing sex toys without washing or sterilizing them between uses or by not covering them with a new condom after each use.

The symptoms of Trichomoniasis are shared with many other STIs and so can be difficult to diagnose. They include:

• Unusual vaginal or penile discharge
• Pain during intercourse
• Burning during urination
• Soreness, itching, or swelling around the penis and vagina

Like with most STIs, someone infected with Trichomonas may not develop symptoms. It is also possible to have the infection for some time before symptoms begin to appear.

Left untreated, a Trichomonas infection can lead to more serious long-term health complications. Trichomoniasis can increase a person’s risk of contracting other STIs like HIV. The STI is also commonly associated with conditions like prostatitis (inflammation and swelling of the prostate), pre-term delivery and low birth weight, and post-partum sepsis.

The rate of the spread of Trichomonas in Australia is currently unknown as there is little accurate national data. Trichomoniasis is also not a notifiable disease, so records of its prevalence in the country are sparse.

However, several studies have shown that Trichomonas is very common in remote and rural communities, especially amongst Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders. Another group of individuals who are at an increased risk of contracting Trichomoniasis are sex workers.

Other studies suggest that Trichomonas may be underdiagnosed in urban Australia. Still more have shown a dramatic rise in positive diagnoses between 2006 and 2019 among women at certain sexual health clinics.

Risk factors for contracting Trichomonas

In Australia, the potential risk of contracting Trichomonas increases with certain lifestyle factors and behaviours. People who are sexually active, especially those who have multiple sexual partners or unprotected sex, are at increased risk.

Additionally, people with weakened immune systems due to illnesses such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are more susceptible.

The best way to prevent the spread of Trichomonas is to practice safer sex by using condoms and getting regular STI tests if you are sexually active.

It’s also important to talk with your sexual partners about any possible infections so that both of you can take steps to avoid transmission. People who have had Trichomoniasis should avoid having sexual contact until they have been tested and treated for the infection.

You can get tested for Trichomonas with Better2Know.

If you call the number above, our Sexual Health Advisors will be able to direct you to a clinic that can test for this STI. You can also secure your own appointment by creating an online booking.

You only need to provide a urine sample for a Trichomonas test. Since a Trichomonas infection can share symptoms with many other sexually transmitted infections, you may wish to test for other STIs like Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, and HIV with one of Better2Know’s STI screens.

Trichomonas is more prevalent in Australia than you might assume, so it’s important to understand the risk factors associated with this infection.

If you think you may have been exposed to Trichomonas, contact Better2Know to get tested.