*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the nhs.uk website.

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Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis (TV).

Symptoms of trichomoniasis

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).

The symptoms of trichomoniasis are similar to those of many other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so it can sometimes be difficult to diagnose.

Symptoms in men

Trichomoniasis in men can cause:

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

When to get medical advice

See a GP or go to your local sexual health clinic (sometimes called a GUM clinic) if you develop any of the symptoms of trichomoniasis or you think you may be infected.

Trichomoniasis can usually be diagnosed after an examination of the genitals and a laboratory test carried out on a swab taken from the penis.

If the test shows you have trichomoniasis, it's important that your current sexual partner and any other recent partners are also tested and treated.

How do you get trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis.

In men, the infection most commonly affects the urethra, but the head of the penis or prostate gland - a gland near the bladder that helps produce semen - can become infected in some cases.

The parasite is usually spread by having sex without using a condom.

It could also be spread by sharing sex toys if you do not wash them or cover them with a new condom before use.

You do not have to have many sexual partners to catch trichomoniasis. Anyone who's sexually active can catch it and pass it on.

Trichomoniasis is not thought to be passed on through oral or anal sex.

You also cannot pass on trichomoniasis through:

kissing or hugging
sharing cups, plates or cutlery
toilet seats
The best way to prevent trichomoniasis is to have safe sex. This means always using a condom when having sex, covering any sex toys you use with a condom, and washing sex toys after use.

Treatment

Trichomoniasis is usually treated quickly and easily with antibiotics.

Most people are prescribed an antibiotic called metronidazole, which is very effective if taken correctly. You'll usually have to take metronidazole twice a day, for 5 to 7 days.

Sometimes this antibiotic can be prescribed in a single, larger dose. However, this may have a higher risk of side effects.

Metronidazole can make you feel sick, be sick and cause a slight metallic taste in your mouth. It's best to take it after eating food. Contact your doctor for advice if you start vomiting, because the treatment will not be effective if you're unable to swallow the tablets.

Do not drink alcohol while taking metronidazole and for at least 24 hours after finishing the course of antibiotics. Drinking alcohol while taking this medicine can cause more severe side effects, including:

a fast heartbeat or heart palpitations
skin flushing
nausea and vomiting

A specialist can recommend alternative treatments if metronidazole is unsuitable for you (for example, if you're allergic to it).

Follow-up

If you take your antibiotics correctly, you will not normally need any follow-up tests or examinations for trichomoniasis.

However, you may require further testing to see whether your symptoms are being caused by a different sexually transmitted infection (STI) if your symptoms remain or reoccur after treatment.

If you have unprotected sex before your treatment is finished, you need to return to your GP surgery or sexual health clinic. You may have become reinfected. You must also return if you:

did not complete your course of antibiotics
did not take your antibiotics correctly (according to the instructions)
vomited shortly after taking your antibiotics

You may need more antibiotics or a different form of treatment.

We'll have more information and advice next week on another topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. There's features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions to how to stay fit. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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