Trichomoniasis treatment, private and prescriber-reviewed

What is trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis (TV or "trich") is caused by a microscopic parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. It is transmitted through unprotected sex and is one of the most common curable STIs globally. Many people — men in particular — have no symptoms at all, while others experience a characteristic frothy or unusually coloured discharge, itching, soreness, and discomfort when urinating.

Because it is so commonly asymptomatic, trichomoniasis is often only discovered when someone tests for another reason. Left untreated it can persist for months or years and makes it easier to acquire or pass on other STIs, including HIV.

How is trichomoniasis treated?

Trichomoniasis is treated with a single antibiotic. UK guidelines recommend this antibiotic either as a single high dose or as a shorter course taken twice daily — your prescriber will choose the most appropriate option. Treatment is highly effective when both partners take it at the same time.

You should avoid alcohol during treatment and for 48 hours after, as a combination of the antibiotic with alcohol can cause an unpleasant reaction. Abstain from sex until both you and your partner have completed treatment and, where recommended, have retested.

Why do both partners need treating?

The parasite that causes trichomoniasis passes very easily between sexual partners. Treating only one person means re-infection is almost certain once intercourse resumes. Both partners should take treatment at the same time, even if one has no symptoms. If your partner is not able to access treatment through this service, please direct them to a sexual health clinic or their GP.

Treating trichomoniasis with NewGen

NewGen is a GPhC-registered pharmacy. You complete a short confidential consultation, a UK prescriber reviews your confirmed positive result and health details, and if treatment is appropriate it is dispatched in plain packaging. This service is for confirmed cases where you have already tested positive — if you have not yet been tested, please order a test kit or attend a sexual health clinic first.

How the consultation works

You will be asked to confirm your positive test result, describe any symptoms, confirm that you are not pregnant or breastfeeding, and provide your allergy and medicines history. Pregnancy changes both the dosing and the risk profile of treatment, so pregnant patients are always referred to a sexual health clinic for specialist care. If your consultation is approved, treatment is normally dispatched the same working day.

When to attend a sexual health clinic instead

Please attend a sexual health clinic if you are pregnant, if you have severe symptoms such as significant pelvic pain or fever, if you have already been treated for trichomoniasis and think the infection has not cleared, or if your partner cannot access treatment online and you need coordinated simultaneous treatment. NHS sexual health clinics test and treat TV free of charge. You may also find it useful to be screened for other STIs at the same time.

For information about bacterial vaginosis, which can share some symptoms with trichomoniasis, see our bacterial vaginosis page in the Women's Health section.