Trichomoniasis

Known as “trike” for short, trichomoniasis is a common genital infection in Aotearoa New Zealand. It’s more common for symptoms to show in people with a vagina. 

Some people don’t notice any symptoms and don’t know they have the infection but can still pass trichomoniasis on to their partners or sexual contacts. Trichomoniasis is easily treated with antibiotics. 

Do I need an STI test?

Trichomoniasis is an infection of the genitals. It’s caused by tiny parasites. 

You can get trichomoniasis from having unprotected sex (sex without external or internal condoms or oral dams). Trichomoniasis symptoms are more common in people with a vagina.

Some people with trichomoniasis have no symptoms. That’s why it’s important to get STI tests regularly.

If you do have symptoms, they might include:  

• Discharge from your vagina that is frothy and strong smelling

• Itching and irritation around your vulva and vagina

• Pain when you pee/mimi

• Discharge from your penis 

Some people with trichomoniasis have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.

But it’s important to get tested for STIs regularly to keep yourself, your partners or sexual contacts, and your whānau/family healthy.

Different laboratories around Aotearoa New Zealand have different processes for testing. Some laboratories may also test for trichomoniasis when they test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea. 

Find a provider

If you have symptoms of an STI, make an appointment with:  

• your usual doctor 
• a medical centre 
• Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa  
• a sexual health clinic 

Find a provider

Talk to the provider or organisation where you did your test to find out what their process is.

Trichomoniasis is easily treated with antibiotics. You can see your usual doctor or another treatment provider to get treatment. 

• Don’t have sex until seven days after you, and the person you plan to have sex with, finish your antibiotic treatment for trichomoniasis

• Use condoms or oral dams if you do have sex before finishing your antibiotics

• If it's safe, tell people that you have had sexual contact with recently that they need an STI test or treatment. 

What to do if you test positive

The safe way to protect yourself from trichomoniasis and other STIs is using condoms or oral dams every time you have sex.

Using lube with condoms helps to prevent the condom from breaking during sex by reducing friction. Lube can also make sex more pleasurable for some people.

More about safer sex

Many STIs don’t have obvious symptoms, including trichomoniasis. You may not know that you have trichomoniasis but can still pass it on to your partners or sexual contacts.

It’s important to get tested for STIs anytime you have sex with a new person, or before and after unprotected sex.

When to get tested