To:
Date:
Hi
You are receiving this letter because you may have had sex with somebody who was
diagnosed with trichomonads, an infection which can also be transmitted sexually. Even
if you don’t have any symptoms yourself, it is possible that you have been infected.
So it’s important that you get a medical exam and, if necessary, treatment. Left untreated,
the infection can lead to further health problems. In case you have sex before seeing a
doctor, make sure to use condoms in order to reduce your risk of passing the infection on
to somebody else.
You can find further information about trichomonads on the enclosed fact sheet and at
www.lovelife.ch, where you’ll also find addresses for testing sites and counselling centres.
Or you can simply talk to your doctor.
All the best from LOVE LIFE, a service of the Federal Office of Public Health, the Swiss
AIDS Federation and Sexuelle Gesundheit Schweiz (Sexual Health Switzerland).
This letter was created using the partner notification service of www.lovelife.ch.
FACTSHEET
TRICHOMONIASIS
As at April 2014
What is trichomoniasis?
Should sexual partners get treatment as well?
Trichomonads are parasites. Trichomoniasis is the name of
the infection that is caused by trichomonads.
The person concerned should consider, together with his or
her physician, where the infection might have come from and
whom it might already have been passed on to. Those sexual
partners should be informed about the diagnosis so they can
get a medical exam and, if necessary, treatment.
How is trichomoniasis transmitted?
The Trichomonas vaginalis infection is transmitted through
sexual contact.
What are its symptoms and its consequences?
In case of ongoing sexual relationships, both partners need
to (a) be treated simultaneously and (b) adhere to the safer
sex rules until they are both cured. That way the partners
won’t repeatedly re-infect each other.
Women:
Non-treatment may lead to health problems later on.
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For some conversation tips and information on further support options, see www.lovelife.ch.
Pale, frothy, malodorous vaginal discharge
Itching
Burning sensation during urination
Men:
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Burning sensation during urination
Red, irritated glans
How can the (re-)infection be prevented?
Sexual partners also need to be treated simultaneously
to avoid so-called “ping-pong” infections, where the partners
repeatedly re-infect each other.
The infection often proceeds without symptoms. Half the
infected women experience no symptoms, and in men the
infection, as a rule, progresses without any symptoms.
Condoms and consistent adherence to the first two safer sex
rules reduce the risk of getting infected with trichomonads.
An untreated infection can lead to infertility in both women
and men.
2. No sperm or blood in the mouth.
How is trichomoniasis tested for?
Testing for trichomoniasis involves analysis of a mucosal swab.
3. In case of itchiness, stinging or discharge go and see a
doctor.
How is trichomoniasis treated?
Those who have five or more sexual partners per year should
be tested for sexually transmitted infections once a year.
Trichomoniasis can be cured with antibiotics.
More information: lovelife.ch
1. No intercourse without a condom.
But transmission is nevertheless possible, which is why it’s
important to adhere to the third safer sex rule: