TRICHOMONIASIS TREATMENT FACTS
TRICHOMONIASIS TREATMENT FACTS
About trichomoniasis treatment
If you or a partner have tested positive for trichomoniasis with a Boots home test kit, it can be easily treated with the antibiotic metronidazole.
How does the treatment work?
Metronidazole works by killing the germs in the genitals that cause trichomoniasis.
How do I take it?
If you or a partner has tested positive for trichomoniasis with a Boots home test kit and treatment is suitable for you, you’ll be prescribed metronidazole tablets for 7 days. One 400mg tablet should be taken twice a day, after food and with plenty of water. Do not drink alcohol while taking these tablets, and for at least 48 hours (two days) after finishing the course of treatment otherwise you will experience a severe reaction.
You should not have sex for at least a week after you and your sexual partner have taken this treatment.
What are the side effects of trichomoniasis treatment?
Side effects of metronidazole tablets can include feeling and being sick, a lack of appetite, changes to taste and a sore or strange feeling in your mouth and tongue. They can also darken the colour of your urine temporarily; make sure to drink lots of water.
For the full information of a medicine’s side effects and how to take it, it’s important to read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medicine
How effective is trichomoniasis treatment?
Metronidazole is a reliable treatment for clearing up trichomoniasis. If you experience any new symptoms after treatment, you should visit your GP.
Important safety information
If you have a temperature, lower tummy pain, or (if male) painful or swollen testicles you could have a more serious condition. Please get urgent face-to-face care.
Do not drink alcohol for 48 hours after taking metronidazole.
It’s important that you tell us which other medicines you’re taking — whether they’re prescription or medicines you’ve bought without a prescription. You must also tell us of any other conditions you live with. We need to know so that we only prescribe trichomoniasis treatment if suitable for you.
What if I’m pregnant?
If you have untreated trichomoniasis during pregnancy, you have an increased risk of an early labour and a baby with a low birth weight. You’re also more at risk of sepsis after your baby is born. You can still get antibiotic treatment for trichomoniasis while pregnant but you’ll need to see your GP in person to get a suitable prescription. You can’t use this service.
What are my options if I don’t get treated?
Trichomoniasis is very unlikely to go away without being treated. If you or a partner have tested positive with a Boots home test kit, it’s important to get treatment as soon as possible so you don’t pass it onto anyone else. You may also be more at risk of other STIs and health issues without treatment
Keeping you safe
If you do not feel safe, are experiencing abuse or control, or have experienced this in the past, please find support below or send us a message:
- Ask for ANI at your local Boots pharmacy
- Contact National Domestic Abuse helpline 24/7 on 0808 2000 247 (Women)
- Contact Men’s Advice Line mensadviceline.org.uk on 0808 8010 327 (Men)
- Look at www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/abuse/
- Emergency situation dial 999, speak, cough or tap, then speak or press 55 when through to the police
Page last reviewed by: Dr. Christina Hennessey 21/06/2021