Bacterial vaginosis Bacteria vaginosis occurs when bacteria that usually grows in the vagina are overwhelmed by other bacteria, sometimes called Gardnerela. How can I tell I have it? You may have a grey, watery discharge which has a strong "fishy smell", especially after you've had sex. What should I do if I think I have it? You need to attend the clinic. A swab will be taken to get a sample from the discharge which will be examined under the microscope. It may be possible to confirm you have bacterial vaginosis at that visit or await the results of samples sent to the laboratory. Will it come back? It might, so you may need to re-attend as we do not really cure it but control it. What about my partner? Sometimes men may have an associated NSU and treatment in tandem may be beneficial. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Trichomonas This is an infection caused by a tiny parasite that is sometimes found in the vagina and urethra. How do you get TV and how soon does it show up? By having unprotected sex with someone who has it. Symptoms may start a few days or weeks after you've had sexual contact. How can I tell if I have it? You may have: · a thin frothy yellowish-green discharge that may have an unpleasant fishy smell. · soreness and itching in and around the vagina. you may have no signs at all until identified either from a cervical cytology smear or from a test on your urine. What should I do if I think I have it? You need to attend the clinic. A swab will be taken to get a sample from the discharge which will be examined under the microscope. It may be possible to confirm you have TV at that visit or await the results of samples sent to the laboratory. Should I tell my partner? Yes, this is very important. You can have TV without having symptoms, so your partner may be carrying the infection without knowing it. When can I have sex again? Until you have been given the "all clear" from the clinic as you would need to attend for a "test of cure". You must finish your course of antibiotics even if the problem seems to have cleared after you have taken the first few.