Warning over little-known STI that can cause cancer as it spreads across region

20 December 2023 , 12:48

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A doctor takes notes in a medical surgery (file image) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A lesser-known STI which can cause cancer in women is spreading across a region of the UK, health experts have warned.

Medics have warned residents across the West Midlands, particularly in Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Sandwell, about the spike in cases of trichomoniasis, an STI caused by a parasite. It is sometimes asymptomatic among men but can cause a vaginal discharge in women.

Sandwell and Wolverhampton have the highest rate of new cases outside London. Birmingham also features high on the list, with 275 new cases reported in Sandwell in 2022, and another 132 in Wolverhampton.

Despite having more cases - 334 - Birmingham's larger population means it ranks lower in terms of cases per head. Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite called trichomonas vaginalis (TV).

The NHS says symptoms usually develop within a month of infection but up to half of all people will not develop any symptoms. However, they can still pass the infection on to others. Symptoms are similar to other STIs, making trichomoniasis sometimes hard to diagnose.

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Trichomoniasis can cause different symptoms in women and men, Birmingham Live reports. The study, from health experts NowPatient, said: "Sandwell, in the West Midlands, has recorded the highest trichomoniasis diagnosis rate outside of London, with a recorded 80.47 diagnoses per 100,000 residents. Followed by Wolverhampton with the second highest rate with 49.99 diagnoses per 100,000."

"England's trichomoniasis hotspots appear to be more evenly spread than other STIs, with nine of the top 20 local authorities being outside Greater London."

Safe sex helps prevent the spread of STIs, including trichomoniasis. This means always using a condom when having sex, covering any sex toys you use with a condom, and washing sex toys after use. The NHS website reads: "You do not have to have many sexual partners to catch trichomoniasis. Anyone who's sexually active can catch it and pass it on."

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Bradley Jolly