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What is it?
Thrush is a yeast infection. It is common and is not always caught through sexual contact. It affects most women at some point. It may be unpleasant and uncomfortable. It can be passed but can usually be treated with medication available from over the counter or by prescription. For some women it can be difficult to treat and keeps coming back.
What causes vaginal thrush?
Vaginal thrush is caused by yeasts from a group of fungi called Candida.
Candida can be present in the vagina without it causing any problems; thrush may develop if the natural balance of micro-organisms in the vagina is disrupted so Candida multiplies.
Vaginal thrush isn’t classed as an STI, but it can be triggered by sex and can be passed on to sexual partners.
How will I know I have got it?
Women:
Symptoms vaginal thrush include:
The skin around the vagina can sometimes be swollen, red or cracked. Sometimes there may also be sores on the skin; this is more often a sign of genital herpes.
You can use the NHS Choices vagina problems visual guide to help find out what could be causing your symptoms.
What to do if you have vaginal thrush
If you’ve had thrush before and think you have it again, you can normally treat it with over the counter medicines from a pharmacy.
It’s advisable to get medical advice from your GP or a sexual health clinic if you::
Your doctor may want to take a swab from your vagina to confirm the diagnosis and/or carry out tests to check for any underlying cause. They can provide advice on the most suitable treatment and give you a prescribe appropriate medication.
Men:
Many men experience no signs or symptoms of thrush.
If symptoms that appear include:
Women:
Mild cases of thrush can usually be treated using a short course of antifungal medication; symptoms should clear within a week or two. For those that have continued episodes of thrush treatment may need to be continued. These medicines are available over the counter or by prescription from your GP.
The main types of equally effective treatment are:
Creams are also available to ease itchiness and soreness, although ordinary moisturisers can work just as well.
Men:
Treatment depends upon which area of the body is affected:
These methods may have side affects. It is also important to contact your GP for if symptoms do not improve after 14 days. Referral to a dermatologist for specialist treatment may be needed.
Avoid having sex
It is important to avoid sex until the infection has cleared up, as the infection can spread or made worse during sex. If you do have sex, use a condom to avoid infecting your partner.
Good hygiene
Good personal hygiene can help clear up the infection. Wash the affected area carefully using warm water; preferably a shower. Avoid using perfumed soaps or shower gels as they may cause irritation. Candida fungus thrives in damp conditions so it is important to dry the affected area carefully. Wear loose-fitting cotton underwear to help keep your skin and penis dry and cool -this helps to prevent the candida fungus building up on the skin and under the foreskin.
Things you can do yourself
To prevent thrush reoccurring or to ease discomfort:
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Using condoms during sexual intercourse can prevent STIs. If you have a new partner, it is a good idea for you both to be tested for sexually transmitted infections before having sex.
