kingsfoldmedicalcentre web site

Vaginal thrush is a very common infection, affecting most women at least once during their lives. Although for most women, thrush is easily treated, a minority of women suffer repeated episodes.

What causes thrush?
Thrush is caused by yeast, usually Candida Albicans, which live on the skin, in the mouth, gut and vagina, usually without causing problems. Yeast like warm and moist conditions but are kept under control by bacteria and the body’s immune system.

Certain conditions upset the natural balance, allowing yeast to overgrow. This results in the typical symptoms of thrush.

What are the symptoms of thrush

Itching. This is the most common and distressing symptom, affecting the delicate skin of the vulva.

Soreness. The vagina and vulva become inflamed, causing redness and soreness. Rubbing and scratching can make this soreness worse and the skin of the vulva can become swollen.

Vaginal discharge. This is heavier and thicker than normal, usually white and a bit like cottage cheese. It has a characteristic smell although is is not unpleasant.

Stinging when passing urine. This stinging is caused by urine touching sore and inflamed tissues of the vulva.

Pain during Sex. Some women who have thrush repeatedly may notice pain during sex and intense itching without much discharge.

Treatment
Thrush is cured by antifungal treatments that stop the growth of yeast.

Both types of treatment work equally well, but some women find local treatment messy. They are both available over the counter from pharmacists or can be prescribed by a doctor.

What you should do if you think you have thrush.
Go for help to your GP, your local sexual health (genito-urinary medicine) clinic or family planning clinic.

If this is your first episode of thrush, make sure that you definite have thrush rather than some other vaginal infection. It is unwise to buy medicine over the counter if the diagnosis has not been confirmed. A doctor or nurse will usually examine your vulva and take samples which are sent for analysis to see if yeast is present.

Vaginal discharge and itching may be due to some other more serious infections, such as bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas or chlamydial infection. Occasionally genital herpes may be confused with thrush.

Thrush may arise without having sexual intercourse and so is not necessarily sexually transmitted, although some men (particularly if they are not circumcised) develop symptoms of redness or itching under the foreskin and will need treatment. Treatment of the male partner will help to prevent recurrence in the woman.