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Thrush
Thrush is a very common condition caused by a yeast (Candida albicans) which lives harmlessly on the skin, and in the mouth, gut and vagina. Thrush occurs when something causes the yeast to increase rapidly. Thrush is a harmless condition, and will do no long term damage to your body. Women are much more likely to get thrush, but it occasionally affects men too.
Thrush can often be caused by pregnancy, antibiotics, wearing tight
clothing, and
using strong bubble baths and soaps in the vaginal area. People who
have conditions like diabetes or HIV are more likely to develop thrush.
Signs and symptoms
Women:
- Itching and soreness around the vagina.
- A thick white discharge
- Pain passing urine
- Pain on having sex
Men
- Irritation or burning under the foreskin
- A thick white discharge under the foreskin
What happens if I am told I have thrush?
If you are diagnosed as having thrush while you are in the clinic, the doctor or nurse may give you some anti-fungal cream (men and women) or a tablet to place inside your vagina to control the amount of yeast produced.
It is also possible to buy anti-fungal cream from the chemist. The Chemist will advise you on how to use these treatments.
- Thrush can clear on its own, so if you are told you have thrush but have no symptoms you may leave it untreated to clear by itself.
- Thrush can sometimes reoccur. You can reduce the risk of developing thrush by:
- Making sure you do not use perfumes or soaps in the vaginal area – just using water will be enough to wash this area.
- Reducing the amount of baths you take using perfumed bubble baths.
- Not douching or using vaginal deodorants.
- Wearing loose cotton underwear
- Not using strong detergents to wash your underwear.
