Thrush (genital)

Normally your body and vaginal bacteria stop the overgrowth of Candida. However, if either of these changes, Candida can quickly multiply, leading to thrush.

Thrush is more likely to occur if:

• you’re pregnant
• you’re taking oral contraceptives
• you’re on medication such as antibiotics (which can kill off normal, healthy bacteria as well as disease-causing ones)
• you have undiagnosed or poorly managed diabetes
• you’re under a lot of stress.

It can also be more common at certain times during the menstrual cycle when oestrogen levels are higher, such as before or after a period.

Thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection and can occur without sexual contact. However, Candida can sometimes be passed on during sex, and sexual activity can make thrush symptoms worse.

Symptoms of thrush vary. Some people can have thrush but have no symptoms. Common symptoms of thrush include:

• a thick white or yellow discharge from the vagina which may or may not have a yeasty smell
• stinging pain when passing urine
• pain or discomfort during sex
• itchy or swollen genitals.

Symptoms for men can include red spots or rash on the penis, scrotum or groin. Some uncircumcised men have Candida under the foreskin, but have no symptoms.

Thrush can be diagnosed by examination of the affected area. A swab can also be taken and tested in a laboratory to confirm a diagnosis of thrush.

You can buy pessaries (dissolving tablets you put into the vagina) and cream over-the-counter from your pharmacy. Complete the treatment even if you are having a period. Men should apply the cream to the genital area, penis and under the foreskin, if uncircumcised.

If these treatments don’t work or if you often get thrush, see a doctor as you may have other health problems or a drug-resistant type of Candida. Your doctor may also test for sexually transmissible infections, which can cause similar symptoms. Your sex partners may need treatment at the same time to stop you getting it again.

Natural yoghurt can help soothe the area but won’t cure thrush.

To help prevent thrush:

• wear loose pants or skirts, and cotton underwear. Tight or synthetic clothes stop air movement and create moist conditions, which are ideal for bacteria.
• avoid using soaps or sprays in the genital area, as they can cause irritation.
• wash your hands before touching the vaginal area
• wash your hands after going to the toilet
• women should wipe themselves from front to back after going to the toilet
• wash the genital area with water only. After washing, gently wipe the area dry
• thrush can be passed on through sex:
  • don’t have vaginal sex straight after anal sex
  • wash thoroughly after anal sex and use a new condom and water-based lubricant before engaging in vaginal sex
  • always use condoms, dental dams and water-based lubricant when having sex to avoid getting thrush and sexually transmitted infections.