Written by Dr Kristie McNealy - FamilyHealthGuide - Senior Writer
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Most women will suffer from thrush at some point in their lives but for some it can be a recurring problem.
Vaginal Thrush is an overgrow of yeast that can lead to a range of unpleasant symptoms like itching and soreness. Thrush can be extremely uncomfortable and if you don't know what's happening it can also be stressful.
Thrush is a sexually transmitted infection but can develop after having sex. Thrush can develop on both male and female genitals. It's a very common cause of vaginal discharge and three out of four women will have thrush at some point in their lives. See video on vaginal discharge.
Thrush Overview
Thrush is usually caused by the yeast fungus candida albicanas. This yeast lives harmlessly on the skin and in the mouth, gut and vagina. Normally it is kept under control by naturally occurring harmless bacteria. Occasionally conditions change and yeast increases rapidly, causing signs and symptoms. This is commonly known as thrush, thrush infection, candida and sometimes monila.
Predisposing factors for thrush are pregnancy, diabetes, oral contraceptives and menstruation.
Thrush Symptoms
The most common symptoms are itching, redness and soreness in the area around the opening of the vagina (the vulva) and inside the vagina. There may also be vaginal discharge which can be thick and white, cheesy or watery in appearance.
Thrush Diagnosis
Although most women diagnose thrush themselves and treat with over the counter medications, misdiagnosis is common. You can only be certain you have thrush if you have a test. If you think you have thrush you can speak to your doctor, pharmacist or women's wellness clinic. You can have a test as soon as you have signs or symptoms. A test can be done at a genitourinary clinic (GUM) or sexual health clinic, at your general practice or at some contraceptive and young peoples clinics.
Thrush Treatment
Thrush can be simply and effectively treated using antifungal drugs. Treatments are available in pessaries, creams and capsules that can be swallowed. There are a number of other remedies and treatments for thrush. Not all of these treatments are supported by research but many women find they do help.
Self Help and Prevention
The following may be helpful if you are prone to vaginal yeast infections:>
- Avoid perfumed bath products and soaps when bathing
- Do not use vaginal deodorants or scented perfumes
- Wear cotton underwear or underwear with a cotton gusset.
- Avoid tight jeans or pants.
- Wipe from front to back when going to the bathroom
- Include yoghurt in your daily diet.
- More on self help measures
Next: Thrush Symptoms
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Dr Pixie answers some frequently asked questions about thrush and vaginal discharge.
What are the Symptoms of Thrush?
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Symptoms of thrush include itching, burning, soreness, swelling of the vagina and vulva (outer area of the vagina), and a yeasty-smelling discharge. Some people may not have any signs or symptoms at all, and may not be aware that they have thrush.
Thrush symptoms in women
Itching and burning: These are the two most common symptoms of thrush. You may find it difficult to avoid scratching. But scratching will only make the condition worse.
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Redness, soreness, swelling and pain: The tissue of your genital area is very delicate. The fungal infection makes it red, swollen and very sore to touch. This causes:
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Pain and/or discomfort, during sexual intercourse (superficial dyspareunia).
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Pain and/or discomfort, during urination (dysuria).
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Discomfort in sitting and walking.
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Discharge: Vaginal discharge is also a common symptom. It is usually white and thicker than the regular discharge. It resembles like yoghurt in appearance and is described by many women as a white, thick, cheesy, sticky, gluey discharge. At times it may also be watery and / or greenish in colour. Although odourless, some women complain of a strong smell of yeast. The quantity of discharge may also vary from a little to a lot. See video on vaginal discharge
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Vaginal fissuring: Cracks may appear in severe cases of inflammation.
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Satellite lesions: These are sores that appear in and around your genital area. These occur rarely.
Thrush Symptoms in men
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Balanitis: Inflammation of the penis is the most important symptom of thrush in men.
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Itching, redness and soreness: The glans penis (head of the penis) becomes very itchy, red and sore. Small red spots may also appear.
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Pain: You may have pain while urinating. It may be difficult and even extremely painful to pull back your foreskin.
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Discharge: Smegma is the secretion below your foreskin. In thrush, smegma can increase in quantity, appear yoghurt-like, and have a typical yeast-like smell. You may also have a similar discharge from the penis.
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Swelling: Thrush can also cause your foreskin to swell and crack.
Although it can often be difficult to restrain from scratching, remember scratching is only likely to make the problem worse.
Next: Thrush Causes
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Related Videos:
Dr Pixie answers some frequently asked questions about thrush and vaginal discharge.
What are the Causes of Thrush?
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Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of Candida which is a type of yeast.
This yeast is normally present in the body but is kept under control by other naturally occurring bacteria. When this balance is disrupted the effects can be the symptoms of thrush.
Your chance of developing thrush increase if you:
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Are pregnant
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Wear tight clothing (like tight jeans) or synthetic clothing such (such as nylon underwear) that prevents ventilation.
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Are taking antibiotics
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Are having chemotherapy
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Have uncontrolled diabetes, HIV or any other illnesses that affect your immune system. This is because your immune system, which usually fights off infection, is unable to effectively control the spread of the Candida fungus.
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Use products that may cause irritation to the vagina, such as vaginal deodorant or too much perfumed bubble bath Have sex with someone who has thrush
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Stress may also be a factor for some woman.
There are a number of other possible risk factors that can affect your likelihood to develop thrush
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Diet: Certain foods may have an impact on thrush. Some practitioners believe that sugar, dairy products, coffee, tea and wine can have an effect.
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Perfumes, deodorants and washing. Anything that changes the natural pH level of the vagina can effect the likelihood of thrush.
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Periods: Someone tend to get thrush just before or after their periods.
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Tight Clothing: Tight clothing can create a warm moist place for thrush to develop.
Thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection, although the symptoms may be worse after sexual intercourse.
How does sex cause thrush to develop?
Thrush can occasionally be passed on after vaginal, anal or oral sex, by using fingers during foreplay or sharing sex toys. This may be due to the yeast being transferred from one sexual partner to another or the act of intercourse irritating the vagina or genital area.
Next: Diagnosing Thrush
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Related Pages:
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Dr Pixie answers some frequently asked questions about thrush and vaginal discharge.
How is Thrush Diagnosed?
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You can only be certain you have thrush if you have a test.
If you think you have thrush you can speak to your doctor, pharmacist or women's wellness clinic. It is important that you don't delay seeking advice if you think you may have been at risk of a sexually transmitted disease.
What does the thrush diagnosis test involve?
Woman Diagnosis
A doctor or nurse will:
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Use a swab to collect a sample of cells from the vagina, during an external examination.
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Look at vagina and genital area
Men Diagnosis
A doctor or nurse will:
A swab looks a little like a cotton bud, but is smaller, soft and rounded. The swab is wiped over parts of the body that could be affected and easily picks up samples of discharge and cells. It only takes a few seconds and is not usually painful, although it may be uncomfortable for a few moments.
Samples taken are looked at under the microscope to check for thrush. Sometimes the results are available immediately. If the sample is sent away to a lab the results are usually available within one week.
Sometimes thrush signs will be noticed during a cervical smear test, but you will only need treatment if you have problems with symptoms like itching or discharge. Routine blood test will NOT detect infections such as thrush.
How accurate are thrush diagnostic tests?
Tests for thrush are usually very accurate in women. They are less accurate in men, so diagnosis is usually made on appearance alone.
Where can I get a thrush diagnostic test?
You can have a test as soon as you have signs or symptoms. There are a number of services you can go to. Choose the service you feel most comfortable with. A test can be done at:
- A genitourinary clinic (GUM) or sexual health clinic
- You general practice
- Some contraceptive and young peoples clinics.
Next: Treatments For Thrush
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Related Pages:
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Dr Pixie answers some frequently asked questions about thrush and vaginal discharge.
Thrush Treatment - What Works and What Doesn't?
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If your symptoms of vaginal thrush are mild, your doctor may recommend a short course of antifungal medicine, which will usually need to be taken for between 1-3 days. If your symptoms are more severe, you may need to take the treatment for longer.
What are the remedies and treatment for thrush?
Treatment is simple for both men and women and is only necessary if you have symptoms.
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You may be given antifungal cream, pessaries, pills or a combination. The doctor or nurse will advise you on how to use the treatment. The cream is applied to the genital area. A pessary is usually an almond shaped tablet which a woman puts high up in her vagina.
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You can also buy some antifungal treatments from a pharmacy. These are useful if you are sure you have thrush and want to treat it yourself. The pharmacist will also be able to advise you if you have any questions, or are unsure how to use the treatment.
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It is very important to use the treatments as directed and to finish the course of treatment, even if the symptoms go away earlier.
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Some antifungal treatments can weaken latex condoms, diaphragms and caps. Polyurethane types can be safely used. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
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Do tell the doctor , nurse or pharmacist if you are pregnant, or think you may be, or are breast feeding. This will affect the type of treatment you are given.
How effective are thrush remedies and treatment?
Antifungal cream, pessaries and pills are usually very effective if you use them according to instructions.
Symptoms should disappear within a few days. You may be advised to refrain from sex during treatment. This may help the thrush clear up more quickly.
If the first treatment doesn't work the doctor or nurse may suggest another test or a combination of treatments.
Do I need to have a test to ensure that the thrush has gone?
No this is not usually necessary. However you may wish to go back to your doctor or nurse if:
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You did not use the treatment as directed
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The signs and symptoms did not go away
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You think you may have thrush again
Home Remedies and Treatment for Thrush
There are a number of other remedies and treatments for thrush. Not all of these treatments are supported by research but many women find they do help.
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Calendula: Calendula is an antifungal and is also very soothing.
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Garlic: Garlic has strong antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, and may help stop thrush in some women
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Tea Tree Oil: Some women find tea tree oil helpful in stopping thrush. Its effectiveness in fighting candida albicans is also supported by scientific studies.
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Yoghurt: Natural live yoghurt can be used in two ways to deal with thrush: eating it and/or inserting it into your vagina.
Next: Self Help Measures
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Related Pages:
Related Videos:
Dr Pixie answers some frequently asked questions about thrush and vaginal discharge.
Self Help Measures for Thrush
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Avoid wearing tight, restrictive or synthetic clothing, such as tights, nylon underwear, leggings, lycra shorts and tights jeans or trousers.
Avoid perfumed soap, bubble baths, genital sprays and deodorants, and any other irritants such as disinfectants or antiseptics.
Make sure the vagina is well lubricated before intercourse.
Woman should wash and wipe the genital area from front to back.
If you are prescribed and antibiotic for another condition, remind your doctor that you tend to get thrush and ask for some treatment for thrush at the same time.
Next:
Common Questions About Thrush
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Related Pages:
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Dr Pixie answers some frequently asked questions about thrush and vaginal discharge.
Common Questions about Thrush
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I get thrush regularly, is there anything that can help?
Some people may only get one episode of thrush - others may get repeated episodes. If you have four or more episodes of thrush in one year it is known as recurrent thrush.
If this happens it is important to get medical advice and not treat yourself. If you get recurrent thrush your doctore or nurse:
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Will want to check that other conditions such as diabetes, are not the cause of the thrush.
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May suggest that you take antifungal medication on a regular basis
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May check that the thrush is not being caused by another form of yeast.
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Will help you try to identify your thrush triggers.
What happen if thrush isn't treated?
For many woman and men thrush goes away by itself, as the body can often fight off some infections without treatment. However if you don't get treatment thrush may trigger inflammation of the urethra in a male partner.
Will my partner need thrush treatment?
There is no need for your partner to have any treatment unless they show signs or symptoms
If I have thrush will it affect my chances of getting pregnant?
There is no evidence that thrush will affect your chance of getting pregnant
What happens if I get thrush while I am pregnant?
Thrush can occur as a result of pregnancy. It is not harmful for your baby. It can be safely treated using pessaries and cream but you should not take antifungal oral tablets if you are pregnant. Always get advice before taking any treatment if you are pregnant.
Does thrush cause cervical cancer?
There is no evidence that thrush causes cervical cancer.
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Related Pages:
Related Videos:
Dr Pixie answers some frequently asked questions about thrush and vaginal discharge.
