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 stressfull.

Thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection but can develop after having sex. Thrush can develop in the vagina and on 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.

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.

The most commone symptoms are itching, redness and soreness which may be accompained by a discharge.

Thrush can be effectively treated using using antifungal drugs. Treatments are available in pessaries, creams and capsules that can be swallowed.

Although most woman diagnose thrush themselves and treat with over the counter medications, misdiagnosis is common. Your doctor will be able to give you a diagnosis but you can also go to a genito-urinary medicine (GUM), family planning or well-woman clinic.

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