Thrush - Symptoms

Last Updated on Monday, 02 August 2010 10:53 Written by Dr Kristie McNealy

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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. If you do get symptoms you may notice:

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.

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:

Pain and/or discomfort, during sexual intercourse (superficial dyspareunia).
Pain and/or discomfort, during urination (dysuria).
Discomfort in sitting and walking.

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.

Vaginal fissuring:

Cracks may appear in severe cases of inflammation.

Satellite lesions:

These are sores that appear in and around your genital area. These occur rarely.

Thrush Symptoms in men

Balanitis:

Inflammation of the penis is the most important symptom of thrush in men.

Itching, redness and soreness:

The glans penis (head of the penis) becomes very itchy, red and sore. Small red spots may also appear.

Pain:

You may have pain while urinating. It may be difficult and even extremely painful to pull back your foreskin.

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.

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.

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