What is it and how is it passed on?
Thrush is a common infection caused by a yeast called Candida albicans. This yeast lives on the skin and in the mouth, gut and vagina. Usually it's harmless, but sometimes changes in the body cause the yeast to grow rapidly. This can lead to an outbreak of thrush.
Thrush can develop when you have sex with someone who has the infection. However, it isn't usually related to sex and is more likely to occur when you:
- wear tight trousers or nylon underwear
- take certain antibiotics
- are pregnant
- are diabetic
- are unwell or ill
- use products that may cause irritation such as vaginal deodorants
You can't catch thrush from kissing, hugging, sharing baths, towels, cups, plates or cutlery, or from toilet seats or swimming pools.
Signs and symptoms
Both men and women can get thrush.
Symptoms in women:
- soreness, redness and itching around the vulva (lips of the vagina), the vagina and anus
- thick, white discharge from the vagina that looks like cottage cheese and smells of yeast
- pain during sex
- pain passing urine
At least three out of four women will experience thrush at some time in their lives.
Symptoms in men:
- burning, itching, redness and red patches under the foreskin or on the tip of the penis
- thick, cheesy discharge under the foreskin
- problems pulling back the foreskin
At least three out of four women will experience thrush at some time in their lives.
Testing and treatment
Tests shouldn't be painful, but they may be uncomfortable. They may include:
- a genital examination by a doctor or nurse
- taking swabs from the infected area and examining them under a microscope
- women may be given an internal examination
Thrush is easily treated using pessaries (almond-shaped tablets that are inserted into the vagina), cream or tablets. Men are usually treated with creams. It's best to avoid sex until the treatment is completed and the infection has cleared up.
Some self-help measures can be useful in preventing or clearing up outbreaks of thrush:
- avoid using perfumed soap, bubble bath and other irritants such as disinfectants
- avoid douching (washing out the vagina with liquids)
- avoid tight nylon underwear
- women should wash and wipe the genital area from front to back
- women should also use sanitary pads rather than tampons during their periods
What happens if it isn't treated?
Thrush doesn't cause serious long-term health problems. It will clear up without treatment, but this will prolong the discomfort.
Where to go for help and advice
You can talk to your GP or go to a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic. Such clinics diagnose and treat all STIs for free. They're completely confidential and your GP won't be informed without your consent. You can go to any clinic in the country for advice or treatment.
How to avoid STIs
1. Before you have sex, talk to your partner about how to protect yourselves.
2. A male or female condom can provide protection from most STIs if used correctly every time you have sex.
3. Become familiar with how to use condoms and have a supply ready.
4. Seek advice straight away if you think you've been at risk.
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