Thrush is usually caused by a yeast fungus called candida albicans. This yeast usually lives harmlessly on the skin and in the mouth, gut and vagina. Occasionally, however, signs and symptoms can develop. This is commonly known as thrush, thrush infection or candida.

What causes thrush to develop?
 Your chances of developing thrush increase if you:

• are pregnant
• wear tight clothing (such as tight jeans) or synthetic clothing (such as nylon underwear)
• are taking antibiotics
• are having chemotherapy
• have uncontrolled diabetes, HIV or other illnesses that affect your immune system
• use products that may irritate the vagina, such as vaginal deodorant or perfumed bubble bath or shower gel.

 What are the signs and symptoms of thrush?
Some people won’t have any signs or symptoms at all. If you do get symptoms  you might notice:

• itching,
• soreness and redness or fissures (like paper cuts) around the vagina, vulva (the opening to the vagina and urethra, the labia (vaginal lips) and the clitoris) or anus.
• unusual, white discharge from the vagina that may be thick and look like cottage cheese – it sometimes smells yeasty
• pain when passing urine or having sex

How will I know if I have thrush?
 If you think you may have thrush, speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. Thrush isn’t a sexually transmitted infection but it’s important you don’t delay getting advice if you may have been at risk of a sexually transmitted infection.

What does a test involve?
It’s not always necessary to have a test for thrush. If you do have a test, a doctor or nurse may:

• look at the genital area,
• use a swab to collect a sample from the vagina
• A swab looks like a cotton bud, but is smaller, soft and rounded.
• The swab is wiped over the parts of the body that could be affected and easily picks up samples.
• It only takes a few seconds and isn’t usually painful, though it may be uncomfortable for a moment.

Where can I get a test?

• You can have a test as soon as you have signs and symptoms. A test can be done at:
• Make an appointment with your GP or contact sexual health services.

What’s the treatment for thrush?

• Treatment is simple and only necessary if you have signs and symptoms of thrush.
• You may be given antifungal cream to apply to the genital area, vaginal pessaries (tablets that you put into your vagina), pills or a combination.
• The doctor or nurse will tell you how to use the treatment.
•  You can buy some antifungal treatments from a pharmacy – these are useful if you’re sure you have thrush and want to treat it yourself. The pharmacist will answer any questions and explain how to use the treatment.
• It’s very important to take the treatment as instructed and finish any course of treatment even if the symptoms go away earlier.
• Some antifungal products can weaken latex condoms, diaphragms and caps.
• Ask the doctor, nurse or pharmacist for advice. Tell the doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you’re pregnant, might be pregnant, or if you’re breastfeeding. This may affect the type of treatment you’re given.
   

Some situations seem to make my thrush worse, is there anything I can do?

• Some people find that different triggers cause vaginal thrush. If you notice a pattern, you may be able to help control it. For example:
• avoid wearing tight, restrictive or synthetic clothing, such as tights, nylon underwear, leggings, lycra shorts, and tight jeans or trousers
•  make sure your vagina is well lubricated before and during sexual intercourse
• wash and wipe your genital area from front to back
• avoid using soap and deodorants near the genital area, genital sprays, bubble bath, and any other irritants such as disinfectants and antiseptics
• If you’re prescribed an antibiotic for another condition, remind your doctor that you tend to get thrush and ask for some treatment for thrush at the same time.

I get thrush regularly, is there anything that can help?

• Some people may only get thrush once. Others may get it multiple times. Getting thrush four or more times in a year is called recurrent thrush. If this happens, get medical advice and don’t treat it yourself. If you get recurrent thrush the doctor or nurse:
•  will want to check that other conditions, such as diabetes, aren’t the cause of the thrush
• may suggest you take antifungal treatment on a regular basis may check the thrush isn’t being caused by a different kind of yeast
• may suggest you stop using soap and use an emollient (soap substitute) instead will help you to identify any thrush triggers

What happens if thrush isn’t treated?

• For many people thrush goes away by itself.

Will my partner(s) need treatment?
There’s no need for a partner to have treatment unless they have signs and symptoms.