Vaginal Thrush

Introduction

Vaginal thrush is a common condition which affects many people in the UK. In this blog, we will examine what vaginal thrush is, what it is caused by, its symptoms, thrush during pregnancy, how to treat thrush, and when you should see a GP for thrush.

Although thrush can affect both men and women, and may appear on different parts of the body, this blog will primarily focus on vaginal thrush in women.

What is thrush?

Thrush is a yeast infection caused by a fungus called Candida, and it can affect both men and women. It is fairly common and is usually harmless, but it can be uncomfortable and keep recurring.

Thrush is not classed as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), although sexual contact can trigger thrush or (less commonly) can cause thrush to be passed on.

In this blog, we will primarily focus on vaginal thrush in women, including its causes, symptoms, and how to treat it.

What causes thrush?

Some women can have the Candida fungus live in their vagina without causing any harm or symptoms, because normal bacteria can often keep the fungus under control. However, if the balance of bacteria changes (especially in a moist, warm environment such as the vagina), the fungus can grow and cause thrush.

The balance of bacteria can change and result in thrush if:

• Your skin is irritated or damaged.

• You are taking a course of antibiotics.

• You have poorly controlled diabetes.

• You have a weakened immune system.

• You are pregnant.

• You are having hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

What are the symptoms of vaginal thrush in women?

Common thrush symptoms can include:

• White, clumpy vaginal discharge, often like cottage cheese (usually, there is not a smell to the discharge).

• Itching and irritation around the vulva and vagina.

• Soreness and stinging during sex or when urinating.

• Redness (which can be harder to see on darker skin).

Sometimes, thrush can affect other areas, such as the armpits, groin, or between the fingers, often appearing similar to a rash that may produce white or yellow discharge.

If you are experiencing an unusual vaginal discharge that has an odour or fishy smell, it is possible that it may be bacterial vaginosis (BV) instead of thrush.

Thrush during pregnancy

Women can get thrush during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester, due to changes going on in their body. However, there is no evidence that thrush can harm an unborn baby. Although a newborn baby may contract thrush during delivery, this is nothing to worry about, as it can easily be treated.

If you are pregnant and develop thrush, you should see your GP before pursuing a treatment on your own. There are certain medications that you should not take for thrush while you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, such as fluconazole.

How do I treat thrush?

There are different treatment options for thrush, depending on your needs and what you are comfortable using.

Some treatments are simply a capsule that you take only once, by mouth, such as Canesten for Thrush Oral Capsule or Fluconazole Thrush Treatment. These products both contain fluconazole, an antifungal that works by quickly inhibiting the growth of the fungus.

Some treatments incorporate a pessary (such as Canesten Thrush Soft Gel Pessary), which is a medicated capsule that is inserted directly into the vagina with a provided applicator. The active ingredient in this product is clotrimazole, an antifungal medication.

A third option involves an internal cream, containing clotrimazole, which is applied as high as possible inside the vagina. This cream is available as part of the Canesten Thrush Combi Internal & External Cream package, which also includes the Canesten Thrush External Cream. The external cream is applied 2 to 3 times a day externally around the entrance of the vagina to soothe itching and soreness, but it is important to note that the external cream alone will not resolve the actual thrush infection inside the vagina.

The Canesten Thrush Duo Oral Capsule & External Cream and the Canesten Thrush Combi Pessary & External Cream are two combination products that treat thrush while also providing medication to help relieve your symptoms.

You may also find it helpful to gently wash the vaginal area with water and an emollient (such as Hydromol Bath & Shower Emollient or Aveeno Dermexa Daily Emollient Body Wash) instead of normal soap or shower gel. Be sure to avoid getting these products inside the vagina, and thoroughly dry the area after washing.

You should also try to wear cotton underwear (which is more breathable) and avoid tight clothing (such as skinny jeans, leggings, and tights) while treating a thrush infection. Change out of wet, damp, or sweaty clothes as soon as possible after exercising. Avoiding tight fitting clothing and wearing underwear made of natural, breathable fabrics on a regular basis may also help to prevent the development of a thrush infection.

Avoid sex until after thrush has cleared up, especially if sex is uncomfortable, and don’t use douches or deodorants on your vagina during this time.

You should not use antifungal medicines more than twice in a six month period without first speaking to your GP or pharmacist.

When should I see a GP?

You should see a GP for your thrush in the following instances:

• You are experiencing thrush for the first time.

• You have thrush and are under 16 or over 60.

• You have recurrent thrush or it comes back more than 4 times in a 12 month period.

• You have tried a thrush treatment and it didn’t work.

• You have thrush and are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• You have thrush and also have a weakened immune system, for example due to diabetes, HIV, or ongoing chemotherapy.

In summary

Thrush is a common condition that can affect both men and women, although this blog primarily looked at vaginal thrush in women, the symptoms of which commonly include clumpy, white vaginal discharge and sensitive, itchy skin around the vagina. There are various treatment options, such as single-dose fluconazole capsules taken by mouth, vaginal pessaries, and creams. If you are pregnant, have recurrent thrush, are under 16 or over 60, or fit certain other characteristics, you should seek help from your GP or pharmacist.