Thrush

How can SASH support you?

SASH can provide you with information and advice on Thrush and related reproductive health conditions so you are fully informed on your sexual health. We can also provide our chaperone service to reproductive health related appointments.

What is Thrush?

Thrush is a common yeast infection that can affect all genders and age groups, and whilst usually harmless and treatable, it can be uncomfortable and keep coming back.

• What causes it?
• What are the symptoms of Thrush?
• How is Thrush diagnosed?
• How is Thrush treated?
• What if I experience recurring Thrush?

What causes it?

Thrush is caused by a fungus called Candida that tends to grow in warm, moist places and develops if the balance of the bacteria in that area changes. Whilst it is not classed as a sexually transmitted infection, it can be triggered by sex, or sometimes passed on during sex.

You may be at higher risk of acquiring Thrush, or it may re occur if:

• Your skin is irritated or damaged
• Your taking antibiotics
• Needing support to manage Diabetes
• You have a weakened immune system( for example, because of HIV or chemotherapy)
• You are having Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• You are pregnant

What are the symptoms of Thrush?

Symptoms of Thrush can vary depending on the type of genitalia that you have.

If you have a vagina, symptoms might include:

• White vaginal discharge (like a cottage cheese texture), which usually does not smell
• Itching and irritation around the vulva and vagina
• Soreness and stinging during sex or when you urinate

If you have a penis, symptoms might include:

• Irritation, burning and redness around the head of the penis and under the foreskin
• A White discharge from the head of the penis (like a cottage cheese texture)
• An unpleasant smell coming from the discharge
• Difficultly pulling back the foreskin

Thrush can also affect other parts of the body such as the armpits, groin, tongue (known as Oral Thrush) and in-between the fingers.

This usually causes a red, itchy or painful rash that scales over with white or yellow discharge which may not be obvious on darker skin tones.

Sometimes Thrush causes no symptoms at all.

You should always see a GP for Thrush if:

• You have symptoms of Thrush for the first time
• You have Thrush and are under 16 years old or over 60 years old
• Treatment for Thrush hasn’t worked
• You have Thrush and are pregnant or breastfeeding
• You have Thrush and have a weakened immune system – for example, because of Diabetes, HIV or chemotherapy

If Thrush keeps coming back (more than 4 times in 12 months) this is called reoccurring Thrush.

How is Thrush diagnosed?

Your GP or sexual health clinic will want to confirm it is Thrush and rule out other infections so you will be asked more questions about your symptoms.

If it is not clear it is Thrush or if it is recurring Thrush, your GP or sexual health clinic may look at your vagina, penis or skin. They may also use a cotton bud to wipe over the discharge to check what is causing your symptoms and test for other infections.

How is Thrush treated?

You will usually need antifungal medicine to get rid of thrush. This can be a tablet you take orally, a tablet you insert into your vagina or a cream to relieve the irritation. Thrush should clear up within 7 to 14 days of starting treatment and you do not need to treat partners unless they have symptoms.

To properly administer a vaginal tablet for Thrush treatment, you can watch this video. The treatment shown in the video is a brand treatment for Thrush, although it is not the only brand that can be prescribed or brought to treat Thrush.

What if I experience reoccurring Thrush?

If you keep getting Thrush (if you get it more than 4 times in 12 months) You may need to take treatment for longer (such as for up to 6 months).

Before you begin your treatment, a GP or sexual health clinic may help you identify if something is causing your Thrush such as your period or sex through asking you questions about your menstrual cycle and sexual health.

Things you can do to ease discomfort and prevent Thrush returning

• Use water and an emollient (like E45) instead of soap to wash the affected areas. Avoid harsh or highly fragranced soaps and shower gels and if the affected areas are you genital areas avoid using products that aren’t meant for your intimate area
• Do not use douches or deodorants on your vagina or penis
• Dry the area properly after washing with a clean towel by patting the skin dry not rubbing
• Try to wear cotton underwear to help the affected area breathe and avoid wearing tight underwear or tight
• Avoid sex until Thrush has cleared up if sex is uncomfortable

For more information, advice, guidance, and also access to our chaperone service to contraception related healthcare appointments, refer yourself for support from SASH.