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Thrush
Around 75% of women suffer from a thrush infection at some point in life
What causes thrush?
Thrush (also called a yeast infection) can cause a nasty itch and vaginal discharge. It is caused by the sudden growth of yeast in the body. It's natural to find yeast in moist parts of the body (like the vagina), but when the yeast grows too rapidly it can cause thrush.
What are the symptoms?
- A thick, cheesy, white vaginal discharge (liquid).
- Burning or itching sensations or redness and soreness around the vagina.
- A burning feeling when peeing.
- Pain or discomfort during sex.
- Swelling of the vulva (the lips of a woman's genital area).
Why do I get thrush?
There are some things that make an attack of thrush more likely:
- Taking antibiotics can kill the friendly bacteria, which normally prevent too much yeast growing in the vagina. If you're on a course of antibiotics, you are more at risk of getting thrush.
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy or when taking some types of contraceptive pills can encourage attacks of thrush.
- Stress or general ill health such as anaemia or tiredness, can leave you more at risk of suffering from thrush.
Treatment and prevention:
Some sexual infections also cause a vaginal discharge, so you need to visit a doctor and find out if you definitely have thrush.
What treatment can I get?
- Treatment is with anti-fungal medication: you normally use a cream for the vagina and pills that you swallow or that are pushed into the vagina.
- If you follow proper treatment, thrush will probably be gone within two weeks. If you don't get treatment, the problem can continue for years.
- If you have a partner, they should be treated for thrush at the same time.
- Try washing in warm, salty water to soothe the area and avoid using soaps, shower gels or bubble baths around the vaginal area.
- Avoid tights and tight fitting clothes while you are being treated for thrush.
How can I prevent thrush?
- Keep the vagina area clean and dry. Make sure it's completely dry after washing and never hang around in wet or damp clothes like bikinis or swimsuits.
- Wear loose cotton underwear. Don't wear your knickers in bed and avoid wearing tights if you tend to get thrush regularly.
- Change tampons and sanitary pads regularly. Don't use perfumed sanitary pads.
- Avoid bad hygiene habits when going to the toilet. Always wipe from front to back to stop yeast in the anus (bum) getting into your vagina.
- Only take antibiotics when a doctor prescribes them for you.
- If thrush keeps coming back, then you need to talk to your doctor about further treatment.
- Try to avoid wearing tight trousers or nylon underwear on a daily basis, as they create a lot of warmth around the vagina.
- If you suffer from diabetes, the higher sugar content of your blood can encourage the growth of yeast. Talk to your doctor about keeping your blood sugar levels as well controlled as possible.
