Thrush
What is Thrush?
Thrush, also called Candida albicans, is a yeast that lives harmlessly on the skin and in the mouth, gut and vagina. Thrush is a very common cause of unusual vaginal discharge, and three out of four women will have thrush at some point in their lives. Normally, it is kept under control by harmless bacteria. Occasionally, conditions change, and the yeast increases rapidly, causing symptoms. This is commonly known as a thrush infection.
Symptoms of Thrush
Some people will have no symptoms and not aware they have a thrush infection.
Female
If symptoms develop in women you might notice itching, soreness and redness around the vagina, vulva or anus. A thick white discharge that looks like cottage cheese and smells yeasty, but not unpleasant. There may be pain when passing urine, and pain when having sex.
Male
In men there is usually irritation, burning or itching under the foreskin or on the tip of the penis. Also redness, or red patches, under the foreskin. A thick discharge, like cottage cheese, under the foreskin, also difficulty in pulling back the foreskin.
Testing for Thrush
The Doctor will use a swab to collect a sample of cells. The swab is wiped over the parts of the body that may be affected and easily picks up samples of discharge. It takes a few seconds and is not painful. Swabs may be taken from the vagina during internal examination in women, the genital area, and the foreskin. Samples taken during the examination are looked at under a microscope to check for thrush infection and the results are usually available immediately.
Treatment for Thrush
Treatment is simple for both men and women. You may be given anti-fungal cream, pessaries, pills or a combination, and Sunshine Clinic can arrange private thrush treatment with clear advice on how to use it. The cream is applied externally, and a pessary is usually an almond-shaped tablet placed into the vagina.
Prevention of Thrush
Different people find different triggers cause vaginal thrush infection. Tight, restrictive or synthetic clothing such as tights and nylon underwear, perfumed soaps, bubble bath, genital sprays and douching can all contribute, so using pads rather than tampons during a period may help. If prescribed antibiotics for another condition, remind your doctor you tend to get thrush.
Complications from Thrush
Some anti-fungal products can weaken latex condoms, diaphragms and caps, which should not be used during treatment.
I May Have Thrush
If you have any concerns relating to this condition, or any conditions described on this website, contact Sunshine Clinic to arrange private thrush treatment with Dr Sood, on 0845 505 0552.