Thrush FAQs

1. What is thrush?
2. What causes thrush?
3. How will I know if I have thrush?
4. Will thrush go away by itself?
5. What should I do if I have thrush?
6. Can I pass thrush on to my partner?
7. Can men get thrush?
8. I’m pregnant - will thrush harm my baby?
9. Is there anything I can do to stop myself getting thrush?
10. What treatments are there for thrush?

1. What is thrush?

Thrush, or vaginal thrush, is an extremely common yeast infection, affecting an estimated 75% of women at some stage in their lives. Many women will experience more than one thrush infection in their lifetime. It is not considered a dangerous infection, but it can be uncomfortable.

2. What causes thrush?

The fungus that causes vaginal thrush is called Candida albicans. It is possible for Candida to exist inside the vagina without causing thrush if the natural bacterial balance is maintained. If a disruption to the natural balance occurs, then Candida can multiply and cause an infection. Triggers that have been identified are the use of particular cleansing products, the intake of particular antibiotics, the wearing of tight clothing and undergoing chemotherapy.

3. How will I know if I have thrush?

Sometimes thrush can occur without you even knowing it as it does not always present symptoms. A cervical smear would show the existence of the infection in this case. Symptoms that do occur include soreness and irritation at the vulva and vagina, and a noticeable redness at the area. You may also notice that the consistency of your vaginal discharge has changed; it may be white and lumpy in colour, resembling cottage cheese. It is possible that you may notice some pain during sex and while urinating.

4. Will thrush go away by itself?

In most cases, thrush will clear up itself eventually, as the body is designed to fight off these kinds of infections. However, treatments can help to alleviate symptoms and help speed up recovery times.

5. What should I do if I have thrush?

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may wish to seek treatment to help alleviate the symptoms of your infection. There are a range of treatment options to choose from, including tablets, creams and pessaries.

6. Can I pass thrush on to my partner?

Yes, this is possible, though it is rare. It is advisable to avoid sex while you have thrush until the infection is completely cleared, as doing so may worsen the infection or cause it to last for longer than it otherwise would have.

7. Can men get thrush?

Yes, it is possible for men to get thrush. There are three common types of thrush to affect men and they are candida balanitis (an infection that occurs at the head of the penis), oral thrush (an infection that occurs inside the mouth) and a candidal skin infection.

8. I’m pregnant - will thrush harm my baby?

No, thrush is not considered to be harmful to an unborn baby. In fact, thrush can actually happen as a result of pregnancy. If you choose to take a treatment while pregnant, you should use either a pessary or a cream, as oral tablets could potentially be harmful. Speak to your doctor if you are considering a thrush treatment while pregnant.

9. Is there anything I can do to stop myself getting thrush?

You should try to wear cotton underwear and avoid using cleansing products which have been perfumed. Always make sure that you wipe from front to back after using the toilet.

10. What treatments are there for thrush?

Treatments for vaginal thrush are available as creams, pessaries and tablets. Some are available over the counter and some require a prescription. Diflucan and Gyno-Daktarin are two prescription treatments for thrush, and they are both available to order here at HealthExpress.