Around three in four women will have vaginal thrush at least once. It’s a common yeast infection, not a sexually transmitted infection, and it’s usually easy to treat. But itching and discharge can also be caused by other infections, so it helps to know when self-treatment is fine and when to get checked.
Imagine finishing a course of antibiotics for a chest infection. A few days later you notice intense itching and a thick white discharge. You’re embarrassed and not sure who to ask. A pharmacist quietly explains that antibiotics often trigger thrush, recommends a treatment, and tells you exactly which symptoms would mean seeing a nurse or doctor instead.
Symptoms of vaginal thrush
- Itching and soreness around the vagina and vulva
- White discharge, often thick like cottage cheese, that usually doesn’t smell
- Stinging when peeing or during sex
- Redness or swelling of the skin
What makes thrush more likely
- Antibiotics
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes that isn’t well controlled
- A weakened immune system
- Perfumed soaps, douches and tight, non-breathable clothing
Treatment
Antifungal treatments, such as a pessary, cream or a single oral capsule, are available from pharmacies in many countries. Symptoms usually improve within a few days. Wash with water or a gentle emollient instead of soap, wear cotton underwear and avoid douching.
See a nurse or doctor rather than self-treating if:
- It’s your first time with these symptoms
- You’re pregnant or breastfeeding (oral tablets are not used in pregnancy)
- You’re under 16 or over 60
- Discharge smells, is green or yellow, or there’s blood, sores, pelvic pain or fever
- Treatment hasn’t worked within about a week
But why does thrush keep coming back?
Some people get thrush four or more times a year, called recurrent thrush. It’s worth seeing a nurse or doctor to confirm it really is thrush (bacterial vaginosis and some sexually transmitted infections can look similar), check for diabetes, and discuss a longer course of treatment. Self-treating repeatedly without a diagnosis can mean the real cause is missed.
Your next step: If you’ve had thrush before and the symptoms are exactly the same, talk to a pharmacist today. If anything is different, or it’s the third or fourth time this year, book a nurse or sexual health clinic appointment for a swab.
Sources: NHS (Thrush in men and women), US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Vaginal candidiasis), World Health Organization. This guide is for general information and does not replace advice from your own nurse, doctor or pharmacist.
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