Regular thrush If this happens, get medical advice and don't treat it yourself. If you get recurrent thrush the doctor or nurse will want to check that other conditions, such as diabetes, aren't the cause of the thrush. They'll also check the type of thrush you have to guide the most effective treatment.
If over-the-counter treatments haven't helped, your doctor or nurse might examine you, or do a swab test. A swab looks similar to a small round cotton bud and is used to collect a sample of cells or discharge from your vagina. This will check if you have thrush, and not another type of infection.
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
thrush keeps coming back (more than 4 times in 12 months) treatment has not worked. you're pregnant or breastfeeding. you have thrush and a weakened immune system – for example, because of diabetes, HIV or chemotherapy.
Contact your GP practice if:
You develop symptoms of oral thrush, which can include: white patches (plaques) in the mouth that can often be wiped off, leaving behind red areas that may bleed slightly. loss of taste or an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
Many treatments for oral thrush are available at your local pharmacy without a doctor's prescription. If you have had thrush before and know what it feels like, you may decide to speak to your pharmacist and buy an over-the-counter treatment.
If thrush isn't treated it eventually goes away on its own. There's no need for your partner(s) to have treatment unless they have signs and symptoms of thrush.
Mild cases of thrush may resolve without treatment. However, it is a good idea to treat thrush, even if mild. Thrush which is not treated properly may return and the symptoms can be irritating and uncomfortable.
Thrush should clear up within a week after one dose of medicine and/ or using the cream daily. Do not be tempted to use external cream only. It will help soothe symptoms of vaginal yeast infection, but it won't get rid of the cause of thrush.
Thrush thrives in warm and moist conditions, and many people develop the infection on or around their genitals. Although not classed as a sexually transmitted infection (STI) thrush can be triggered by sex and very rarely it is passed on through sex.
Untreated oral thrush can lead to more-serious systemic candida infections. If you have a weakened immune system, thrush may spread to your esophagus or other parts of your body.
But, before you plan a long soak in a lavender oil filled bath, turn off the taps – hot baths can actually make thrush symptoms worse; go tepid or take a shower, instead.
Thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection and can occur without sexual contact. However, Candida can sometimes be passed on during sex, and sexual activity can make thrush symptoms worse. What are the signs and symptoms of thrush?
What causes thrush? Most people have small amounts of the Candida fungus in their mouth, digestive tract and skin. When illnesses, stress or medications disturb this balance, the fungus grows out of control and causes thrush.
A candida infection in the mouth is called oral thrush; in the diaper area, a yeast diaper rash; in other places on or in the body, a yeast infection. Candida is the same fungus that causes vaginal yeast infections. Oral thrush is more common in infants and toddlers, but older children can get it too.
Girls can have vaginal infections for all sorts of reasons that have nothing to do with sexual contact — such as stress, for example. Even if you're not having intercourse, fingering and oral sex can lead to infection. Ask your boyfriend to wash his hands before touching your genitals.
What causes vaginal itching? Infections might be the cause. You may have bacterial vaginosis, a yeast infection, or an STI. Menopause-related hormonal changes, diabetes, or skin conditions are other possible causes.
You can buy thrush tests over the counter at your local pharmacy or online, which are able to diagnose common vaginal infections. Many tests offer immediate results with clear and easy to read instructions, the results you get will also rely upon the symptoms you are experiencing.
If you are using a vaginal medicine, don't have sex until you have finished your treatment. But if you do have sex, don't depend on a latex condom or diaphragm for birth control. The oil in some vaginal medicines weakens latex. Don't douche or use powders, sprays, or perfumes in your vagina or on your vulva.
You will notice that the itching has subsided, eliminating much of the discomfort. Finally, all irritation, inflammation, or redness will go away. The appearance and feel of your genitals will return to normal. Completing the course of your treatment is necessary.
Some people find soaking in an apple cider vinegar bath offers relief, as the vinegar can help restore normal acidity to the vagina. Add two cups of vinegar to a shallow warm—not hot—bath, and soak for 15 minutes. Make sure you dry yourself thoroughly before getting dressed.