Thrush is a very common vaginal infection, caused by an overgrowth of yeasts which normally live in the bowel and may be present in other parts of the body, such as the mouth, skin and vagina. Thrush is caused by a yeast called Candida, most commonly Candida albicans. Other types of yeast are sometimes involved.
Thrush is usually caused by a yeast fungus called candida albicans. It is not a sexually transmitted infection. Candida albicans usually lives harmlessly on the skin and in the mouth, gut and vagina. Occasionally there can be too much yeast and it can cause symptoms.
Up to three out of four women will have at least one bout of thrush in their lives. In most cases it develops for no apparent reason. However, certain factors can make thrush more likely to develop.
What causes thrush. Thrush is not classed as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it can be triggered by sex. Thrush is caused by a fungus called candida that is normally harmless. Thrush tends to grow in warm, moist conditions and develops if the balance of bacteria changes.
Prevention of vaginal thrush
Avoid using soap to wash the genital area. Soap substitutes can be used. Avoid using antiseptics, douches or perfumed sprays in the genital area. Avoid using perfumed toilet papers and menstrual products.
The symptoms will usually clear up within a week or two. However, for some women, vaginal thrush can be difficult to treat and keeps coming back.
Foods containing simple sugars, including many fruits. White flour and other glutenous grains. Anything fermented with yeast, such as alcoholic drinks. Some dairy products, including whole milk.
Can thrush go away on its own? Often mild yeast infections and their symptoms will go away on their own without treatment, although this could take 3-7 days. If you have been experiencing thrush symptoms for 7-14 days then you should seek medical treatment.
the menstrual cycle, which may cause monthly thrush episodes. hormonal or vaginal pH changes. sexual activity. having a weakened immune system (such as HIV or chemotherapy treatments)
In some cases, the symptoms of oral thrush can make eating and drinking difficult. If left untreated, the symptoms will often persist and your mouth will continue to feel uncomfortable. In severe cases that are left untreated, there is also a risk of the infection spreading further into your body, which can be serious.
How is thrush spread? 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.
It's normally kept in check by other bacteria and microorganisms in the body. When illnesses, stress, or medications disturb this balance, the fungus grows out of control and causes thrush. Medications that can make yeast flourish and cause infection include: Corticosteroids.
Drugs such as prednisone, inhaled corticosteroids, or antibiotics that disturb the natural balance of microorganisms in your body can increase your risk of oral thrush. Other oral conditions. Wearing dentures, especially upper dentures, or having conditions that cause dry mouth can increase the risk of oral thrush.
Although thrush is common, it is not the only thing that can cause itchiness or pain, and accidentally using anti-thrush medication when you have another condition can sometimes make that condition worse.
How long does oral thrush last? With treatment, oral thrush should clear up in about two weeks. Without treatment, it may last up to eight weeks or longer. Monitor your symptoms and visit a doctor immediately if you believe it has spread to your esophagus, as this can cause more serious infection.
Clotrimazole works by killing the overgrowth of yeast that is causing the infection. The symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection should start to improve within a few hours after starting this medication, but it may take as long as a week for the symptoms to go away completely.
Women tend to be more likely to get vaginal yeast infections if their bodies are under stress from poor diet, lack of sleep, illness, or when they are pregnant or taking antibiotics. Women with immune-suppressing diseases such as diabetes and HIV infection also are at increased risk.
Home remedies for thrush include good oral hygiene, probiotics, or special mouth rinses. Rinses may include salt water, baking soda, apple cider vinegar, gentian violet, lemon juice, a lemongrass infusion, or certain essential oils.
Cranberry juice may help cure yeast infections. When taken regularly, it's said to prevent recurrent yeast infections. The high levels of vitamin C in cranberry juice may aid in upper respiratory infections.
Thrush is a vaginal yeast infection caused by excessive growth of natural yeast-like fungus, called candida albicans. If you've noticed vaginal irritation and inflammation or a change in your discharge (cottage cheese-like white discharge), you may have a yeast infection.
Vaginal Thrush looks like a white cottage cheese-like discharge.
Candida overgrowth can cause several health problems, including digestive issues, fatigue, and joint pain. Addressing the underlying cause can help ease symptoms caused by candidiasis and prevent recurring infections.
In particular, foods high in sugar, refined grains, dairy products, processed meats, and alcohol may promote the growth of Candida ( 28 ). While more research is needed, one study found that people who avoided these foods during treatment for Candida had better outcomes after 3 months ( 28 ).
Thrush can be confused with other conditions that cause itching and redness with or without discharge. These other conditions include herpes infections and bacterial infections. Your doctor will examine you and take a swab or do further tests to confirm the diagnosis.