The most common symptoms of vaginal thrush are itching, irritation or redness around the vagina and vulva. You may also experience:

• Swelling around the opening of the vagina,
• Burning or stinging sensation when urinating,
• A thick, white or creamy vaginal discharge, usually odourless (can sometimes be watery),
• Pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse,
• Irritated skin can sometimes split or crack.

About 90% of vaginal thrush cases are caused by a yeast called Candida albicans. A healthy vagina contains bacteria and some yeast (including Candida), however if the natural balance of yeast and other microbes is disrupted then yeast can multiply leading to an overgrowth. This overgrowth of Candida will cause symptoms to develop.

Thrush is not regarded as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), though it can be triggered by sexual intercourse and sexual partners with a penis may experience redness and irritation of the penis after sex without a condom.

Vaginal thrush is very common affecting women and girls of all ages. An estimated 75% of women having a vaginal thrush episode at some point in their lives, however it is less likely before puberty and after menopause.

The following are factors that may increase your risk of vaginal thrush:

• Use of antibiotics or corticosteroid medicines,
• During a period or in pregnancy,
• Use of oral contraceptives,
• Hormonal changes associated with menopause,
• Untreated or uncontrolled diabetes,
• Experience associated skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or jock itch,
• Weakened immune system, e.g., due to immunosuppressants, or chemotherapy,
• Sexual intercourse, particularly if experiencing vaginal dryness,
• Wearing tight fitting clothing,
• Using hygiene products that can change the natural acidity of your vagina.

Vaginal thrush is usually diagnosed through its symptoms. If you have these key symptoms, it’s likely you have vaginal thrush:

• Vaginal or vulval itching,
• Discharge that is white or creamy and doesn’t smell,
• You have no abdominal bleeding.

The symptoms of vaginal thrush can be the same as those of some STIs and bacterial vaginosis, so if you are unsure, or treatment doesn’t resolve the symptoms you may need to have tests.

Treatment for vaginal thrush is usually simple and involves the use of anti-fungal medication available from the pharmacy this can be antifungal intravaginal creams or vaginal pessaries. Fluconazole an oral medication is available from the pharmacy to treat vaginal thrush. A pharmacist can also recommend skin creams to relieve soreness and itchiness around the vagina.

The choice of treatment and dose will depend on a variety of factors which a pharmacist can discuss with you. Vaginal thrush should clear up within a week of completing treatment.

Preventing or lowering your risk of vaginal thrush is possible, especially if there is an identifiable trigger. The following are a list of suggestions to try if you are experiencing recurrent vaginal thrush:

• Always wipe from front to back after going to the toilet,
• Use water and soap substitutes to wash around the vagina,
• Dry the affected area thoroughly after washing,
• Wear loose cotton underwear, and change underwear daily,
• Wash underwear in hot water,
• Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing like skinny jeans,
• Avoid staying in wet or damp clothing for long periods (e.g., swimming togs),
• Avoid taking baths with products like bubble-bath, bath bombs, and bath salts,
• Avoid using vaginal douches as they may alter the natural balance inside the vagina,
• Avoid feminine hygiene sprays, deodorised panty liners, etc,
• Avoid sex until the thrush has cleared up, and use water-based lubricants,
• Use pads rather than tampons if using intravaginal creams or pessaries to treat thrush,
• If you have diabetes keep your blood sugar levels well managed/under control,
• Consult with a healthcare professional if you are prescribed antibiotics.

Yes, you can still have sex when you have vaginal thrush. However, due to the symptoms of vaginal thrush it can be uncomfortable. Stinging, soreness, or a burning sensation may be experienced during or after sex. Therefore it may be best to not have sex with vaginal thrush. If you do, use plenty of water-based lubricant to protect your skin.

Thrush can cause redness and irritation for male partners so wearing barrier forms of contraception is recommended. Thrush can be passed on to your partner during vaginal, oral, or anal sex, so if your partner has symptoms, they may require treatment. Intravaginal creams and pessaries can weaken condoms, so apply treatments after sex.