Thrush in women

Attacks of thrush are very common. Most women have had at least one attack by their mid-20s. Thrush is not a dangerous infection, but it can cause a lot of distress if it keeps coming back. It is very uncomfortable and can wreck your sex life.

The contraceptive pill causes thrush
Probably false. Doctors are still arguing about this, but there is very little evidence for it.

 

Thrush is a sexually transmitted disease
False. Women who are not sexually active can suffer from thrush. The Candida yeasts are already in the vagina, and they cause thrush when the body's natural balance that keeps it under control is upset.

 

Thrush always causes a discharge
False. Itching is the usual symptom of thrush and there is often no discharge at all, or just a slight discharge.

 

Thrush is very smelly
False. If there is an odour, it is minimal and not unpleasant.

 

Thrush can be prevented by douching the vagina
Very definitely false. Douching is squirting a soapy or antiseptic solution into the vagina to cleanse it. There is no need to do this, because the vagina cleans itself very efficiently. In fact, douching has the opposite effect; it destroys the friendly bacteria, gets rid of the healthy acidity and damages the lining, allowing thrush and other infections to take hold easily.

 

Thrush is more common in people who have allergies
Possibly true: people who suffer from hay fever are more likely to suffer from repeated episodes of thrush (British Journal of Sexual Medicine 2007;30(2):46).
 

There are three main symptoms of thrush.

It is very difficult to know if thrush is the cause of your problem without having a test, because these symptoms can also occur in other types of infection. For example, an infection in the bladder (cystitis) will also cause stinging when you pass urine, various infections can cause vaginal discharge or vulval soreness, and some skin diseases (which are not infections) can cause vaginal itching.

 

Researchers in the USA tested women who felt sure they had thrush, and were buying thrush medication from a grocery store or pharmacy (Obstetrics and Gynecology 2002;99:419–25). They found that only 33% had thrush as their only problem. Another 20% had thrush as well as a different infection that needed a different treatment, such as bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis.

 

This means that if you think you have thrush you have two possible courses of action.

Creams and pessaries. If you have thrush, the Candida will be on the skin of the vulva, and also in the vagina. Therefore you need:

Some of these treatments can be bought from pharmacies without a doctor's prescription, in packs containing both cream and pessaries. Read the directions carefully, because some types of pessary (such as nystatin) have to be inserted every night for 2 weeks, but others need to be used for fewer days.

 

In about 15% of people, these treatments may cause a burning feeling or irritation soon after applying the cream.

 

Many anti-thrush creams and pessaries can damage condoms and contraceptive diaphragms.

 

Treatments that you swallow (oral treatments). Some special anti-thrush tablets and pills are now available, such as fluconazole and itraconazole, which can be used instead of creams and pessaries. These are called oral treatments. Oral treatments have to be prescribed by a doctor; do not try swallowing a pessary that is meant to be inserted in the vagina. Although oral treatments are simpler than creams and pessaries, they can have side effects, so most doctors prescribe them only for very troublesome thrush that keeps coming back.

A common scenario is that you develop thrush, you treat it with an anti-thrush cream or vaginal pessary, the symptoms disappear, and then a few weeks later they come back again. This is called recurrent thrush. Doctors do not fully understand why some people suffer from recurrent thrush. There are three different theories.

Check that you really do have thrush. If it usually goes away with anti-thrush treatment, it probably is thrush, but it is worth making sure. According to research from the University of Leeds (published in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections in 2001), a third of women who attended a clinic because of recurrent thrush did not actually have thrush. There were other reasons for their symptoms.

 

To check whether or not you have thrush, you should visit your family doctor or local genitourinary medicine clinic to have a swab taken. The swab will be sent to a laboratory, which will be able to tell if there is Candida or similar yeasts. Although Candida is the usual cause of thrush, in about 5% of cases symptoms are due to a slightly different type of yeast, for which another treatment might be more effective. With recurrent thrush there is an even greater chance that it is an unusual type.

 

Look after yourself. It is crucial to make life as difficult as possible for the Candida yeasts, so take a look at our list of  dos and don'ts for anyone with a vaginal or vulval problem. Avoid anything that might irritate the vulva, such as bubble baths, perfumed soaps, vaginal deodorants and douches. For sex, use a lubricant to lessen the chance of damage to the vulva and vagina.

 

Keep the vulval area dry. Candida yeasts like warm, moist places so dry carefully after bathing or showering. Avoid tight fitting or synthetic-fiber knickers choose cotton.

 

Use aqueous cream for washing the genital area, instead of soap. You can buy this from pharmacies. Apply it to the area, and then wash it off. (British Journal of Sexual Medicine 2007;30(2):46)

 

Avoid long courses of antibiotics. The longer a course of antibiotics, the more likely it will lead to thrush. So if you need antibiotics, ask your doctor if a short course would be appropriate

.

Natural remedies. If your recurrences are predictable, try a natural remedy to ward it off. For example, if your thrush usually comes before a period, on days 21–24 of your cycle, you could try a natural remedy starting on day 18. But remember that you can get a reaction to a natural remedy as easily as to a cream from the chemist, so stop straight away if that happens. Here are some popular natural remedies.

• Gently smear a small amount of bio (live) yoghurt over the vulva, and also put it inside the vagina. The easiest way to do this is to use a tampon with its applicator. Push the tampon back inside the applicator so you have a space for about a teaspoonful of yoghurt. Then insert the tampon in the usual way, which will push the yoghurt into the top of the vagina. Remove the tampon an hour later. However, a scientific study showed that yoghurt did not decrease thrush (British Medical Journal 2004;329:548).
• Tea tree oil is another possibility. Dilute 20 drops or tea tree oil in half a cup of water, soak a tampon in this liquid and then insert it into the vagina. Change it as frequently as you would a normal tampon.
• Buy some 9% acetic acid gel (Aci-Jel) from a pharmacy. It comes with its own applicator.

Do not bother trying a yeast-free or sugar-free diet. There is no evidence at all that these diets have any effect.

 

Ask your doctor about oral treatment. A 7-day or 14-day course of an anti-thrush drug taken by mouth (oral treatment) may deal with the Candida yeasts more thoroughly. After that, you could use the pessaries in the vagina once or twice a month to prevent the problem returning.

 

Oral treatments may have side effects, and are unsuitable if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

 

Consider long-term medication if you are having many troublesome recurrences. Your doctor can prescribe oral treatment, which is usually taken once a week. After 6 months, you stop the treatment and wait and see if the thrush returns (New England Journal of Medicine 2004;351:876–83). However, taking a prescription drug regularly for a condition that is not seriously hazardous to your health is a big decision. It is not suitable if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Discuss all the pros and cons very carefully with your doctor, and go for it only if your symptoms are really distressing. Some doctors favor an anti-allergy medication in addition to the anti-thrush treatment (British Journal of Sexual Medicine 2007;30(2):46).

 

Consider asking your partner to get treatment. Clinics do not usually advise that your partner is treated (because they do not believe in the sexual theory of thrush). But if you have lots of recurrences, it might be worth asking your partner to be treated as well.
 

Written by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Edited by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Last updated: Friday, February 26th 2010

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Comments on this article

Posted by Sara on 25/01/2012 at 11:24

Hi, my symptoms are the same as the comment below, I too had a baby 6 months ago and for the last 3 months I have been getting thrush after my period, I've had thrush before but this time the discharge is watery and the itch not that intense. It's still very uncomfortable, it's almost like my tampons are irritating me. I've used creams for these bouts but I'm thinking that I might have to take a trip to my gp as I don't think that it's normal to get thrush symptoms every period. Has anyone else had this after child birth???

Posted by Optional on 06/01/2012 at 04:24

since falling preg wiv my son in 2009 I have had thrush 50 time been doc same amout of time iv tryed everything n it is stl not going help plz iv ran out of options n can not go bk to my doc as i have had treatment to many time plus they r useless n keep telling me to go gum clinic been there 2guess what thrush again dnt know what eles to do I'm in so nuch pain :(

Posted by Optional on 02/01/2012 at 01:50

I had sex with my boyfriend on thursday/friday and yes I got some friction but thought nothing of it, then went out drinking on the saturday night and came home the sunday morning with thrush. I am not sure but the sex might have played a part, Im going to use lube as well as a condom next time but condoms we use anyway. I have taken an oral tablet and started to use the cream but I am in so much pain! It's mainly inside the vagina that is itchy and painful, is that wierd?

Posted by HERE2HELP on 29/12/2011 at 09:00

I battled with recurrent thrush for a year and was prescribed over the counter medicine which never worked. I was swabbed but the Doctors couldn't report anything. With luck my normal doctor was sick and her replacement prescribed me Nystatin Oral which is an anti-fungal drug, and you take 4 tablets a day over a period of 7 days. I have not had an attack in 3 or 4 months which is amazing considering I got an attack nearly every 2 weeks. I have a gut feeling that the over counter medicines just cause another strain to develop which becomes resistant to the over counter medicine. Next time, DEMAND that another treatment should be available to you. Other tips I would include would be to wash your bits and buttocks everyday and keep the areas dry especially after sex. I also take Vitamins and supplements to make sure my body has the right tools to cope with itself, this will lessen the likelihood of another infection. Hope this helps, and remember, NO MORE OVER COUNTER MEDICINES.

Posted by poorly on 24/12/2011 at 02:27

I have thrush and got cream n pessary used it but my vagina was burning in d morning and found so much blood in the loo. I thought I might be on my period but I should start period in 2weeks

Posted by mum to be on 23/12/2011 at 12:34

Im neally 36 weeks pregnant and suddenly got thrush and im really swollen and itchy, and other stuff. Im swetting aloy down below scince ive had thrush. I have to cool myself down by havin showerz. Im imbarrassed to go to my doctor. Ive never had thrush befor:( im really swollen!!! Itchy and never been so swety down there. Us ladies have to go threw so much. Lol

Posted by Optional on 19/12/2011 at 05:22

I am a sexually active 17 year old girl. I have had unprotected sex in the past, but since then I've been tested for chlamydia, thrush, HIV and gonnorhea, and that was a year ago. I suffer from almost relentless attacks of mouth ulcers (not coldsores) and I get the worst of them the week before, and during my period. This often coincides with a week of unbearably itchy genitals, i end up with small blisters on my inner labia from scratching so hard. I've had the genital itching around a year and a half, it pretty much only presents symptoms around my period. I have only been getting the ulcers since september, but they've gone from a once-monthly problem to a horrible and humiliating condition where I end up with 30 swollen ulcers all over my mouth and tongue which makes it difficult to eat and speak coherently. This weird ailment from which I can't find any respite is actually taking over my life. My nurse says there's nothing she can do for me. If anyone recognises these symptoms PLEASE let me know in a comment or something <3

Posted by Optional on 08/12/2011 at 06:55

Candida sufferer for about 10 years because of the nasty antibiotics I took years ago for acne. And I have just discovered through research that lowering your PH helps a lot. More alkaline and less acidic (which candida thrives in) is a good environement inside your body. Fungi, microbes, etc. dont live well in it. I bought a brand called "erbasit" It contains potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, silicon, iron and manganese. Honestly in one day I felt different. I would also make sure your thyroids are working well. Not hyper or hypo. Candida can affect the thyroid and vice versa.

Posted by Optional on 07/12/2011 at 10:08

Can one use a herbl anti bacteria 2 relive her self from thrush?

Posted by Optional on 19/11/2011 at 07:56

Very good site! Detailed, informative, practical advice and doesn't use too much jargon! Wonderful clarity in the articles.

Posted by Mablah on 10/11/2011 at 03:04

Do i use nystatin during my periods

Posted by embarrassed2talk on 07/11/2011 at 02:24

I think i have thrush but i am to embarrassed to go to the doctor. My vagina area is always itchy and i don't think it looks right because it has two red bits hanging down on either side. What should i do?

Posted by Optional on 27/10/2011 at 12:42

Its heading to my eighth month of pregnancy. Several weeks ago, i had this yeast infection. It cooled down after undergoing treatment with chlotrimazole pasaries. Several days ago, i started feeling itchy around my vulva especially near the clitoris and the clitoris itself. It seems like the infection is coming back. I decided to use home remedies before it gets worst. I squeezed some aloe vera gel and applied it on my vulva. The itchyness sure did stop but not permanently. It keeps on coming back. I am now inserting garlic cloves in my vagina. I started with crashing garlic and applying the juice on my vulva. Oh! the reaction is too painful so i stopped to apply the juice. Am now gonna stick to inserting garlic cloves in my vagina and applying aloe vera gel on my vulva. I hope this works permanently. Could anyone recomend this? I think it could work.

Posted by Optional on 24/10/2011 at 11:37

I'm not sure if I have thrush for definite, but I feel itchy most of the time (for over a year now) especially before my period is due. I always notice discharge which is either white or clear and even after wiping/washing it when I check I have more. I am terrified to go to the doctors. I constantly itch and it gets very sore and red and stings so bad when I pee. Please help, I don't know what to do.

Posted by Nana on 10/10/2011 at 02:00

Thank you 4 the information,im not sure if i have thrush bt but it close inuf,il go to the clinic 4 a test.

Posted by Optional on 02/10/2011 at 07:06

I am 7 months pregnant. My virgina was itchy, dry, swollen and red. My doctor prescribed that i use chlotrimazole pasaries for inserting in the virgina. Iv used the pills twice now as am supposed to take them for six days. The itchyness and soreness have quite reduced now. I wonder if the pill i inserted before going to sleep will be any effective as it dropped in the toilet today morning. Had it completed its work already?

Posted by Eve on 26/09/2011 at 12:23

Ladies I suffer recurrent Thrush..Only way to keep it at bay is to have Probiotics and crannberries vitamins every day....Only when I forget to take my probiotics and am on antibiotics do i get them. I really does work..Also another thing that helped was using a douche after intercourse, if you are not trying to fall pregnant...Keeps everything cleans and does leave the vagina wet for hours....which is where the thrush survives..

Posted by Optional on 17/09/2011 at 11:06

i think my type one diabetes may be the cause of my reacurring trush, so i think sugarin the blood may be an issue.

Posted by Zain on 11/09/2011 at 06:20

Am still struggling to tackle it.It has even affected my perfomance at work.my vagina is on fire.lips burn

Posted by Jackie on 15/08/2011 at 05:47

I have all the symptoms 100%...I'm suffering right now after taken a pessary 2 days ago, using cream to try to relive the itch, have to get an other treatment as I can not stand this any more... I get thrush too often this time was just before my period stopped.... I suffer terribly from urine infections always after intercourse, so that has stopped (last time I made love to my man) was nearly 2 months ago, so unfair....I've had a specialist look at all the possible reasons of my bladder infections but just a small spot was found on my bladder and the doctor prescribed me with a mild course of antibiotic to try to fix the problem...Yes antibiotic can trigger my thrush but not this time, I have not been on antibiotics for months now....

Posted by Optional on 09/08/2011 at 09:40

I dont know if I have it or not. I have some of the symptoms, but not all. I guess I am going to have to go to the gyno. My symptoms are excessive amounts of discharge, itchy ness, it hurts like hell to have sex, slight odor, it is like the bahamas down ther (meaning it is hot) discomfort, amd that is all I can think of right now. I know I dont have a yeast infection. my vagina has been giving me multiple problems. In october of 2010 my period started screwing up, then in march of 2011 I found out I have a huge ovarian cyst. Ever since then I have had these problems. Does anyone have suggestions on what might be the problem?... Sorry for all the detail. I just want it to stop.

Posted by K8 on 02/08/2011 at 10:09

I don't know if this is what I have, but for the past 2-3 years, everytime my partner and I have intercourse it feels like it is ripping like 2-3 inches inside of me. I usually have to stop because it hurts so bad and it is ruining our sex life. It does not hurt when I use a tampon though. I don't have much discharge or itching so I don't know what the heck is going on. I just want to know if anyone else has ever had an issue like this.

Posted by Optional on 18/07/2011 at 05:32

Iz - go to your doctor! No one should ask you if you are having sex as it doesn't seem that sex causes thrush anyway and if they do just tell them the truth, there is no shame to be a virgin, especially if you are only 16! Your doctor should be able to give you something that will clear it up.

Posted by iz on 11/07/2011 at 01:33

I'm a 16 year old girl, still not sexually active but I have thrush and I've been getting it now for a whole year nearlly two, I really don't know what to do seing as I haven't told anyone because I am too embarrased to even think what they would start to say...I'm still a virgen I know this is irrelavant but I am at a age where I do want to lose it but how can is with thrush in my nickers and vagina? I don't even feel it coming out until I have moved and the nickers have rubbed agaisnt me... Its really disgusting! I wash everyday.. Haven't been to a doctors or gynacologist (I spelt it wrong) because I am shy and I don't want to tell my parents also I am scared with what the doctor will say..help me :(?

Posted by Optional on 06/07/2011 at 11:01

im always getting thrush and sometimes i get up and it feels like im wet a watery discharge is constantly appearing and sometimes i smell ive used tablets creams everything and it just keeps occuring help me

Posted by dorah mafa on 23/06/2011 at 02:13

thax i really reccomend u doctor's u rock.

Posted by Olivia on 21/06/2011 at 03:46

Hi i have b.v trush these last 3 years and its not nice its itchy and very bad smell i have went to my doctors but it seems noting is working it is really affecting my life.

Posted by Optional on 21/06/2011 at 12:30

I thnk God dat i hv find the solution to my problem

Posted by mrs t on 20/06/2011 at 03:06

Please could you help me whilst on holiday started experiencing the usual signs of thrush , itching etc. I always seem to get it on holidays so take the oral tablet with me as a precaution, on this particular occasion it was particularly bad so took a second tablet as directed 7 days later. I have a marina coil fitted and wondered if the tablet causes any failing of coil with regard to pregnancy as i have been experiencing pregnancy symtoms , sickness etc thanks

Posted by menopause woman on 19/06/2011 at 10:37

I was born with thrush in my mouth and have suffered with it on and off for years. It has got noticeably worse since I started the menopause and I spend a small fortune on canesten products. I use the cream, pessary and oral tablet but it comes back every time. I have been to my gp but he just prescribes the same old thing. After reading all the comments on this site it made me feel a bit better as I now realise I am not the only one suffering! I'm going to try cutting down on bread and taking acidopholus and see if I can buy some fluconazole which someone recommended on this site. It is driving me mad too!

Posted by 18 and scared on 08/06/2011 at 05:55

I am 18 and have only been to the doctor for stuff like this once. I feel like it's ackward having someone down in your personal zone. This website and this topic have helped me alot. And I was so terrified I had something worse. So thanks for all thehelp.

Posted by Optional on 26/05/2011 at 07:13

hi, for the pastr 2 months i have been getting what i think is thrush..i dont know if i have extra discharge as it always comes the day after i get my period and for that reason i cant use tampons which makes it feel a lot worse specially at night..i use the cream to ease the itching, also..a few days after the thrush i get these white spots under my tongue..could that be thrush aswell is it possible to get it in 2 places at the same time..my tongue gets very painful to the point wer i cant eat solid food coz i cnt really move my tongue without being in paid..its horrible..i dont know what to do.

Posted by Optional on 26/05/2011 at 11:59

home remedy, tried and worked perfectly

Posted by Optional on 21/05/2011 at 09:52

I am 11 and i always itch, is this normal?

Posted by Sarah T on 15/04/2011 at 07:46

I had thrush at Christmas after taking antibiotics for tonsillitis so the doctor gave me Fluconazole (2 tablets) and it got rid of it. But since then I seem to have a cut between the my vagina and anus, sometimes it leaves bloody dots on tissue paper. I went to the doctor who said it was just a cut probably from shaving etc but I have been suffering for about 3 months now, and when i look at it with a mirror i'm sure it's more than one. The doctor gave me some tiny sterile plasters which helped sometimes but it keeps coming back. I have given up shaving, sex and have been using talc to keep it dry but they all seem to be temporary solutions! When I go for a number 2 it makes it worse, it's like the piece of skin is swollen and hard yet for some reason it eases and sometimes disappears when I'm on my period! It can't just be a cut something must be causing it cause i had another one between my bum crack(!) further round! They are like paper cuts and they are killing me! It's affecting mine and my boyfriends sex life cause it's hurting me so much to have sex! Please help!

Posted by Kirsty on 08/04/2011 at 09:45

Hi sorry ano this isnt a very nice subject, but i have thrush and its sooo soo sore and itchy and ive ran out of the creeam the doctor gave me, what else could i use for it! i need to get rid of it its freekin agony!! xx

Posted by bettyboop123 on 06/04/2011 at 12:08

i have thrush and its so uncomfortable , help me please, i have been to the doctors they have given me this cream, but it seems to be getting worse !!

Posted by Optional on 05/04/2011 at 12:03

I have been struggling with thrush for around a week now and it's incredibly painful and itchy. I tried to buy Canesten today and was told that I need a doctor's diagnosis first. Is this usual? I've had it before so know the symptoms. I'm now going to have to wait around a week for a doctor's appointment. I'm going mad!

Posted by Optional on 03/04/2011 at 07:42

i have a white hole in my tongue, i have no tongue piercings. what is it?

Posted by Optional on 02/04/2011 at 07:34

Is it normal for a 13 year old girl to get Thrush ?

Posted by Optional on 22/03/2011 at 11:21

hi .. Can i use canesten thrush treatment and have sex ???

Posted by Optional on 22/03/2011 at 10:28

if i have thrush can i still trying for a baby?

Posted by Optional on 17/03/2011 at 12:49

As I'm only 14, I'm still coming to terms with growing up and things like that. I used this article to learn what the symptoms actually were and the information here was very useful. Thanks for the help.

Posted by Optional on 07/03/2011 at 03:31

After years of miserable re-occuring thrush and my GP prescribing medication to treat it I decided last year to try an alternative medicine approach and with help from a local herbalist I cut out sugar & yeast and have been thrush free for nearly a year.

Posted by Optional on 25/02/2011 at 10:51

i was just wondering if i can use the canesten (500mg pessary) while on family planning(coil), i bought it from the chemist coz i felt shy seeing the doctor after suffering on many occasions from ichy down below.

Posted by Optional on 22/02/2011 at 08:20

Posted by Optional on 09/10/2010 - I have exactly the same symptoms.. What was it?? I also often suffer with thrush but now have pink discharge straight after my period stopped. My period was quite dry and clumpy (not white thrush-type clumps, but pink and clear clumps)- I still keep getting light cramps and feeling bloated. I do have IBS, but don't get period-like cramps or pink discharge normally..

Posted by Aly on 22/02/2011 at 01:15

I have tried every medication prescribed by doctors but no difference

Posted by vixgra on 10/02/2011 at 12:15

Milkshake.......i had the same thing when i first lost my virginity and it's called BV (bacterial vaginosis)...its kinda like thrush but a different treatment...it sometimes goes away on its own but if u cant face ur doctor they sell the treatment in larger boots stores or big pharmacies...be careful though because if u had unprotected sex BV can often be a symptom of Clamydia (which can be treated with a course of antibiotics) so it's important to get a sexual health check just in case

Posted by Optional on 02/02/2011 at 12:52

I get a large amount of pubic hair around my vagina, and thrush seems more common and comes back more often when I don't get the hair removed. Could waxing the area help the vagina to breath better and not be as hot?

Posted by Optional on 20/01/2011 at 07:27

Another reason not listed for thrush returning is that the medications you are given destroy both the bad AND good bacteria, leaving you vulnerable for the infection to just come back.

Posted by Grace on 17/01/2011 at 11:16

wow! you are the answer to my health problems

Posted by thrushcausingmajorpelvisinfection&abnormalbleeding; on 15/01/2011 at 07:04

ok so i went to hospital twice in one week and the first time they prescribed the wrong medication. they thought i had a bacterial infection when it was a fungal infection. the second time i was in hospital the infetion caused everything in my pelvis to swell up. i had an ultrasound and so many speculums put inside me (either at hospital or by my GP). finally they gave me the right medication and i thought it healed up. ive been waiting for 3months to see a gynie to see if any damage was done and now ive ended up bleeding and having the same cramps again! i went to hospital this week and they did the same tests but they still cant give me any answers! ive been bleeding and cramping for 7 days now!!!!

Posted by Optional on 12/01/2011 at 12:16

After one year of irritation finally developed a very bad case of infection and was prescribed nizoral tablets. After seven days of treatment the infection persists. Can the infection be immune to the treatment?

Posted by Optional on 11/01/2011 at 03:14

Optional on 01/01/2011 at 12:16:12 pm - have you had it confirmed by a doctor? because the pessary and creams might not be working because its something else so you might want to get it checked just in case. I do suffer from recurrent thrush but as soon as I use the pessary and cream it goes away for roughly a couple of months before returning. It probably affects people differently time-wise but if I were you I'd get checked just in case. :)

Posted by Bet on 09/01/2011 at 03:15

I think i have thrush for the first time, I have bought a cream for it today and dont know whether to see a doctor first or not as i am embarassed. Should i use the cream?

Posted by Optional on 06/01/2011 at 09:56

does thrush symptoms include rashes?

Posted by Optional on 05/01/2011 at 10:50

what happens if you swollow a pessary?

Posted by Lily on 02/01/2011 at 10:47

I was born with candida(my mum had it) and after an infection and long course of anti biotics as a young child it flared. Nothing worked until I found a wonderful intelligent doctor who steered me onto a sugar, gluten and yeast free diet. It took a year to eliminate all symptoms but I was determind to clear my body. I gave up drinking socially and made huge lifestyle changes and have being thrush/candida free for three years now. Why you would say not to bother changing a diet is beyond me. We are what we eat. Eliminating products that feed candida is plain common sense. No wonder candida returns, it's thriving in an environment where it's fed what it needs! I don't know of any official "scientific" proof, but everyday that I get up full of energy and kicking ass in my lectures at uni without the awful symptoms and execma all over my body is proof that eliminating sugar, yeast, gluten and alcohol is crucial for a recovery. Thank god for enlightened doctors like mine who are genuinely interested in providing a solution to problems, rather then throwing creams at symptoms and giving long term options to deal with it for the rest of your life.

Posted by Optional on 01/01/2011 at 12:16

I am going on holiday in 2 days and the thrush which i thought i had tackled has just come back! This is an absolute nightmare. I have been suffering from recurrent thrush now for about 5 weeks and its just not going away. I've taken an oral tablet and 2 pessaries over the past 3 weeks and have been using the canesten cream 3 to 4 times a day and it just doesn't go. I have also tried live yoghurt which only seemed to worsen the condition over night and have also tried tea tree oil in my baths which i must say soothes it but only for upto a few hours after and then the irritation returns. I'm annoyed because it is ruining my sex life at the moment, i'm not wanting to have sex incase it irritates it even more or i give it to him. I guess i'm just going to have to wait it out. Hopefully it clears soon. I've just recently come off the contraceptive patch i thought that was initially causing the thrush. Now that i am using condoms as my main method of contraception i'm also scared that if i'm applying the cream 3 to 4 times a day this will damage them?

Posted by Optional on 21/12/2010 at 08:21

i have thrush, how long will it last?

Posted by Optional on 19/12/2010 at 03:05

I can't believe you wrote that diets do not prevent or help thrush! I suffered for years trying drugs and creams and natural remedies. I then did a 6 month sugar free diet and it worked!

Posted by Optional on 16/12/2010 at 11:09

I took the tablet 3 days ago, and have been using cream also for 4 days..... Still no improvement, so just found on another website to out 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of salt in the bath..... Anything for relief, if no better tomorrow am going to the drs! Can't handle this anymore - I'm a nurse and I know about the creams and tablet etc... Just crazy usually the tablet works within 1 day - but not this time :(

Posted by milkshake on 12/11/2010 at 05:17

I lost my virginity like two days after my period was getting lighter and while have sex there was this horrible odor as if i just started my period and now i have a light pink discharge that smells like grapefruit and metal mixed toghter and now it wont go away idk what to do and i cant tell my parents i lost my virginity can anyone help?

Posted by Optional on 04/11/2010 at 03:34

i have thrush and my period is on..is it best to use tampons or pads??

Posted by Leah on 27/10/2010 at 10:16

i have sore on my vagina and white discharge. I have been given nystacid ointment and amoxycillin trihydrate but it just keeps re-occuring. My patner has not been treated, pls help

Posted by Optional on 09/10/2010 at 01:20

I normally suffer with thrush but wondered if you get a pink discharge with bad infections. I have irritation in the vagina area and have been getting a pink discharge too. I've been stressed lately and had a tiny bit of spotting half way through my cycle and a niggling pain in my pelvic/ groin area. I've been feeling very gassy & bloated , went to see the doctor and she said it's IBS. Just concerned what it might be??? I have had no pain during sexual intercourse and it is the first time this has happened. Any advise would be appreciated.

Posted by Joni on 04/10/2010 at 12:47

i have two children and with each pregnancy i have had thrush once but never when i wasnt pregnant... on 28th july of this year i went and had the depo birth control shot, since having the shot my period has not stopped, it is not heavy mainly spotting and some days a bit more but also i have had thrush twice.. could it be because im always spotting (bleeding)? or could it just be from the depo itself????

Posted by Mary J on 30/09/2010 at 09:47

I have had what my doctor has said is thrush for 18 months, my eyelids swelled up after taking flucanozole, so Doc said I was allergic do not take any more. Tried wheat free diet for 1 month - no help. My doctor then advised using pessaries for 6 months which gives the unpleasant side effects of more uncomfortable discharge and having already taken them for 1 month they did not seem effective. Help! any suggestions. I am feeling like changing my doctor who does not seem to have any idea on this.

Posted by Optional on 28/09/2010 at 11:37

can thrush prevent the contraceptive pill from working?

Posted by Sore on 27/09/2010 at 07:38

I had bad thrush (was confirmed by test) - very sore and had trouble sitting or walking. Three weeks later I am still very uncomfortable - having trouble sitting for work and generally sore although not as bad as before treatment. How long can this last and what should I do?

Posted by kiki on 08/09/2010 at 03:20

this information was very helpful, am now using the cream, and is going very well.

Posted by Optional on 01/09/2010 at 05:20

i went to the doctors and they give me the cream and a tablet but my thrush keeps coming back.

Posted by Nyari on 12/08/2010 at 05:18

The article covers most things and is very informative but what i want to know is 1.whether oral sex can also be attributed to recurances. 2.I am pregnant with my second child but the thrush started when i stopped taking birth control pills.I have been having thrush recurances and want to know if these to incidences can be connected to this problem.

Posted by Optional on 09/08/2010 at 06:54

can thrush treatments affect the contraceptive pill?

Posted by Sam on 29/07/2010 at 12:25

I was told i have Thrush down there, and was given the clotrimazole 1% cream. However me being a hypocondriac (misspelt, i think?) read the side effects and i know it doesnt happen to everyone, but when i saw that it can affect the breathing which i have a problem with. Could it affect my breathing or whatever even though its a cream and its not anywhere near my face???

Posted by Optional on 23/07/2010 at 04:52

I got really nervous when it started itching because i'd had unprotected sex with my boyfriend for the first time. I even started crying thinking it was Herpies... then i got a mirror and just saw all this gross white stuff... then i googled it and it was sooo much of relief.

Posted by ms la on 21/07/2010 at 10:44

I was so scared thought it could be an STD or something but I read this site. I been taking antibiotics for 10 days. ( for non related infection) and I started itching and having thick white cottage cheese discharge with out any smell and I realize ill be fine with over the counter meds

Posted by Optional on 13/07/2010 at 08:11

i have had thrush and i have taken all the medication for it and then a week later i have had sex with my parnter and it burns and hurts when i have sex with him it has never happend before then i put the cream on but the cream doeant work its so itchy and i dont no what to do does anyone have the same problam and can u help to stop it what can i do i am in pain and i dont wont to have this anymore

Posted by Optional on 12/07/2010 at 10:30

I have used the cream for my thrush and completed the course of 6 days.. but now i still have white stuff and its a cream like substance. is that just the cream that was used to get rid of thrush in the first place?

Posted by Optional on 02/07/2010 at 02:24

Hi. I've suffered miserab;y with recurrent thrush and have had it at least every few wks for the last 2yrs. I tried everything but it kept clearing up then coming back. Even my partner was treated, though he had no symptoms. I've just had to fight my case with the doctors to have my IUD removed as this was all I could put it down to (had it in for 2yrs 4 months). That was 2wks ago and so far the thrush hasn't come back. Do you think that this could've been causing the problem?

Posted by Chaz on 29/06/2010 at 04:40

i dont no if i have thrush its dead itchy and burning am getting some white discharge it doesnt smell i have used some clotrimazole thrush cream but its not stopping the iching could you help plz what is it

Posted by Optional on 24/05/2010 at 02:46

i recently had thrush or what i think it is and have been treating it with a cream, i am still sore after around a week and have also been left without feeling or pleasure. is this normal please help

Posted by Optional on 20/05/2010 at 03:42

January this year lost my virginity,and during me losing my virginity me and my boyfriend used protection but while we were having sex or making love rather i noticed that he had no condom on and i stopped him but he said he putted it, a day passed and i felt like i had a bubble on my virgina but ignored it the following day had the same feeling and went to the toilet to investigate i took a toilet paper and checked if evaerything was cool and i found a condom, after that i had a very bad thrush my virgina was and so painful i could not even sleep, i told my ma and she recommended antibiotics which made me get a lot of discharge but the pain got better, so it worries me because im thinking what if after having sex again im going to go through that again

Posted by Amy on 19/05/2010 at 05:09

hello this infomation has helped alot i think i found what i was looking for

Posted by Optional on 07/05/2010 at 09:26

Thank you so much. You have all put my mind at rest. 1st time with thrush i think...and Ive taken the tablet today and am treating with the cream.Feeling better already

Posted by Optional on 06/05/2010 at 03:28

Did not really tell me anything I did not already know!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Optional on 03/05/2010 at 11:38

just to let people know you can buy oral treatments over the counter more cheaply if you ask for a pharmacy pack of fluconazole. Branded tablets cost about £20, the pharmacy pack varies in price - I once got it for 89p (!!!!), but next time the same pharmacy charged me about £5. Ask around. I can usually get it for about £4 - cheaper than prescriptions.

Posted by Optional on 24/04/2010 at 10:14

After having sex with my boyfriend a few times my vulvar was sore. I discovered it was thrush cause I also had other symptoms. Again, we had sex and I had a slight pain when we finished. This pain was not as bad as before and it went away quickly this time. What is this?

Posted by Optional on 22/04/2010 at 04:09

Ive been self treating my self for thrush for 5 days now, i used canesten combi , i dont seem to have a discharge as such now but im still sore and itchy and need to wee about every half hour ! Is this normal

Posted by ............. on 07/04/2010 at 02:06

What would happen if you leave thrush untreated?

Posted by Optional on 06/04/2010 at 01:36

When i get thrush the vulva area seems to swell and become quite sore.. is this normal? any feedback would be muchly appreciated.

Posted by Optional on 04/04/2010 at 03:42

I took the pessary for a three day course and used the cream at the same time and i dont seem to fell the symptoms of Thrush anymore. Can you have sex five days after taking the pessary or not??

Posted by Optional on 20/03/2010 at 02:54

I found after a few years that my thrush was re occuring because i was wearing a thong

Posted by Mmoni on 15/03/2010 at 04:56

I have a problem of getting recurrent thrush, but it comes once a year, its painful , itching and makes me feel uncomfortable, it started me at an early age, i waz abt 15yearz old by then nd never had any sexual activities

Posted by Optional on 13/03/2010 at 12:04

I have had vaginal "thrush" for around 2 months now. Symptoms include itching, red bumps around, and inside my vagina, and a white creamy dischargein which very mildly smells of yeast. I have used endless amounts of cream, oral tablets, and pessary's. None of which have an affect. Which leads me to believe its not thrush. I am on the contraceptive pill, but have been for over a year. I've been to my doctors several times, had swabs taken, but can't get a clear answer. I'm going back to my doctors monday to talk, but would appreciate any feedback.

Posted by Sian on 11/03/2010 at 11:00

Found out recently that I had thrush. Have had treatment and it's gone! The only symptom I had was severe pain during sex. Now I'm having major problems relaxing. I dread the thought of having sex. HELP!!

Posted by Optional on 04/03/2010 at 04:47

Okay... so i have never in my life had sex before and i just started getting my period about a month ago. My vulva is very red, itchy and it looks swollen to me. I have gone exploring down there only once. This area hurts most when i am walking and barely at all when my legs are apart. I really would like to know what is up!? THANKS

Posted by Anonymous on 10/02/2010 at 10:12

I am suffering with thrush during my second pregnancy as I did with my first. The problem did clear up with an oral and pessary treatment after having given birth - however it is unpleasant and it does cause loss of confidence. I shall be going back to my doctor for another treatment. I have found the info above very informative and reassuring to know that this appears to be quite a common complaint.

Posted by Thrush on 27/01/2010 at 01:24

i am also suffering from thrush and itchy discharge and its very thick but sometimes it become wet and be like milk. i went to the doctor several time but it doesnt come right please help.

Posted by nicola on 26/01/2010 at 03:59

i have been getting thrush now for 3 months and its starting to really bother me so i visited the doctor after buying creams and pills which are expensive i thought enough is enough. just to say to all women out there thats in the same boat as me get it checked as it could be a sign of diabetes it seems to come on me just before my period as well. just for you all to be aware iv had blood tests done but havent had results yet il let you all know in due course.

Posted by Anonymous on 17/01/2010 at 11:57

hi ave had thrush for almost a year i jus leave it but as soon as i take a canesten it jus gets even worse n it gets worse wen am on my period does anyone no any cure i reli need 2 change my diet and thursh pills are too expensive

Posted by Anonymous on 05/11/2009 at 08:34

Im 13 not yet started period but i think i may have thrush. Im really embarresed to tell.. as its just hard as i cant just go to the doctors on my own so my parents have to know aswell. :(

Posted by Amanda on 09/09/2009 at 09:40

Hi, I suffer from recurrent thrush and having just finished a months worth of pills (for the second time in two years) hoping it was cured have that horrible feeling that I am in for another bout again. That must be my punishment for having sex last night with my husband on our third wedding anniversary and wearing Jeans today!! There has to be a cure out there somewhere - I jsut hope I find one before my huband strays!!!

Posted by Nina on 07/09/2009 at 01:11

Hi - I am a longterm sufferer of thrush (probably related to weak immune system from CFS, also long-term stress and clinical depression) and I truly KNOW the suffering and would like to pass on the fruits of my knowledge. After a while I stopped bothering with Canesten as I would clear up and then a day after get another bout. Once during a bout, after 5 miserable days of itching and having eaten NO sugar or bread during this time I (by chance) ate a large portion of oily fish and the itching disappeared. I have since found that eating oily fish can clear up thrush. Now I am not so simple-minded to suggest this as a straight cure, However it is certainly true that eating Omega 3 as well as loads of B-vits gives your body those building blocks it needs to repair itself, and many of us in this modern age may be deficient in omega 3s and B-vits. Furthermore stress and depression simply swallow up omega3 and B-vits. I now MANAGE my condition through diet and exercise: I exercise regularly if moderately (exercise really kickstarts the body to function better); I don't eat much bread (yeast), try very hard to eat little sugar; I eat 4 portions of oily fish a week (you probably need less); and eat loads of B-vitamin rich food eg. pulses, amaranth grain, spelt, rye, buckwheat. If I get a bout which is rare now, I immediately eat a portion of salmon and oatcakes spread with marmite. It works for me, I imagine it wont hurt to try it. I sincerely hope this may help someone.

Posted by kassandra on 31/08/2009 at 04:46

Why is it that when my partner and I use condoms during sex, I do not get thrush but always get it the few times we've had sex without using a condom?

Posted by Anonymous on 22/08/2009 at 03:14

I have it right now and I am pregnant and due. I hope it doesn't hurt too much when the baby comes out. I am thinking a bath with some lavender or chamomile.. Chamomile tea in it will help to relieve the pain. :)

Posted by Anonymous on 13/08/2009 at 08:24

I have thrush at the moment It hurts like hell. my first time The cream doesnt help, i have to take it everytime after i use the loo otherwise it hurts too much to handle. Is there anything I can do to help the pain? Will paracetamal help? Thank you

Posted by shelby on 13/08/2009 at 04:19

this information has been very useful

Posted by Anonymous on 21/07/2009 at 05:04

I dont have any itching or burning but i find a lot of thick white/yellowy discharge regularly throughout the day and i am not sure whether it is thrush or something else.

Posted by karen on 21/07/2009 at 07:44

I have been suffering from recuring thrush for 18 months now. It recurrs on average every 2-3 weeks. I apear to have the more resistant strain. Is there a different treatment for this.

Posted by Anonymous on 07/07/2009 at 02:53

I always feel itchy around my genital area. I haven been apply clotrimazole cream for almost half a year. However, on and off I still feel itchy around my genital area, especially before my peiod. Can i know what happen to my genital area? Any home remedy or natural way to diagnose it? Thank you

Posted by Anonymous on 21/05/2009 at 09:18

Thankyou so much this has been so helpful

Posted by Lost on 19/05/2009 at 09:46

i think i might have thrush but i have the merina coil, i dont want to take it out as i have about another 4 years can it be treated without taking the coil out?

Posted by Anonymous on 18/05/2009 at 10:53

i have looked up a lot about yeast infections and thrush but i dont think i have it. whenever my boyfriend fingers me or touches the area around my vagina it is kind of itchy and burns but then it goes away. then it happens again. i dont know what it is. i did leave a tampon in for like maybe 10 hours on accident because i feel asleep and ever since then it always hurts after i have contact to my vagina. i dont know whats wrong. do u have any idea?

Posted by Kirst on 20/04/2009 at 10:37

I'm not sure if it I'd thrush but I sting only when I touch and I have alot of White gunge in my pants, how can I make the White (none smelly gunge) go away?

Posted by joolz on 15/04/2009 at 09:51

i have just finished an 8 month course of tablets for reaccurring thrush and with 2 days of stopping the tablets i have had another flare up. i have suffered with thrush for the last 2 years and get it about twice every month. the doctor will no longer give me tablets and i am just left trying to buy the tablets over the counter

Posted by S. on 15/04/2009 at 12:13

I don't really know if this is Thrush, but my mom and I are going to find out, I'm very uncomfortable all the time, and it always burns when i pass urine, it feels dry and i sometimes find clumpy white stuff too. Sometimes when i change position in sitting then I feel somewhat better, as if discharge helps. Its both itchy and burny at the same time mostly, and the doctor said it was not a UTI. To anyone whom can answer this, i thank you.

Posted by B. on 11/03/2009 at 12:35

Informative and in layman's language. Confirmed everything I have been experiencing. Very debilitating problem. Hopefully after 1 pessary it has gone!

Posted by Anon on 25/02/2009 at 10:16

I only get Thrush when i take Anti biotics.To avoid Thrush i eat yoghurt and take Inner Health Plus tablets, as soon as i start with Antibiotics. The quicker you get onto these, theess chance you will get Thrush and have to treat it with Medication.

Posted by awidze on 08/02/2009 at 02:11

very informative & thank u!!

Posted by Anonymous on 29/01/2009 at 02:28

Thank you for this very informative site. I have learned a lot in just a few minutes. The information is comprehensive and easy to understand. Thanks again.

Posted by Anonymous on 19/01/2009 at 11:02

this advice helped me a lot Thanks :)