Understanding Vaginal Thrush

Eimear Nee, the Allcare Pharmacy trainer, discusses the symptoms and treatments for vaginal thrush.

3 out of 4 women will suffer from vaginal thrush at some stage in their lives. Our Online Doctor Service and teams at our Allcare Pharmacies nationwide are on hand to help you with the management of this common condition.

What is Vaginal thrush?

Thrush is a common yeast infection caused by Candida albicans. This yeast lives normally in the vagina in 20-50% of women, without causing harm. Our immune system and other bacteria that live alongside Candida in these areas usually stop the yeast from multiplying. A change in these normal conditions can allow Candida to thrive and cause vaginal thrush symptoms.

Thrush, also known as candidiasis, can affect both women and men. It is not a sexually transmitted infection; however, it can develop following intercourse. Symptoms may be absent in men.

What are the risk factors of getting vaginal thrush?

Diabetes: Having vaginal thrush can indicate a sign of poor diabetes control.
A weakened immune system
Antibiotic use: This may affect the balance of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria in the vagina
Pregnancy: Due to hormonal changes in your body
It may also develop for no apparent reason

What are the symptoms of vaginal thrush?

White, non–smelling discharge which has a cottage cheese-like consistency. The discharge may smell mildly ‘yeasty’ on occasion
Itching, redness, and soreness in the vaginal area
Pain during intercourse or when urinating

Vaginal thrush symptoms appear internally within the vagina and/or externally in the vulva (external genitalia).

How can it be treated?

Antifungal medicines available ‘over the counter’ in Allcare Pharmacies are very effective in treating thrush. Antifungal agents work by halting the growth of Candida. Thrush should clear up within about one week of treatment.

Pessaries: Pessaries containing the antifungal, clotrimazole, are inserted into the vagina at night to treat the infection e.g. Canesten Pessaries. Canesten pessaries are available as a single 500 mg pessary dose, or a pack of three 200 mg pessaries that can be administered once daily at night using the applicator provided, for three nights. One single 500 mg pessary is often sufficient to clear the infection.
Antifungal creams: An antifungal cream e.g. Canesten 2% Thrush Cream, can be applied directly to the vulva (at the entrance to the vagina) twice to three times daily, to relieve the itch and discomfort of the condition. Although the cream provides relief, it is not sufficient to treat the infection.

Products that are used to treat vaginal thrush can reduce the effectiveness of latex condoms and diaphragm contraceptive devices. It is recommended to abstain from sex is during treatment and for at least five days afterward. Tampons and other vaginal products should also be avoided during treatment. Monitor for symptoms in a male sexual partner and if they arise, they should see their doctor.

When do I need to see a doctor for my thrush?

You should contact your doctor or use our Online Doctor Service if:

You are experiencing symptoms for the first time
You have blisters/sore spots
You experience bleeding between periods or after sex
You have yellow/green vaginal discharge
You have pain in your lower abdomen
You have tried the ‘over the counter’ treatments above and they haven’t worked or there has been no improvement after one week’s treatment
You have had more than two infections in the last six months
You are over 60 or under 16 years of age
Your immune system is low
You have diabetes mellitus
You are pregnant or breastfeeding
You are a man experiencing thrush symptoms (in order to rule out other conditions)

Treatment should be continued until symptoms of the infection clear. If there is no improvement after one week, you should contact your doctor.

Eimear’s top tips for the management of Thrush:

Avoid wearing tights, nylon underwear and tight trousers as they produce warm, moist conditions that encourage the yeast to grow
Candida can be carried from the bowel to the vagina and vice versa, so wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
Perfumed soaps, antiseptics, bath additives, and vaginal deodorants may irritate delicate skin and make it more prone to infection
Avoid washing underwear with biological washing powders or liquids and avoid the use of fabric conditioners
A probiotic supplement may help to restore the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina and maybe a complementary offering for customers suffering from recurrent thrush or thrush occurring after a course of antibiotics, e.g. AYA Acidophilus

Online Doctor