Sexual Health Infections

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Thrush

What is Thrush and how is it passed on? Find out about signs and symptoms of Thrush, testing and treatment and what happens if Thrush isn't treated. How to avoid STIs.

Most women will suffer from the yeast infection thrush at some point, but men can get it too. Recognizing the symptoms of Thrush will help you receive prompt treatment and prevent you passing the infection on to your partner.

What is Thrush and how is it passed on?
Thrush is a common infection caused by a yeast called Candida albicans. This yeast lives on the skin and in the mouth, gut and vagina. Usually it's harmless, but sometimes changes in the body cause the yeast to grow rapidly. This can lead to an outbreak of thrush.

Thrush can develop when you have sex with someone who has the infection. However, it isn't usually related to sex and is more likely to occur when you:

• wear tight trousers or nylon underwear
• take certain antibiotics
• are pregnant
• are diabetic
• are unwell or ill
• use products that may cause irritation such as vaginal deodorants

You can't catch thrush from kissing, hugging, sharing baths, towels, cups, plates or cutlery, or from toilet seats or swimming pools.

Signs and symptoms of Thrush
Both men and women can get thrush.

Thrush symptoms in women:

• soreness, redness and itching around the vulva (lips of the vagina), the vagina and anus
• thick, white discharge from the vagina that looks like cottage cheese and smells of yeast
• pain during sex
• pain passing urine

Thrush symptoms in men:

• burning, itching, redness and red patches under the foreskin or on the tip of the penis
• thick, cheesy discharge under the foreskin
• problems pulling back the foreskin

Thrush Testing and treatment
Tests for Thrush shouldn't be painful, but they may be uncomfortable. They may include:

• a genital examination by a doctor or nurse
• taking swabs from the infected area and examining them under a microscope
• women may be given an internal examination

Thrush is easily treated using pessaries (almond-shaped tablets that are inserted into the vagina), cream or tablets. Men are usually treated with creams. It's best to avoid sex until the treatment is completed and the infection has cleared up.

Some self-help measures can be useful in preventing or clearing up outbreaks of thrush:

• avoid using perfumed soap, bubble bath and other irritants such as disinfectants
• avoid douching (washing out the vagina with liquids)
• avoid tight nylon underwear
• women should wash and wipe the genital area from front to back
• women should also use sanitary pads rather than tampons during their periods

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What happens if Thrush isn't treated?
Thrush doesn't cause serious long-term health problems. It will clear up without treatment, but this will prolong the discomfort.

How to avoid STIs

1. Before you have sex, talk to your partner about how to protect yourselves.
2. A male or female condom can provide protection from most STIs if used correctly every time you have sex.
3. Become familiar with how to use condoms and have a supply ready.
4. Seek advice straight away if you think you've been at risk.

Last updated: 10/05

Related Information:

• Sexually Transmitted Infections Index
• Emergency Contraception
• Why Practice Safer Sex?

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