Thrush

Thrush is caused by a fungal infection, most commonly due to the yeast Candida albicans. This fungus thrives in warm, moist conditions and can overgrow if bacterial or hormonal changes disrupt the natural vaginal balance.

Risk Factors for Thrush:

• Hormonal changes (e.g., pregnancy, menopause, contraceptive pills)
• Recent antibiotic use (up to 30% of women experience thrush after taking antibiotics)
• Poorly controlled diabetes
• Weakened immune system
• Tight clothing or synthetic underwear
• Sexual activity (especially if there is vaginal dryness or irritation)
  
  

Although vaginal thrush is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), sexual activity can sometimes trigger symptoms — particularly if there is vaginal dryness or tightness during intercourse. Thrush can also develop after taking antibiotics, with up to 30% of women experiencing an episode following a course of treatment.

Vaginal thrush symptoms in women may include:

• A white, often cheese-like vaginal discharge that typically has no strong odour
• Irritation, soreness, and itching around the vaginal area
• A stinging or burning sensation when urinating or during sex
  
  

These symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions such as bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infections (UTIs), or sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia. The NHS provides a helpful guide on vaginal discharge and related conditions. Vaginal itching is a common symptom of thrush and is less frequently associated with other vaginal infections.

Men

Thrush often causes irritation, itching, and redness around the head of the penis and under the foreskin. There may also be a white discharge and an unpleasant smell. Some men may find it difficult to retract the foreskin.

There are several effective treatments for vaginal thrush, including oral tablets, vaginal pessaries, and antifungal creams.

Oral treatments like fluconazole are taken as a single dose and work by clearing the infection from within. You can choose between branded options like Canesten Oral Capsule or a more affordable generic fluconazole capsule.

Vaginal pessaries, such as the Canesten Pessary, contain clotrimazole and are inserted directly into the vagina to treat the infection locally.

Antifungal creams containing clotrimazole can be used externally or internally to relieve itching and irritation. Some products, like Canesten Combi, combine a pessary with a cream for complete treatment.

Both oral capsules and pessaries are equally effective – the choice depends on personal preference.