Thrush, sometimes called candida, is an infection caused by a yeast fungus. Usually, the fungus lives in your body and is not a problem. But if you have too much it can lead to an infection. While thrush is largely harmless, it can cause discomfort and may keep coming back. This can make it tough to live with and some of the symptoms might make you feel embarrassed. 

It may help to know that most women will get it at some point in their lives and it is a common cause of unusual vaginal discharge. So, you are not alone. It also affects men though this is less common. 

Thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it can be triggered by sex. 

Thrush mainly affects your genitals, but sometimes you will not have any signs or symptoms.

In women symptoms can include: 

  • white vaginal discharge that might look like cottage cheese and does not tend to smell 
  • itching and irritation around your vagina
  • pain during sex or when you pee 

In men symptoms can include: 

  • white discharge from the penis
  • soreness and redness at the head of the penis and under your foreskin 
  • a ‘yeasty’ smell from the genital area 
  • pain pulling back your foreskin 

Some people also get thrush in other areas, such as under their armpits or between their fingers. This causes an itchy, scaly rash with a white or yellow discharge. 

It can also affect your mouth, but this is most common in babies and people with dentures. It causes white patches, soreness and a coating on the tongue. 

Thrush thrives in warm, moist conditions and develops if the balance of bacteria in your body changes. 

Thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it can be triggered by sex because your partner may pass on bacteria.

You’re most likely to develop a yeast infection if:

  • you’re taking antibiotics
  • your skin is damaged or irritated 
  • you use soaps or perfumed cleansers on your genitals
  • your immune system is weak for any reason, for example if you’re living with HIV
  • you’re pregnant or taking HRT 

You can test for thrush at a GP, a sexual health clinic or some larger pharmacies. You will not always need a test as the symptoms of thrush are so clear. 

You treat thrush with antifungal medicine. This can come in tablets, a cream or as a pessary (a small device that releases the medicine into your vagina). If you do not treat thrush it should go away on its own, but it might take longer.

It’s fine to get the medicine you need over the counter. Your pharmacist can talk you through your treatment. 

If you have thrush symptoms for the first time, which aren’t going away after over-the-counter treatment, it’s a good idea to see a doctor or nurse.

If you’re under 16 or over 60, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding or if your immune system is weak, you should also see a healthcare professional . You can:

•    call our booking and information line for free on 0800 328 3383
•    contact your GP 
•    or find a sexual health clinic 

Your sexual partner or partners do not need treatment unless they have symptoms. 

You can ease the symptoms of thrush and prevent it from coming back by: 

  • using water and emollient (a simple and fragrance free cream like E45) to wash the affected area, instead of soap 
  • drying thoroughly after you’ve washed
  • wearing cotton underwear 
  • avoiding sex until thrush has cleared up

If your thrush is not getting better then you might find it helps to keep a diary of symptoms and the treatments you have tried. You can show it to a doctor or nurse to give them a clearer picture of what you might need to try next.