Overview
Thrush is a common yeast infection that affects men and women. It's usually harmless but it can be uncomfortable and keep coming back. It is not classed as a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Check if you have thrush
Thrush symptoms in women
- white discharge (like cottage cheese), which does not usually smell
- itching and irritation around the vagina
- soreness and stinging during sex or when you pee
If you're unsure it's thrush check vaginal discharge.
Thrush symptoms in men
- irritation, burning and redness around the head of the penis and under the foreskin
- a white discharge (like cottage cheese)
- an unpleasant smell
- difficulty pulling back the foreskin
Thrush can affect other areas of skin, such as the armpits, groin and between the fingers.
This usually causes a red, itchy or painful rash that scales over with white or yellow discharge. The rash may not be so obvious on darker skin.
Sometimes thrush causes no symptoms at all.
See a GP or go to a sexual health clinic if:
- you have the symptoms of thrush for the first time
- you're under 16 or over 60
- your thrush keeps coming back (more than 4 times in 12 months)
- treatment has not worked
- you're pregnant or breastfeeding
- you have thrush and a weakened immune system - for example, because of diabetes, HIV or chemotherapy
Sexual health clinics can help with thrush
Sexual health clinics treat problems with the genitals and urine system.
Many sexual health clinics offer a walk-in service, where you do not need an appointment.
They'll often get test results quicker than GP practices.
Find a sexual health clinic
What happens at your appointment
The GP or sexual health clinic will want to confirm it's thrush and rule out other infections.
You'll be asked about your symptoms.
If it's not clear it's thrush:
- a doctor or nurse may look at your vagina, penis or skin
- a cotton bud may be wiped over the discharge to test for other infections
Thrush treatment
You'll often need antifungal medicine to get rid of thrush. This can be a tablet you take, a tablet you insert into your vagina (pessary) or a cream to relieve the irritation.
Thrush should clear up within 7 to 14 days of starting treatment.
You do not need to treat partners, unless they have symptoms.
Recurring thrush
You might need to take treatment for longer (for up to 6 months) if you keep getting thrush (you get it more than 4 times in 12 months).
A GP or sexual health clinic can help identify if something is causing your thrush, such as your period or sex.
They'll recommend how often you should use treatment.
A pharmacist can help with thrush
Vaginal Thrush is one of the conditions covered by the Common Ailments Scheme which is an NHS service that patients can access for free advice and free treatment and is available from 99% of pharmacies in Wales.
Find your nearest pharmacy here.
Find more information on the service here.
You can buy antifungal medicine from pharmacies if you've had thrush diagnosed in the past and you know the symptoms.
A pharmacist can recommend the best treatment for you. Almost all pharmacies in Wales have a private consultation area to talk if you're embarrassed.
You shouldn't use antifungal medicine more than twice in 6 months without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
Things you can do yourself to ease discomfort and prevent thrush returning
Do:
- use water and emollient (like E45 cream) instead of soap to wash the affected area
- dry properly after washing
- wear cotton underwear
- avoid sex until thrush has cleared up if sex is uncomfortable
Don't:
- do not use soaps or shower gels
- do not use douches or deodorants on your vagina or penis
- do not wear tight underwear or tights
Important
If you have sex during treatment, be aware that antifungal creams can damage condoms and diaphragms. This means your contraception might not work.
What causes thrush
Thrush isn't classed as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it can be triggered by sex.
Thrush is caused by a fungus called candida that is normally harmless.
Thrush tends to grow in warm, moist conditions and develops if the balance of bacteria changes.
This can happen if:
- your skin is irritated or damaged
- you're taking antibiotics
- you have poorly controlled diabetes
- you have a weakened immune system (for example because of HIV or chemotherapy)
- you're having hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- you're pregnant