Thrush

Thrush is a very common condition caused by yeast. This yeast is harmless but can occasionally overgrow, causing thrush. It can affect any gender.

Thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection and so you cannot “catch” it. It can also affect people when they do not have sex.

Thrush is more common in people with HIV, poorly controlled diabetes, weakened immune systems (for example, those taking chemotherapy for cancer treatment). It can also happen during pregnancy, when taking antibiotics or HRT (hormone replacement therapy).

Thrush can also develop if you wear tight clothing, or your skin is irritated and damaged. Using bubble bath or vaginal deodorant can also cause irritation of the vagina. This can make thrush worse.

People with a vagina might notice:

• Itching, soreness and redness around the vagina, vulva and anus.
• Soreness and stinging during sex.
• Burning sensation when urinating (going for a wee).
• White, thick vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese.

People with a penis might notice:

• Itching, irritation, burning, swelling or discharge under the foreskin or around the tip of the penis.
• A spotty rash on the head of the penis or redness of the genital skin.
• Difficulty pulling foreskin back.

To check your symptoms you can speak to your chemist, GP or come to a sexual health clinic. You may need to be tested for other infections including STIs.

You can use the service finder below to find a testing service near you.

You will usually need treatment to get rid of the symptoms. This can be a tablet you take by mouth, a vaginal pessary or a topical cream. You can discuss the best option for you with your pharmacist and buy the treatment over the counter.

If your symptoms continue after using these treatments, you need to visit your GP or sexual health clinic.

People you have sex with do not need treatment unless they have symptoms.

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