Information » Health » Sexual Health » Thrush
- Thrush is a common infection caused by a yeast called Candida Albicans that lives on the skin, in the mouth, gut and vagina
- The yeast is harmless but sometimes changes in the body cause the yeast to grow rapidly causing thrush
- Thrush can affect men and women around the genital area or in the mouth
- Symptoms in women include:
- Soreness, redness and itching around the vagina or anus
- Thick, white discharge from vagina (looks like cottage cheese, smells like yeast)
- Pain during sex or urination
- Symptoms in men include:
- Burning, itching and redness under the foreskin or on the tip of the penis
- Thick, cheesy-smelling discharge under the foreskin
- Problems pulling back the foreskin
- It can be caused by:
- Wearing tight trousers or nylon underwear
- Products that might cause irritation like vaginal deodorants
- Pregnancy
- Taking certain antibiotics
- Diabetes
- Illness
- Thrush can also appear in the mouth causing soreness, redness and sometimes a white discharge
- At least three out of four women will experience thrush at some stage in their lives
- Thrush is not serious and treatment can be bought over-the-counter at chemists.
- If the problem persists, see your doctor
