Quick answer

What is thrush?

Thrush is a common yeast infection caused by Candida fungus. It can affect the mouth (white patches, soreness) or vagina (itching, discharge). Antifungal treatment from a pharmacy or GP usually clears it within a week. See a GP if symptoms keep coming back or you are pregnant, under 16, or have a weakened immune system.

What is thrush?

Thrush is a common infection caused by Candida — a yeast that normally lives on the skin and in the mouth, gut and vagina without causing problems. When it overgrows, it can cause symptoms in the mouth (oral thrush) or genitals (vaginal thrush in women; less commonly penile thrush in men).

Thrush is uncomfortable but usually straightforward to treat.

Vaginal thrush symptoms

Vaginal thrush commonly causes:

  • itching and soreness around the vagina and vulva
  • redness and swelling
  • a thick, white discharge — often compared to cottage cheese
  • pain during sex or when passing urine

There is usually no strong or unpleasant smell — unlike some other infections. If discharge smells fishy, a different condition such as bacterial vaginosis may be more likely — a GP or pharmacist can advise.

Oral thrush symptoms

Oral thrush causes:

  • white patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, or roof of the mouth
  • redness or soreness — patches may bleed if scraped
  • an unpleasant taste or difficulty eating (in severe cases)

Babies, older adults, people using inhaled steroids without mouth rinsing, and those with weakened immunity are more prone to oral thrush.

What triggers thrush?

Candida overgrowth can happen when the normal balance of microorganisms is disturbed:

  • Antibiotics — kill friendly bacteria that keep yeast in check
  • Pregnancy — hormonal changes
  • Diabetes — especially if poorly controlled
  • Weakened immune system — from illness or medication
  • Inhaled corticosteroids — if you do not rinse your mouth after use

Thrush is not caused by poor hygiene.

Treatment

Vaginal thrush: Antifungal cream, a pessary inserted into the vagina, or a single oral tablet — available from pharmacies for uncomplicated cases. Symptoms usually improve within a few days; complete the full course if advised.

Oral thrush: Antifungal mouth gel or drops, prescribed by a GP or available for some cases from a pharmacy.

Men with penile thrush may need antifungal cream — see a GP or pharmacist.

When to see a GP

See a GP if:

  • you are unsure whether it is thrush
  • pharmacy treatment has not worked
  • you have four or more episodes in a year
  • you are pregnant, under 16, or have diabetes or immunosuppression
  • a baby has oral thrush

Recurrent thrush may need investigation for underlying causes.

Preventing recurrence

  • avoid perfumed soaps, bubble bath and vaginal douches
  • wear cotton underwear and avoid very tight trousers
  • change out of damp gym clothes or swimwear promptly
  • rinse your mouth after using steroid inhalers
  • manage diabetes well if you have it

Thrush vs other infections

Thrush is sometimes confused with UTIs (burning when urinating, needing to go often) or STIs. If symptoms do not fit the typical pattern, or treatment fails, see a GP for assessment.

Common questions

What are the symptoms of vaginal thrush?
Itching and soreness around the vagina and vulva, pain during sex or when urinating, and a thick white discharge — often described as cottage cheese-like. There is usually no strong smell.
What causes thrush?
Candida yeast overgrows when the normal balance of microorganisms is disturbed — for example after antibiotics, during pregnancy, with poorly controlled diabetes, or when the immune system is weakened. Tight clothing and perfumed products can irritate but do not directly cause thrush.
Can I treat thrush without seeing a doctor?
Many people treat uncomplicated vaginal thrush with antifungal cream or a pessary (tablet inserted into the vagina) from a pharmacy. A single-dose oral tablet is also available for some women. See a GP first if you are unsure, pregnant, or have recurrent episodes.
Is thrush a sexually transmitted infection?
Thrush is not classified as an STI, though it can occasionally be passed between partners. It is not caused by poor hygiene and can affect people who are not sexually active.
How can I prevent thrush coming back?
Avoid perfumed soaps and douches on the genital area, wear cotton underwear, change out of wet swimwear promptly, and only take antibiotics when needed. If thrush recurs frequently, a GP can investigate underlying causes.

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