Symptoms
- Itching and soreness
- Thick white discharge
- Discomfort during sex or urination
- Red, swollen vulva or penile irritation
Thrush: symptoms, causes & treatment
Thrush is a common yeast infection causing itching and discharge. It is easily treated with antifungal medicine — but recurrent thrush needs proper assessment.
Editorial information by Kaiser Khan. Not clinically reviewed.
Why it happens
Candida yeast overgrowth, often after antibiotics, during pregnancy, with diabetes, or when immunity is reduced. It is not classed as an STI but can pass between partners.
Treatment
Single-dose oral capsule or topical cream clears most thrush within days. Partners may need treatment if symptoms keep returning.
Self-care that helps
Avoid perfumed soaps; cotton underwear; complete the full course; do not use douches or harsh washes.
When to get help
Recurrent thrush (4+ times a year), symptoms under 16, pregnancy, or not improving after treatment — get reviewed.
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