Topic: Thrush (Candidiasis)
Description
Thrush is due to overgrowth of fungi called Candida. This may occur in the vagina and external genital area causing a range of signs and symptoms.
Thrush is not considered to be a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Candida may be present normally in small numbers.
Symptoms
Thrush may cause:
- itching and soreness of the vagina and external genital area
- a thick white or creamy vaginal discharge
- discomfort or pain around the vagina and opening of the vagina during sex
- a rash or a dry scaly appearance on the shaft of the penis, and or a redness and swelling of the head of the penis.
Treatment
When a doctor or sexual health nurse examines the vagina, there may be signs of thrush. A swab of the discharge from the vagina should also be taken. In men, a swab from the penis or a small sample of flaking skin may be taken from the affected area to obtain a diagnosis. If there is any risk of an STI, tests should be taken at the same time.
Women with thrush are advised to:
- avoid tight fitting and synthetic clothing
- avoid soaps, gels and the use of sanitary perfumes
- avoid bubble baths and bath salts
- try different brands of condoms and lubrication
- learn what may trigger the thrush to recur eg. diet, periods.
There are many treatments available to treat thrush. Vaginal creams and pessaries are available over the counter at the pharmacy. Your doctor can also recommend treatments. Short or long-term oral treatments are available if vaginal treatments don’t work.
Men with thrush are advised to:
- avoid the use of soaps and gels
- bathe the affected area with normal saline (a teaspoon of salt to a jug of water) twice a day
- wear loose underwear such as boxer shorts.
If you have treated yourself for thrush and did not seem to get better, or if you have treated yourself for repeated episodes of thrush, you are advised to see your doctor or sexual health clinician. It may be necessary to have tests to make sure the problem is thrush and to exclude other causes of discharge and irritation.
Health Outcome
Candida, the fungus that causes thrush, is very common. It is estimated that up to one in five women aged between 15 and 45 years have this fungus present in the vagina. A trigger may cause this fungus to overgrow and cause symptoms of thrush. Male partners of women with vaginal candidiasis do not need treatment unless they are experiencing symptoms.
Thrush causes irritation which may be mild or severe. There are no other long-term effects of untreated thrush.
Some people seem to be more prone to thrush and may get it from time to time. There are factors which increase the likelihood of getting thrush. These include:
- diabetes
- antibiotic treatment
- stress and tiredness
- overweight
- wearing synthetic or tight clothing and stockings
- pregnancy
- steroid treatment
- HIV infection.
Prevention
Thrush is not sexually transmitted. Use of condoms does not prevent thrush.
Help and Assistance
For more information about thrush, you can talk to:
- your local doctor
- your local sexual health clinic
- your local family planning clinic.
Other Resources
Queensland Health - Sexual Health website
Women’s Health Queensland Wide
Last Updated: 28th April, 2008
Date Valid to: 8th November, 2006
