What is thrush and how does it come about?
Thrush is caused by the common yeast Candida in the vagina. Candidal organisms are almost always present in small numbers in all people, particularly in warm and moist parts of the body such as the vagina and its surrounding vulval skin. The organisms are usually prevented from growth and multiplication (resulting in symptoms) by the immune system, and the competition from the other harmless bacteria that are present in the vagina.
Occasionally, this delicate balance may be disturbed by a temporary impairment of the local immune system, or a reduction, or elimination of the other bacteria that compete with Candida. Any of these changes will promote the growth and multiplication of Candida. When this occurs the characteristic symptoms and signs of thrush appear such as itches in the vagina and surrounding areas.
Thrush in the vagina
How is thrush treated?
Up to 75% of women would have had thrush at some point in their lifetime and would recognise the symptoms. They are, therefore, able to medicate themselves without an examination or tests using over the counter antifungal agents. This is usually in the form of a large single dose vaginal pessary inserted into the vagina, and cream rubbed onto the vulval skin for a few days for symptom relief. Alternatively, a single dose oral tablet of Fluconazole is also available.
However, it is important that the first attack is confirmed by the doctor and other causes of the symptoms excluded before self-treatment approach is adopted in the long term. If symptoms are not typical or become recurrent, then the woman needs to see her doctor and be fully examined and tested to confirm the cause of the discharge.
What should I do if my vagina is itchy?
Consult your GP in the first instance, and depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may wish to see your local chemist. The pharmacist will be able to help you with information on the types of over-the-counter treatments for thrush. However, if after using a treatment the symptoms return quite quickly, this is an indication that the problem may not be thrush as the treatments are usually very effective, or that the Thrush may be the complicated or recurrent type.
Since thrush (Candida) thrives in warm, moist, and airless parts of the body, women who wear tight fitting nylon, Lycra and other non-cotton fabric underwear or swimsuits for long periods of time, may be promoting the favourable conditions for the growth and multiplication of thrush (Candida).
Up to 75% of women would have had vaginal thrush at some point in their lifetime and would recognise the symptoms. They are, therefore, able to medicate themselves without an examination or tests using over-the-counter antifungal agents (such as Canesten). This is usually in the form of a large single dose vaginal pessary inserted into the vagina, and cream rubbed onto the vulval skin for a few days for symptom relief. Alternatively, a single dose oral tablet of Fluconazole is also available.
If symptoms are not typical or become recurrent, then the woman needs to see her doctor and be fully examined and tested to confirm the cause of the irritation or discharge. For more details click on Recurring thrush.
Austin Ugwumadu has a special interest in this area. You can ask your doctor for a referral to his clinic at St Georges Hospital in Tooting, London or you can see him privately at Parkside Hospital beside Wimbledon Common, London or Newlife clinic in Epsom, Surrey.
My thrush keeps coming back what should I do?
If you have four or more attacks in one year. It may be that there is an underlying problem that may need to be treated differently. If so please go to our Recurrent thrush page.