How do you treat thrush?

Thrush can be treated using antifungal medication which is available at the pharmacy. Normally symptoms of thrush should clear up within a week of completing treatment. Treatment options include:

• Fluconazole Tablet – an antifungal medication that only needs to be taken once as a single dose
• Clotrimazole Cream – an antifungal cream that can be applied directly to the vaginal area
• Clotrimazole Pessary – an antifungal vaginal tablet which can be entered directly into the vagina to treat the infection

You can take the following steps to control symptoms of vaginal thrush and prevent it returning:

• Pat dry vaginal area properly after washing
• Wear cotton underwear, do not wear tight underwear or tights
• Do not use deodorants or douches on the vagina
• Take showers instead of very hot long baths
• Avoid sexual intercourse until the thrush has completely cleared up – if you do have sex, use a condom to help stop it spreading

Do not use soaps or shower gels to wash the affected area