Thrush is a common infection that affects people around the world, more often than you think. In this article, we explore what thrush is and how to treat it.

WHAT IS THRUSH?

Thrush is a yeast infection that is caused by a yeast called ‘Candida’. This yeast lives naturally in the body and normally doesn’t cause it any harm, but there are triggers that cause it to multiply and cause an infection.

Women are more likely to suffer from thrush in or around the vagina; three out of four women will get vaginal thrush in their life at least once[1]. However, you can get thrush in different parts of your body, like your mouth and armpits.

Although it is more common for women to suffer from thrush, men can also get thrush on their genitals and body.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF VAGINAL THRUSH?

The yeast multiplies in warm and moist conditions, it can be triggered by:

  • Taking certain antibiotics
  • Diabetes that isn’t controlled effectively
  • Pregnancy
  • A weak immune system
  • Damaged and irritated skin
  • Taking Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Thrush is not classed as a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI); however, it can be passed on and triggered by sex.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF THRUSH?

Vaginal thrush causes these symptoms:

  • Itching in and around the vagina
  • Skin irritation
  • White discharge, that has a thick consistency
  • Pain when urinating
  • Pain during sex

HOW DO YOU TREAT THRUSH?

Thrush is generally a harmless infection, but it can be very uncomfortable. It’s treated with anti-fungal medications that come in different formats.

INTRAVAGINAL TREATMENTS

Intravaginal treatments come in the form of a tablet (also known as a pessary) that is inserted inside the vagina. It is a single treatment option, so you only need to insert one pessary at night to treat the infection.

Examples of thrush treatment options PostMyMeds sell are:

EXTERNAL CREAM

External creams can be applied to the outside of the vagina, known as the vulva, to treat thrush. It also works well to relieve symptoms such as irritation and itching. PostMyMeds sell a cream called Canesten Thrush External Cream.

ORAL TABLETS

These are single-dose tablets that are swallowed, people tend to see the symptoms ease within a few days.

Examples of thrush treatment oral options PostMyMeds sell are:

If you do not see any improvement within 7 days after taking the tablet, you should seek medical advice on further treatment options.

COMBINATION TREATMENTS

These combination treatments provide an option to treat the infection and an external cream to ease the symptoms – the aim is to make you more comfortable.

Examples of combination thrush treatment options PostMyMeds sell are:

CAN THRUSH REOCCUR?

Thrush can reoccur; however, it is more likely to be triggered by something rather than a brand-new infection.

Reoccurring thrush treatment is normally a longer course of anti-fungal medication, but it is advised to visit a medical professional to help you identify your triggers.

HOW TO PREVENT THRUSH

There are things you can do to prevent thrush from occurring, such as:

  • Wearing cotton underwear
  • Avoid using douches
  • Avoid using genital deodorants
  • Drying yourself properly after washing
  • Avoid washing your genitals with shower gels and soaps

BUY YOUR THRUSH TREATMENTS FROM POSTMYMEDS

At PostMyMeds, we care about your privacy, which is why we deliver all your orders in discrete packaging.

Explore our range of Thrush treatments:

 

Although all of our content is written and reviewed by healthcare professionals, it should not be substituted for or used as medical advice. If you have any questions about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Authored Jul 27, 2022 by Joseph Issac, MPharm
Reviewed Feb 01, 2023 by Prabjeet Saundh, MPharm
References