Thrush

What is Thrush?

Thrush (candidiasis) is a contagious yeast infection which commonly affects the mouth and genitals of both men and women, but can also affect the skin and nails.

An infection occurs after an exponential growth of a natural fungus in the body known as candida. This yeast is usually kept in check by other bacteria in the body. In some cases, the body fails to regulate the growth of this fungus in the body, allowing the yeast to grow exponentially.

If left untreated, a thrush infection can spread into the bloodstream where it can affect joints, potentially causing arthritis.

Oral thrush can interfere with the absorption of nutrients and the taking of medicine, as it can cause painful white lumps in areas of the mouth, such as the tongue, cheeks and the back of the throat.

Depending on the area affected by thrush, there are a number of treatments.

There are a range of treatments which can treat thrush, depending on location and severity of the infection.

Symptoms of Thrush

Thrush can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms. The most notable is a white penile or vaginal discharge akin to cottage cheese - which may be odourless in women, but not in men. Irritation and pain are common symptoms at the sight of the infection which can make urination and intercourse particularly painful.

When areas such as the groin, armpit and between the fingers are affected, the infection causes a red, itchy, scaly rash and a white or yellow discharge.

Causes of Thrush

The infection is caused by a fungus, known as candida, which is commonly found in the human body. An infection of Thrush occurs during a rapid growth of this fungus which off-balances the natural levels of bacteria.

Possible causes of Thrush include:

• Damaged or irritated skin
• Menopause
• Oral contraceptives
• Pregnancy
• Treatment with antibiotics
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Weak immune system (due to diabetes, HIV or chemotherapy)

While Thrush is not classed as an STI, sexual intercourse can cause a bout of thrush and transmit the infection onto other people. If you have a penile or vaginal thrush infection, it is possible to pass the infection back and forth between you both.

If you are treating a thrush infection, you should avoid sexual intercourse until the infection has been cleared. Use of condoms during sex can reduce the risk of developing or passing thrush on to your partner.

How can I prevent Thrush?

Depending on the cause of your thrush infection, there are preventive methods which you can take to mitigate or minimise the risk of infection.

• Avoid sex when infected
• Avoid tight underwear
• Avoid using douches and perfumed products around your genitals
• Take a shower instead of a bath
• Use water and emollients to clean your genitals
• Wear breathable, cotton underwear
• Wear condoms during sex to prevent the infection spreading

Buy Thrush Treatments Online

If you have experienced thrush before, and know that what you are experiencing is a bout of thrush, you can buy thrush treatment online from Prescription Doctor. We offer a range of antifungal treatments for thrush which you can buy online.

Antifungal treatments for thrush come in a range of forms, depending on the location and severity of the infection.

Forms of thrush treatments include:

• Cream for internal use
• Cream for external use
• Oral tablet
• Pessary tablet (which is inserted into the vagina)

Some thrush treatments contain a combination of these treatments to effectively clear the infection.

If you experience recurring thrush, you may need to keep taking treatment for up to 6 months. You should speak to your doctor to determine the cause of your thrush, such as periods or sex.

If you are suffering from thrush for the first time, see your GP to rule out the possibility of a sexually transmitted infection.

Table of contents

What is Thrush?

Symptoms of Thrush

Causes of Thrush

How can I prevent Thrush?

Buy Thrush Treatments Online

Additional resources

Why do I keep getting thrush?