Explainer

Thrush

Real talk:

Thrush is a fungal overgrowth of candida (yeast), not an STI. You can usually treat it with over-the-counter medication from your chemist – no doctors needed!

Myth-busting:

Myth: “I can treat thrush at home by applying products like yoghurt or honey to the affected area.”
Fact: Don’t risk it! Home remedies could make your infection worse. Go to your chemist instead – they’ll be able to sort you out with a medication specially formulated to treat thrush.

Myth: “Thrush is the same as bacterial vaginosis (BV).”
Fact: Nope. Thrush is a yeast infection that can affect many different parts of the body. BV is a bacterial infection that specifically affects the vagina.

Myth: “Nothing can be done to prevent thrush.”
Fact: Incorrect. Thrush can have different triggers – like certain fabrics, medications, or weather conditions. If you get to know your own triggers, you can find ways to prevent thrush.

What is thrush?

Thrush, also known as candidiasis, is an overgrowth of yeast in the body. It usually occurs in warm, moist places on the body, including:

in the mouth and throat
in the vagina or rectum
under the foreskin of the penis
between the fingers or armpits.

Thrush isn’t considered an STI because you don’t get it from a sexual partner. It’s a common infection that can affect people of all ages.

How do you get thrush?

Thrush has many triggers, depending on the affected area of the body. In the genitals, anything that disrupts that balance of healthy organisms – including sex – can lead to thrush.

Other common triggers include:

certain medications
hormonal changes
menstruation
using certain fabrics or soaps
wearing tight clothes, especially in a hot climate.

Thrush is sometimes passed through contact with bodily fluids.

What are the symptoms of thrush?

Thrush is most common in the vagina or under the foreskin of the penis. It often causes:

itching
thick, white, clumpy discharge or patches
redness and irritation on the head of the penis or on the vulva
stinging or burning when peeing or during sex.

How is thrush prevented?

You can prevent thrush by getting to know your triggers. For some people, this might look like:

avoiding irritants like bubble baths, perfumed soaps, or ‘feminine hygiene’ sprays and washes
wearing loose clothing
wearing cotton undies – or none at all – to keep from overheating
using different laundry products or menstrual products
washing genitals with warm water or soap substitutes only and drying the area thoroughly

How do you test for thrush?

A routine STI screening doesn’t include a test for thrush. Your healthcare provider can often confirm if you have thrush by examining the area that’s bothering you.

Sometimes, they may take a swab to confirm the diagnosis or check if there is another cause for your symptoms.

How do you get treated for thrush?

Thrush is easily treated with over-the-counter medication. Usually, you can use a three-day or seven-day cream, applied with an applicator to the affected area to get rid of it. Single dose pessary and oral treatments are also available over the counter from your pharmacy.

Once you know the symptoms of thrush, it’s safe to get treatment without seeing a doctor.

If this treatment doesn’t help, or you notice any breaks in the skin, pain, or bleeding, make sure you see a doctor. In this case, you may need other tests or a different type of treatment.

When to see a healthcare professional

A healthcare professional can recommend the tests that are right for your body and your sexual practices. They can provide treatment straight away if you need it, check for any complications, and talk with you about re-testing or letting partners know. Regular checks are a simple way to look after yourself, your partners and your community.

See a healthcare provider if: