Thrush

The fungal infection known as thrush is very common and easily treated. It occurs when the conditions within the vagina change causing the yeast-like substance Candida, which naturally lives within the vagina, to overgrow.

This can happen for several reasons including hormones changes during pregnancy, douching with scented products such as soaps and taking medications including antibiotics. Although it is not harmful, thrush can be irritating and painful so finding a suitable treatment can be very beneficial. Symptoms include:

• itching around the vagina including the vulva
• soreness during sex
• stinging during urination
• a discharge which is usually unscented and white with the appearance of cottage cheese

Treatment is usually simple and effective though it is important to not just deal with the symptoms. There is a wide range of available options for the treatment of thrush which will work on destroying the main cause of the infection whilst easing the symptoms as well, including the itch and soreness. One study noted that 97% of its participants were cured and/or improved after 5 days with the use of the oral treatment fluconazole.

But this time can vary from patient to patient with some clearing up within 2 days as the Candida growth is slowed down and ultimately stopped.

Thrush treatment is safe and effective to take in the majority of women. One study demonstrated that the side effects of thrush treatments is low and tends to be limited to mild gastrointestinal issues such as an upset stomach. With all medications, there is the possibility of some patients suffering from side effects or allergies, so if you suffer from any issues after using a treatment, then contact your doctor or seek medical help right away if necessary.

It is generally considered safe to use thrush treatments during pregnancy and/or when breastfeeding but it is recommended that you consult your doctor before using a thrush medication to ensure the safety of you and your baby.

There are several forms of treatment for thrush available making it suitable for every patient. They include:

• oral
• pessaries (intravaginal tablets)
• creams

Some treatments come in a double format such as Canesten Duo which enables you to treat the thrush from within and at the site of the irritation through the use of an oral tablet and a cream.

Thrush treatments can be purchased online via Click Pharmacy. You will be prompted to fill in a health questionnaire which will allow our in-house doctors to ensure that this is the appropriate medication to treat your symptoms.

You can have a free, confidential and online appointment with a doctor if they have any further questions or if you have any questions about your thrush.

Once you have been approved for a prescription you can purchase your treatment which will be sent discreetly to your chosen address via next day delivery.

The medication will get to work right away once it has been used/taken. The treatment deals with the cause of the infection by destroying the Candida overgrowth. The full benefits of this are usually seen within a week, though many patients say they notice an improvement within as little as 2 days.

All medications can cause side effects as they occur due to how each person’s body can tolerate a drug. Thrush treatments tend to be linked to only mild side effects in the majority of patients and they can include:

• stomach pain
• diarrhoea
• nausea
• headache

If you experience any more severe side effects including, blistering, burning or stinging at the source of application, a rash, severe pelvic or abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding, then stop using the treatment and consult your doctor or seek medical help if necessary.

Most women experience vaginal thrush at some point. It is a widespread yeast infection. The typical symptoms of vaginal thrush may include the following:

• abnormal vaginal discharge (usually odourless, thin and watery, or sometimes thick and off-white)
• soreness, irritation, and itching around the opening of the vagina
• pain during sexual intercourse
• burning sensation when peeing
• cracked, sudden swelling, or red skin around the vagina

Oral thrush occurs in babies and older people with dentures. The most common symptoms of oral thrush may include the following:

• white patches inside the mouth
• lack of taste
• dryness, cracks at the corners of the mouth
• pain inside the mouth
• sore gums or sore tongue
• difficulty drinking and eating

Thrush can occur in men, too. However, it usually only affects the head or tip of the penis. If left untreated, thrush in men can lead to discharge, redness, and unbearable irritation. You may experience some other symptoms of thrush, such as:

• a white discharge from the tip of the penis (like cottage cheese)
• difficulty pulling back the foreskin
• an unpleasant smell omitting from the genital area

Thrush typically lasts 7 to 14 days. However, it only goes away in that specific time frame if it is being treated. In some cases, individuals must continue treatment for six months. This is particularly relevant in cases where thrush continues to persist. Note that if this occurs, it is vital to contact your GP right away.

Mild cases of thrush go away on their own. But, the infection can get progressively worse when it is left untreated.

An overgrowth of fungus causes thrush. However, some risk factors may significantly increase your yeast infection risk. Although thrush is not considered an STI (sexually transmitted infection), it is often triggered by sexual intercourse.

A few risk factors are associated with the high-risk levels of thrush. According to experts, you are more likely to get thrush if:

• your skin is damaged or irritated due to some reason
• you are currently on antibiotics
• you have a relatively weak immune system or are immunocompromised
• you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant
• you are having HRT (hormone replacement therapy)

In some cases, people get thrush three to four times a year. This is referred to as recurring thrush. There are various different reasons behind this condition. For some, it is due to the treatment not clearing up the whole infection, which causes it to return. 

However, there are a few things that you can do in order to prevent thrush from returning. They may only work for some. Try doing the following:

• use water and emollient to wash the infected area rather than plain soap
• wear cotton underwear
• dry the infected area properly after washing
• avoid tight-fitting articles of clothing, such as underwear or tights

The appearance of thrush varies depending on where the infection occurs. For instance, if you have oral thrush, you may experience white patches or a white coating on the tongue, inner cheeks, mouth, or even the back of the throat. On the other hand, if you have vaginal thrush, you may experience an abnormally thick, white vaginal discharge.

Thrush treatment takes 7 to 14 days to work.