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THRUSH

Thrush is only occasionally a sexually transmitted infection, but it usually has a direct impact on overall sexual health for both men and women. It is caused by Candida Albicans, which is a naturally occurring fungus or yeast that usually lives harmlessly on the skin, and in the gut, mouth and vagina. When the body's natural balance and control is not quite as it should be, due to a hugely wide range of circumstance which could be anything from stress & fatigue to HIV to the use of soap products that may irritate, the changed conditions may cause the yeast to increase quickly, leading to thrush.

People are sometimes not even aware that they have thrush, and it is often 'discovered' during a medical examination. Where symptoms are present, they are usually:

• Burning and itching around the vagina and/or anus and the crotch area generally
• Burning pain when urinating or having sex
• A white discharge, often described as similar to cottage cheese.

In men, the symptoms are very similar:

• Irritation and burning under the foreskin and at the tip of the penis
• Redness and red areas on the penis and/or under the foreskin
• A white discharge, often described as similar to cottage cheese
• Discomfort when passing urine

Someone with an infection may suffer no symptoms at all, or have only some of these symptoms in a mild form.

TESTING & TREATMENT

One can only be certain of a thrush infection through a test, and you should avoid self-diagnosis and over-the-counter products. Studies show that two thirds of women who buy these products do not really have a yeast infection. Using these medicines incorrectly may lead to a hard-to-treat infection. Plus, treating yourself for a yeast infection when you really have another kind of infection will almost certainly make things worse. Diagnosis is simple and painless, as is treatment.

It involves using antifungal cream, pessaries, pills or a combination of these.

PLEASE NOTE:
The information provided is intended only as a general guide to provide an overview of the condition. It must not be relied upon for any medical purpose.
Symptoms can vary a great deal from person to person, and the symptoms for various conditions can be identical.  
We therefore advise strongly against any self-diagnosis or self treatment based on this information and indeed, as a general principle.

The identification and treatment of any condition should be conducted only by a medical professional after due consultation.

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