Vaginal thrush
thrush; candida; monila; yeast; vagina; young; people; youth; sexual; health; sexually; discharge; vulva; transmitted; disease; infection; foreskin;
Contents
Candida is the yeast organism causing thrush. Candida lives naturally on the skin, in the bowel and in the vagina. Normally it does not cause any problems.
Sometimes it starts to grow rapidly and causes a rash (thrush). This growth can be triggered by some things - like sexual intercourse, taking the pill, taking antibiotics, pregnancy or less commonly diabetes, but often there is no obvious reason. Some women rarely, if ever, get thrush, while some women can get it several times a year.
Signs of vaginal thrush
Thrush can cause severe itching, a whitish discharge that looks rather like 'cottage cream' and stinging or burning on passing urine (wee). The vulva may be red and swollen. Similar signs can be caused by other conditions so you need to get it checked out by a doctor.
Thrush can also occur in the mouth (particularly in babies), on rashes (eg nappy rashes) and on the nipples of breast feeding mothers. See Thrush in our parenting topics for more information about these types of thrush.
More information about thrush and thrush treatment
Sexually Transmitted Diseases Services South Australia 'Vaginal thrush'
http://www.stdservices.on.net/publications/pdf/thrush.pdf
Department of Health, South Australia - Communicable Diseases Branch 'Thrush'
http://www.dh.sa.gov.au/pehs/ygw/thrush-pehs-sahealth-2009.pdf
- Washing the anal-vulva area daily with a gentle soap is usually enough.
- Women who get repeated episodes of thrush may find it helpful to avoid tight fitting pants and pantyhose. These bring about warm moist conditions that the yeast loves. Cotton underwear is healthier than nylon or synthetic materials.
- Don't use douches or other things which may irritate the vagina.
- Some people find it useful to avoid using perfumed toilet paper.
Sexual partners
Thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection but sex may irritate the vagina and allow candida to grow more than usual.
Male partners do not need to be treated.
Resources
South Australia
The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Youth Healthline on 1300 13 17 19 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).