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Vaginal thrush

Published by Bupa's health information team, May 2009.

This factsheet is for people who have vaginal thrush, or who would like information about it.

Vaginal thrush is an inflammation caused by a type of yeast called Candida albicans. Vaginal thrush is very common. Three out of four women in the UK will have it at some point during their life.

About vaginal thrush

Candida albicans can live on the skin, in the mouth, in the digestive system and in or around the vagina. It's usually kept at harmless levels by your body's immune system and healthy vaginal bacteria. However, if the Candida albicans in the vagina grows too quickly, this can cause vaginal thrush (vulvovaginal candidiasis).

Vaginal thrush can keep coming back. If you have thrush with symptoms more than four times in a year, it is known as recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Symptoms of vaginal thrush

Some women don't have any symptoms, so they may not realise that they have vaginal thrush. However, possible symptoms include:

As well as the above symptoms, you may have some inflammation of the vulva, including:

Causes of vaginal thrush

Vaginal thrush is caused by an increase in the amount of Candida albicans in the vagina. There are a number of things which make vaginal thrush more likely, including:

You may also be more likely to develop vaginal thrush if you:

Stress may also increase your chances of developing thrush.

There is no evidence that using tampons can cause vaginal thrush. However, there is a small amount of evidence that suggests a link between vaginal thrush and regularly using sanitary towels.

Diagnosis of vaginal thrush

Your GP will ask about your symptoms. He or she may also ask you about your medical history and whether you have had thrush in the past.

Vaginal thrush is normally diagnosed by your symptoms.

If your treatment doesn't work, your symptoms are severe, or if it keeps coming back, your GP may carry out a test to confirm your diagnosis. A swab will be used to collect a sample from your vagina. This isn't usually painful, although it may feel a little uncomfortable.

The results will show whether your symptoms are being caused by vaginal thrush or another condition, such as bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis.

Treatment of vaginal thrush

Medicines

If you have mild symptoms, your GP may prescribe you a short course (one to three days) of an antifungal medicine. Antifungal medicines can be taken in two different ways, either orally or as an intravaginal treatment. Intravaginal treatments are either creams or pessaries. A pessary is a small tablet that is inserted into the vagina.

Whether you're prescribed an oral or intravaginal treatment will depend on several factors:

It's important to remember that treatments for vaginal thrush that contain imidazoles may damage condoms and diaphragms. Imidazoles are a type of antifungal medicine often used to treat vaginal thrush. There are also reports that some oral treatments for vaginal thrush can stop oral contraceptives working properly. Speak to your GP or GUM (genito-urinary medicine) clinic for more advice.

If you're pregnant, have diabetes or have a weakened immune system, your vaginal thrush will be treated in a different way.

You won't be treated with oral antifungal medicines if you're pregnant. Your GP will prescribe an intravaginal treatment. If you're prescribed a pessary, it's best to take care when inserting it into the vagina. You may prefer to do this by hand to avoid hurting yourself.

If you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, your GP will prescribe you a longer course of antifungal medicine. This course will normally last between six and 14 days depending on how your vaginal thrush is treated.

If you still have symptoms seven to 14 days after starting treatment, you should go back to see your GP.

Always get advice from your GP before starting any treatment, and read the patient information leaflet that comes with the medicine. It's important to complete the treatment your GP gives you, even if your symptoms improve.

Self-help

You can also buy some treatments over the counter in a pharmacy if you're sure you have vaginal thrush. Always read the patient information that comes with the medicine and if you have any questions, ask your pharmacist for advice.

Prevention of vaginal thrush

There are a number of things you can do that may help to stop your vaginal thrush re-occurring.

Related topics

Further information

Sources

This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: May 2009