Thrush is a very common condition caused by yeast which lives in the vagina. This yeast is harmless but can occasionally overgrow, causing thrush. it can affect any gender.

Thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection and so you cannot “catch” it. This means that it can affect people even when they do not have sex.

Thrush is more common in people with HIV, poorly controlled diabetes, a weakened immune system (e.g taking chemotherapy treatment). It can also happen during pregnancy, when taking antibiotics, or HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy).

Thrush can also develop if you wear especially tight clothing, or your skin is irritated and damaged. Using bubble bath or vaginal deodorant can cause irritation of the vagina. This can make Thrush worse.

You may notice:

• Soreness and Stinging during sex

• Burning sensation when peeing

• Itching, soreness, swelling or redness on the genital skin

If you have a vagina:

• Itching, soreness or pain inside the vagina

• A white, thick vaginal discharge (sometimes described as ‘cottage cheese’)

If you have a penis:

• A spotty rash on the head of the penis

• Difficulty pulling back the foreskin

You can speak to your chemist, GP or come to the sexual health clinic to be checked for your symptom(s). You may need to be tested for other infections.

You can use the service finder below to find a testing service near you.

You will usually need a treatment to get rid of the symptoms. This can be a tablet you take by mouth, a vaginal pessary, or a topical cream. You can discuss with your pharmacist and buy the treatment over the counter.

If your symptoms continue after using these treatments, you need to visit your GP or sexual health clinic.

Sexual partners do not need treatment unless they have symptoms.

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