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Thrush
Thrush is a common infection caused by a yeast called Candida Albicans that lives on the skin, in the mouth, gut and vagina. The yeast is harmless but sometimes changes in the body cause the yeast to grow rapidly causing thrush.
Thrush can affect men and women around the genital area or in the mouth.
Symptoms in women include:
- Soreness, redness and itching around the vagina or anus
- Thick, white discharge from vagina (looks like cottage cheese, smells like yeast)
- Pain during sex or urination
Symptoms in men include:
- Burning, itching and redness under the foreskin or on the tip of the penis
- Thick, cheesy-smelling discharge under the foreskin
- Problems pulling back the foreskin
It can be caused by:
- Wearing tight trousers or nylon underwear
- Products that might cause irritation like vaginal deodorants
- Pregnancy
- Taking certain antibiotics
- Diabetes
- Illness
Thrush can also appear in the mouth causing soreness, redness and sometimes a white discharge.
At least three out of four women will experience thrush at some stage in their lives. Thrush is not serious and treatment can be bought over-the-counter at chemists. If the problem persists, see your GP.
