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Thrush

What is it?
Thrush is caused by a yeast that normally lives harmlessly on the skin, or in the mouth, gut and vagina, without causing any problems. It is not necessarily transmitted sexually, but having sex can cause an irritation that may result in thrush.

Symptoms
Normally, thrush is kept in check by harmless bacteria. Occasionally conditions change and the yeast increases rapidly causing symptoms including:
Women

• Itching, soreness and redness around the vagina, vulva or anus.
• A thick, white discharge from the vagina that looks like cottage cheese and smells yeasty.
• A swollen vulva.
• Pain when you have sex.

• Pain when you pee.

Men

• Irritation, burning or itching under the foreskin or on the tip of the penis.
• A redness, or red patches, under the foreskin or on the tip of the penis.
• A white coating under the foreskin that can be easily wiped off (smegma) – wiping it off however, will not get rid of thrush.

• Difficulty in pulling back the foreskin.

At higher risk…
Your chances of developing thrush are increased if you:

• Are pregnant.
• Wear lycra shorts or tight nylon clothes.
• Take certain antibiotics.
• Use a vaginal deodorant or perfumed bubble bath as this can cause an irritation.
• Have sex with someone who has a thrush infection.

• Are diabetic.

Any man can develop thrush, but it is more likely in uncircumcised men, who should wash under their foreskins as part of their daily routine.

How is it diagnosed and treated?
Men may have a swab taken gently from under their foreskin, and women may have a swab inside the vagina. A sample of pee may be taken.

Treatment for thrush is straightforward. A cream is applied to the genitals and women may be given pessaries (almond shaped tablets) to insert into their vagina. Oral anti-thrush tablets are now available from some sexual health clinics, GPs or from the chemist.

You should get individual advice about having sex during treatment from your doctor, nurse or health adviser.

What if it is not treated?
Some women can get recurrent cases of thrush. If this becomes a problem, you can discuss what to do with a doctor, nurse or health adviser.

Where to get help
If you think you may have thrush, contact your local sexual health (GUM) clinic and make an appointment. It’s easy and completely confidential.

For more information on sexual health (including HIV), call the Sexual Health Line free (from the UK) on 0800 567 123, textphone (for people with hearing impairments) 0800 521 361 or phone your local NHS sexual health clinic.

Links and contact details

Name: NHS Direct Wales
Web: NHS Direct Wales – Health Encyclopedia
Email:
Tel: 0845 46 47
Info: NHS Direct Wales is a health advice and information service available 24 hours a day, every day that was set up by the Welsh Assembly Government.

GUM Clinics in South East Wales

ABERDARE
Aberdare General Hospital
Aberdare, CF44 0RF
Tel: 01443 443597
Opening Times: Tue & Thu, 9.30am – 12.30pm

CARDIFF
Cardiff Royal Infirmary
Newport Road, Cardiff, CF24 0SZ
Tel: 029 2033 5207 / 8
Opening times: Mon, Tues, Thurs 8.40 a.m – 5.00 p.m; Wednesday – Closed; Friday Afternoon – Closed (Closed for lunch 12.15 – 1.15 p.m.)

NEWPORT
Royal Gwent Hospital
Cardiff Road, Newport, NP2 2UB
Tel: 01633 234555
Opening times: Mon – Fri, 9.00am – 12.30pm; 1.30pm – 4.30pm

PONTYPOOL
Panteg County Hospital
Coed-Y-Cric Road, Griffiths Town, Pontypool, NP4 5YA
Tel: 01633 234555
Opening times: Mon, 5.00pm – 7.30pm

PONTYPRIDD
Students Health Centre
Dewi Sant Hospital
University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd, CF37 1DL
Tel: 01443 443597
Opening times: Tue, 9.00am – 12.30pm

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