Reproductive Health
Menopause & HRT
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
Women's Cancers
Contraception
Thrush and Candida
A candid look at candida
Vaginal thrush is a common and annoying problem that affects three out of four women at some time during their life. Dr Sarah Brewer explains how to ease and prevent this irritating ailment
What causes it?
Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of a yeast, candida albicans, which is present in the vagina and on the skin of many women without causing any harm at all.
How do you get it?
Candida spores are widespread in the air and thrive when they land on warm, moist places, such as around our private parts. Although it is not classed as a sexually transmissible infection, it can sometimes be passed on during sexual intercourse if the male partner harbours candida spores under his foreskin.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of thrush vary and can include itching, soreness or burning, a yeasty smell, vaginal discharge, which is sometimes white and cottage cheese-like, and discomfort during urination and/or intercourse. The amount of discharge does not necessarily relate to the severity of symptoms, and some women find that dryness makes their symptoms worse.
Who is at risk?
Thrush symptoms are more likely around the time of a period, due to changes in the acidity of vaginal discharge. It is also more likely in women who are pregnant, have uncontrolled diabetes, or who use oral contraceptives. Candida often occurs after taking antibiotics which kill off the healthy bacteria, like lactobacilli, naturally found in the vagina, as this causes a bacterial imbalance, making it easier for candida to flourish.
Some women suffer repeated attacks of thrush, which is sometimes linked with low levels of iron. Iron is needed by white blood cells to make the chemicals used to destroy candida infection. If you suffer repeatedly, you should ask your doctor for a blood test to check your level of the iron protein, ferritin.
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