Book An Appointment
If you’ve ever experienced itching, discomfort, or a weird discharge down there, chances are someone has told you it’s “just thrush”.
And while vaginal thrush is common (around 3-4 people with a vagina will experience it at least once) it’s not always the right diagnosis. Sometimes it’s something else entirely, and getting the wrong treatment could make things worse.
So, let’s talk about it.
What is thrush, anyway?
Thrush (also called candidiasis) is a super common infection that happens when a type of yeast (usually Candida albicans) grows too much in the vagina.
It can cause:
- Itching or irritation around the vulva and vagina
- Burning when you wee or have sex
- A thick, white discharge (yep, the one that looks a bit like cottage cheese)
- Redness, swelling, or even tiny cracks in the skin.
Even though it’s not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), thrush can sometimes cause irritation for people with penises too (like redness or soreness) — a condition called balanitis.
Thankfully, there are treatments that work including creams, vaginal pessaries, and even a single oral tablet. Most of these you can get from a pharmacy without a prescription.
But here’s the thing…
Just because something feels like thrush doesn’t mean it is thrush. Those same symptoms?
They can also be caused by a whole range of other conditions, like bacterial vaginosis, herpes, skin conditions (like eczema), or STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis.
So, if you’ve got symptoms and you’re not 100% sure it’s thrush, it’s worth hitting pause before you grab that over-the-counter cream.
When is it time to get it checked out?
It’s worth seeing a doctor or a sexual health clinic if:
- You’re not sure what’s going on down there
- You’ve had thrush a few times in the past year
- You’ve had unprotected sex with a new partner
- You’ve got extra symptoms like belly pain, weird bleeding, sores or strange discharge
- You’ve used a thrush treatment but nothing’s improved
- Your vulva looks or feels different in a way that worries you
- The discharge seems different from what you usually get.
Over-treating can make it worse
Using thrush treatments when it’s not actually thrush can mess with your natural balance and even make things worse. Using antifungal meds when you don’t need them can actually make irritation worse and delay proper treatment for the real issue.
So, before grabbing a treatment from the chemist, check that it’s definitely thrush – especially if it keeps coming back.
Also, fun fact: the treatments for thrush can weaken condoms, so it’s best to avoid sex or apply treatment after sex if you’re using condoms for protection.
What does cause thrush?
Sometimes it just happens.
But a few things can increase your chances of getting thrush, like:
- taking antibiotics
- having diabetes
- hormonal changes (periods, pregnancy, post-menopausal hormone therapy)
- using perfumed soaps or douches
- wearing tight or synthetic underwear
- immune system issues or medications.
Want to avoid thrush? Try wearing loose-fitting cotton undies, avoiding scented soaps and fabric softeners, and keeping the area clean but not over-washed.
What if it is recurrent thrush?
About 5% of people with a vagina get recurrent thrush, and it’s no fun.
If you’re getting thrush four or more times a year, chat to your doctor or a sexual health nurse. It’s annoying, but it can be managed. You might need a longer treatment plan (up to six months) or a closer look to check for anything else going on — including STIs or other skin conditions.
Having recurrent thrush doesn’t mean anything is seriously wrong, and it won’t affect your fertility or pregnancy, but the discomfort and impact on sex and daily life are definitely worth treating.
Bottom line? Thrush is common
Thrush is common, but it’s not always the culprit. If things feel off and you’re not sure why, don’t guess — get checked.
Learn more
Read our Fact Sheet: Vaginal Thrush
