Are You Experiencing the Symptoms of Thrush?

Thrush is something that most women don’t want to think about but more than a quarter of us will have to face this problem at some point in our lives. Thrush is a fungal infection and it can affect women of any age from puberty but it is most common in women who are between the ages of thirty and forty. Pregnant women are also more inclined to suffer from thrush than those who are not. The infection is caused by a fungus called Candida albicans, which naturally lives in the mouth and vagina. However, an increase in the amount of these present can cause irritation and the onset of thrush. Here’s our advice when detecting and treating this common infection.

The Triggers

For the most part, thrush is triggered by a change in a woman’s lifestyle. The infection is extremely common in those who have finished a course of antibiotics. Antibiotics kill the natural bacteria in your body, which keeps Candia albicans at bay and can contribute to thrush. Oral contraceptives can make you more prone to thrush as can diabetes. If you are immunodeficient for example after chemotherapy there is a higher likelihood that you will develop thrush.

The Symptoms

• Thrush usually causes vaginal irritation including itching, soreness and redness around the vulva, vagina and anus.
• Unusual discharge is often a sign that you may have thrush.
• If you are experiencing pain or discomfort during urination or sex you may have the infection.

Treating Thrush

Thrush can be extremely uncomfortable which is why it is advised that you treat yourself quickly.

• Antifungal creams work to directly treat the infection in the vagina and on the outer lips.
• Pessaries are another option and can be inserted into your vagina using your fingers or an applicator. Candida is a brand that manufactures both anti fungal creams and pessaries and these are available in most Irish pharmacies.
• Oral treatment of thrush can treat the infection internally but can only be prescribed by your doctor however, Flucanozole is a single dose treatment available in Ireland over the counter.