A doctor or nurse will usually examine your vulva and vagina and take samples which are sent for analysis to see if yeast is present. Vaginal discharge and itching may be due to some other more serious infections, such as bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas or chlamydial infection. Occasionally genital herpes may be confused with thrush. Treatment of the male partner will help to prevent recurrence in the woman. Use of antibiotics .
Antibiotics kill off the 'good' bacteria which control the growth of yeasts.
Some antibiotics are particularly associated with causing thrush. If your blood sugar levels are poorly controlled, yeasts may grow out of control. Some drugs, for example steroids and drugs which suppress the immune system, encourage the growth of yeasts or interfere with the body's control mechanisms. Many women get their first attack of thrush when they are pregnant. Pregnancy seems to produce an ideal environment for yeasts to grow.