It usually causes a change in the vaginal discharge, which turns from a clear colour to a creamy cottage cheese-like discharge. Vaginal thrush can occur after a course of antibiotics, after a bout of diarrhoea, during pregnancy or menopause, or if the vagina somehow becomes irritated eg during sexual intercourse. Another cause can be tight clothing like trousers or synthetic underwear which can restrict air circulation and increase sweating. Loose fitting trousers and underwear with cotton gussets will help prevent vaginal thrush. Not all vaginal infections are thrush.
Women can treat vaginal thrush with medicines from their pharmacy.
You can discuss your concerns in a quiet private area with your pharmacist. The treatments are easy to use and, if used for the complete course, they are very successful. For example, if it is your first infection, or you are under 16 or over 60 years you should see your doctor for further check ups. It is advisable to tell your pharmacist or doctor if you are using a diaphragm or condoms as some treatments may prevent them from working properly. A fact card on Vaginal Thrush, available from your Self Care pharmacist, describes ways to help prevent thrush.