Everything You Need To Know About THRUSH And Its 'Cottage Cheese-Like Discharge'

Thrush is an infection caused by a yeast fungus - and while it's not sexually transmitted it can spring up after having sex. 

While both fungus and bacteria naturally live in the vagina, this is an unwanted and sometimes unpleasant part of being a woman. 

But the condition is more common than you think - and it's nothing to be embarrassed about. 

At least three out of four women will experience thrush at some point in their lives, but do you know what it is and how to deal with it? 

Boots Pharmacist Tom Kallis answered every question YOU need to know about thrush. 

What is thrush?

The most common type of thrush is vaginal thrush.  This is a fungal infection caused by candida albicans - this fungus lives in harmony with friendly bacteria in the vagina; when this balance becomes upset and the candida overgrows, this is when someone may have thrush symptoms… Symptoms can include redness, itchiness and discomfort in the vaginal area.

Is it just something women suffer with?

Both men and women can get thrush. In men it usually affects the head of the penis.  It’s more common in women than in men due to the presence of vaginal candida

Where in one's body does thrush occur?

Thrush can commonly occur in the genital areas in both men and women as well as in the mouth where it’s known as oral thrush. New born babies have an increased risk of oral thrush as their immune systems are less developed.

How do you know if you have thrush?

Vaginal thrush usually presents with redness, itchiness and swelling to the area, and may be accompanied by a cottage cheese-like discharge. Men may notice irritation, burning or itching around the top of the penis or under the foreskin and there may be a cottage cheese like discharge under the foreskin. Women experiencing the symptoms of thrush for the very first time should see their GP to have a confirmed diagnosis.

Oral thrush presents with soreness of the mouth and tongue, changes in taste (usually a ‘metallic’ sensation) as well as white patches in the mouth that can often be wiped off.  Again, see your GP if you are experiencing these symptoms.

How do you treat it?

Vaginal thrush can usually be easily managed over the counter at your local pharmacy, where you will find a range of antifungal creams, pessaries and oral capsules.

Can you stop it coming back again? What are some top tips for men and women avoiding thrush?

Those people prone to getting thrush can use some self-help techniques like washing the vaginal area or penis gently with warm water and not using heavily scented or perfumed soaps. Some groups of patients however are more likely to develop thrush than the rest of the population such as those with uncontrolled diabetes, pregnant women or those taking antibiotics.  To help prevent oral thrush developing if you use a steroid inhaler, rinsing your mouth out afterwards to remove any particles which may deposit in the mouth can help.

What's the worst case of thrush you've ever seen?

The worst case of thrush I ever saw was in a young child who had white plaques all over the tongue and roof of mouth and was no longer wanting to take food or fluids.  I advised the child’s mother to take the child to their GP and thankfully with a short course of antifungal treatment it was quickly resolved.