- Abnormal Smear
- Abnormalities of the Uterus
- Abnormalities of the Vagina
- Adenomyosis
- Amenorrhea
- Atrophic Vaginitis
- Bacterial Vaginosis
- Barrier Contraception
- Bartholins Cysts
- Caesarean Section
- Cervical Cancer
- Cervical Screening
- Childbirth
- Chlamydia
- Clitoral Hoodectomy
- Colposcopy
- Colposcopy
- Contraceptive Pill
- Dysmenorrhoea
- Dyspareunia
- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Endometrial Hyperplasia
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Gonorrhoea
- Heavy Periods
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Hymenoplasty
- Hysterectomy
- Incontinence
- Incontinence
- Infertility
- Intrauterine Devices
- Labial Reduction
- Loss Of Libido
- Menorrhagia
- Menstrual Disorders
- Miscarriage
- Natural Family Planning
- Oligomenorrhoea
- Ovarian Cancer
- Ovarian Cysts
- Pelvic Floor Exercises
- Pelvic Floor Restoration
- Perineoplasty
- Polycystic Ovaries
- Polymenorrhoea
- Post-Coital Bleeding
- Pregnancy Scanning
- Premature Menopause
- Progesterone Contraceptive Pill
- Pruritus Vulva
- Sterilisation
- Syphilis
- The Wart Virus
- Thrush
- Treatment for CIN
- Uterine Cancer
- Uterine Prolapse
- Vaginal Cancer
- Vaginal Cysts
- Vaginal Discharge
- Vaginal Infections
- Vaginal Prolapse
- Vaginal Tightening
- Vulva Cancer
- Vulval Anatomy
- Vulval Dystrophy
- Vulvodynia
- Well Women Checks
Thrush
Thrush is effectively a yeast infection in the vagina. It occurs when a harmless fungus in the vagina multiplies due to a number of reasons. This can cause irritation and discomfort for the person suffering from the condition, but when diagnosed correctly it can be treated very easily. Most women will experience this condition to some degree at some point in their lives, and some women may experience it repeatedly.
It is important for women to be aware of the symptoms associated with this condition so it can be diagnosed and treated efficiently. The most common symptoms involve irritation of the vulva. The area can become swollen and uncomfortable. Some women will experience mild pain and may sometimes experience abnormal vaginal discharge. This discharge is commonly associated with thrush, and can be identified by its thick consistency, yellow or white colour and unpleasant odour. Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms should consult their local GP or gynaecologist as soon as possible to investigate the problem.
There is no single reason why thrush occurs, but there are a number of factors that cause the naturally occurring fungus in the vagina to multiply. A few factors such as sexual activity and use of feminine hygiene products have been suggested to promote the development of thrush, but there is no firm evidence to back this up. Current research is constantly suggesting new factors that may or may not contribute towards the condition, but there are a few factors that have been firmly associated with thrush. Pregnant women have been found to be more susceptible to the condition as well as diabetics and women who have problems with their immune systems. It has also been found that taking antibiotics increases the chance of developing thrush.
There are two main treatments for thrush. One is to take an orally administered pill that fights the condition, and another is to insert the treatment medication directly into the vagina. Most cases of thrush will clear up in a matter of days after taking the correct treatment, but more severe cases may take longer. It is important to seek advice from a specialist to determine which treatment is more appropriate for certain conditions. A specialist will be able to decide exactly how severe the thrush is, and which form of treatment is more suitable. Some women experience thrush a number of times in their lives, and these cases require more attention.