Thrush Treatments
Most women will have a bout of thrush at some point in their lifetime. A type of yeast infection that’s very common, thrush can easily be caused by a range of different triggers. Some women seem to be more susceptible to thrush than others, especially those who are in their 20s and 30s.
Thrush mainly affects women and is caused by the Candida albicans fungus. Friendly bacteria in the vagina normally keep this yeast-like fungus under control. However, when the natural balance of the vagina is disturbed, the fungus is able to multiply and cause thrush.
Symptoms of vaginal thrush include a whitish discharge plus itchiness. The vagina and surrounding areas may also sometimes swell.
Although thrush normally affects women, it is possible for men to get penile thrush. The causes are the same but it occurs much less frequently.
Some of the most common causes of thrush include:
- Inflamed, irritated or broken skin
- Heavily perfumed washing products
- Douching
- Taking antibiotics
- Having a weakened immune system
- Poorly controlled diabetes
Having thrush is not related to a lack of cleanliness.
In most cases thrush can be treated with the types of over-the-counter treatments that you’ll find in our online pharmacy. These anti-fungal medications can be purchased as a cream, pessaries, oral tablets or a combined treatment. The same treatments can be used by men for penile thrush, apart from the pessaries.
Some women purchase thrush treatment if they are prescribed antibiotics so they can start treating the symptoms as soon as they occur.
Thrush is a self-limiting condition that won’t cause any complications, but it can be very uncomfortable. If you suffer from recurrent bouts or the symptoms don’t improve after five days of treatment, consult a medical practitioner for advice.