Vaginal thrush is a yeast infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a fungus that normally lives harmlessly in small numbers in the vagina. It is very common — most women have at least one episode — and it is easily treated.

Two things worth saying at the outset: thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection, and it is not caused by poor hygiene. It happens to women who do everything right.

Symptoms

  • Itching and soreness around the vagina and vulva
  • Thick white discharge, often described as looking like curd — usually without a strong smell
  • Stinging when passing urine
  • Pain or discomfort during sex
  • Redness and swelling of the vulva, sometimes with small cracks in the skin

When it might not be thrush

This is worth knowing, because treating the wrong thing is a common and frustrating mistake.

See a doctor rather than self-treating if:

  • The discharge has a strong or fishy smell — this suggests bacterial vaginosis, which needs antibiotics, not antifungals
  • The discharge is green, yellow or frothy
  • You have lower abdominal pain or a fever
  • You have bleeding between periods or after sex
  • You have sores or blisters
  • This is your first episode, and you have not had it confirmed before
  • Treatment has not worked

Repeatedly buying antifungal treatment for symptoms that are actually something else delays the right treatment. If in doubt, get it checked.

What makes it more likely

  • Antibiotics, which disturb the normal balance of bacteria
  • Pregnancy and higher oestrogen levels
  • Diabetes, particularly if blood sugar is poorly controlled
  • A weakened immune system
  • Heat and moisture

Diagnosis

A doctor can often recognise thrush from your symptoms and an examination. A swab may be taken to confirm it and to rule out other causes — particularly if episodes keep returning or treatment has not worked.

Treatment

Thrush responds well to antifungal treatment, available as:

  • Pessaries or intravaginal cream — inserted into the vagina
  • Cream for the vulva — relieves external itching and soreness, and is often used alongside the above
  • Oral capsules — a single dose is usually enough

These are equally effective, so the choice is largely about preference. Symptoms usually improve within a few days.

Note that some antifungal creams and pessaries can damage latex condoms and diaphragms, so use additional contraception during treatment and for a few days afterwards.

Thrush in pregnancy

Thrush is more common in pregnancy and is not harmful to your baby. However, oral antifungal capsules are avoided during pregnancy — treatment is with pessaries or cream instead, and a longer course is often needed.

Always tell a pharmacist or doctor that you are pregnant before buying treatment.

Recurrent thrush

Recurrent thrush means four or more episodes in a year. It is genuinely miserable, and it needs a different approach from repeatedly treating single episodes.

This usually involves:

  • Confirming the diagnosis with a swab, since something else may be responsible
  • Checking for diabetes, as recurrent thrush is sometimes the first sign
  • A longer initial course of treatment, followed by maintenance treatment taken regularly over several months

If you are having repeated episodes, see a doctor rather than continuing to buy single treatments. There is a proper approach to this and it works.

Reducing your chances

  • Wear cotton underwear, and avoid tight synthetic clothing in hot weather
  • Wash and dry underwear thoroughly — drying in direct sunlight is helpful
  • Change out of wet swimwear or damp clothing promptly
  • Wash with plain water or an unperfumed emollient
  • Do not douche — it disturbs the natural balance and makes problems more likely, not less
  • Avoid perfumed soaps, vaginal deodorants and scented sanitary products
  • If you have diabetes, good blood sugar control makes a real difference

Probiotics and yoghurt are often recommended online; the evidence for them is weak. They are unlikely to do harm, but do not rely on them in place of treatment.

What about your partner?

Partners do not usually need treatment, since thrush is not sexually transmitted. A male partner who develops itching or redness on the penis can use an antifungal cream. Routine treatment of partners does not prevent recurrence.

The bottom line

Thrush is common, not sexually transmitted, not caused by poor hygiene, and treats easily. See a doctor if it is your first episode, if the discharge smells strongly or looks unusual, if you are pregnant, or if you are getting it repeatedly — recurrent thrush needs a planned course rather than repeated one-off treatments.

References

  1. National Health Service. Thrush in men and women [Internet]. NHS; [cited 2026 Jul 22]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/thrush-in-men-and-women/
  2. British Association for Sexual Health and HIV. Clinical guidelines [Internet]. London: BASHH; [cited 2026 Jul 22]. Available from: https://www.bashh.org/guidelines
  3. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Patient information leaflets [Internet]. London: RCOG; [cited 2026 Jul 22]. Available from: https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-our-patient-information/