Thrush

What is thrush?

Thrush is a condition that can be contracted by both men and women. It is caused by a fungus called candida albicans, which is located in the skin, mouth and vagina. It is usually kept under control, but can sometimes lead to the development of too much yeast, which causes thrush. It can be caught through sexual intercourse, oral and finger contact with sex organs. It typically develops if you wear tight clothes or use irritable beauty products that come into contact with the vagina.

Symptoms of thrush

For men, typical symptoms include irritation or burning under the foreskin, slight pain when urinating and a cream-like secretion under the foreskin. For women, typical symptoms include an irritation or burning around the vagina, minor pain when urinating and a vaginal secretion similar to that men produce when they have the condition.

What treatment is available for thrush?

You will be tested with a swab to collect a sample from your penis or vagina, and a general examination will be required. Then, if you do have thrush, you will be prescribed with one or more of antifungal cream, pills or pessaries. Being pregnant will affect what treatment you can receive, and there is the chance the antifungal cream will deteriorate rubber forms of contraception, such as a condom.

If you leave it…

If you do not bother to get tested, or treated, then it will likely clear up, but it is best to seek treatment.

Related Article

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• Health-screening
• Thrush
• Chlamydia
• Genital Herpes
• Genital Warts
• Pubic lice
• Gonorrhoea
• Scabies
• Syphilis
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) & Aids
• Trichomonas Vaginalis