Thrush
NOTE: This article/page uses the terms ‘male/man/men’ and/or ‘female/woman/women’. Please note, this is in reference to the sex assigned at birth.
WHAT IS THRUSH?
Thrush is a fungal infection caused by the yeast candida, that can affect the vulva and vagina. Thrush can affect anyone. Although usually harmless, it can be uncomfortable and may keep coming back. It’s not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it can be triggered by and passed on during sex. Common thrush symptoms include:
- White vaginal discharge (often like cottage cheese), which doesn’t usually smell.
- Itching and irritation around the vagina.
- Soreness and stinging during sex or when you pee.
- Sometimes thrush causes no symptoms at all.
HOW CAN I TREAT THRUSH?
Thrush can be treated using an internal product containing the active ingredient clotrimazole or fluconazole. Internal treatment options include an oral capsule or a vaginal tablet, cream or gel pessary.
While using one of these treatment options, you may want to use an external cream on the genital area, to help ease any external irritation.
You can buy products separately or you can get a combination products, which contains medicines to help relieve both internal and external symptoms.
THRUSH TREATMENTS
We have a range of thrush treatments for people, aged between 16 and 60 years old, who have had thrush diagnosed in the past and know the symptoms. Here are a few options that you may want to consider:
There are also things you can do at home to ease discomfort and prevent thrush from returning. These include wearing cotton underwear, drying properly after washing and avoiding sex until thrush has cleared up (if sex is uncomfortable).
If you’re not sure which product to use to treat your symptoms, speak to a pharmacist. Always read the patient information leaflet before starting treatment. Speak to your GP if your symptoms don’t clear within seven days of finishing treatment for the internal infection. Please don’t use antifungal medicine more than twice in six months without first speaking to a pharmacist or your GP.
You should also speak with your GP if:
- You have symptoms of thrush for the first time
- You get thrush regularly
- You’re under 16 years old
- You’re over 60 years old
- You’re pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have thrush and a weakened immune system, for example, because of diabetes, HIV or chemotherapy
The language surrounding sex, gender, and sexuality is always evolving, and different people have different views on the words that should be used. Therefore, we only mention sex, gender or sexuality when it's relevant, such as when providing our customers with the correct health information and treatment they need. We try to follow the NHS guidance for healthcare providers. You can find that here.
If you need help with how to treat thrush, you're in the right place. Explore our wide range of thrush treatments, and learn more about your symptoms while you're here. Boots is the place to find the right product just for you, including immediate thrush relief, vaginal thrush treatments and any other creams and tablets you might need, so you can get back to feeling like yourself.
