Te mateīhi ā-taiawa Vaginal thrush (candida)

Thrush is a common yeast infection caused by a fungus called 'Candida albicans'. It is normal for your vagina to have a small number of candida that live naturally and cause no problems.

Usually, your own immune system along with harmless bacteria on your skin help control the amount of candida present. However, sometimes the conditions in your vagina change, allowing the number of candida to multiply, causing vaginal thrush symptoms.

You can also get thrush in other parts of your body including your mouth, throat and skin.

It is not considered a sexually transmitted infection.

You are more likely to get thrush if you:

• are pregnant
• are taking antibiotics
• have poorly controlled diabetes
• have a weakened immune system, for example, because of HIV or treatments like chemotherapy or steroids.

Common symptoms include:

• a vaginal discharge, which is creamy white and thick, though it can be watery, and does not normally smell
• itchy redness and soreness around your vagina and vulva
• pain when you wee
• pain when you have sex.

If you have common symptoms and are otherwise healthy, you can see a pharmacist for advice and treatment. 

However, you should see your healthcare provider if:

• it is the first time you have had vaginal thrush
• your thrush keeps coming back — more than 4 times in a year
• your treatment has not worked
• you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• you are under 16 years old, or over 60
• you have a weakened immune system, for example, you are undergoing chemotherapy or are on long-term steroids
• you are unsure about whether you have thrush
• you have vaginal bleeding 
• your vaginal discharge is smelly 
• you have other symptoms such as tummy (abdominal) pain, fever, or are feel sick (nausea).

A vaginal swab test can be used to diagnose thrush. You may be able to take this yourself. 

You may be able to use  over the counter antifungal medicines direct from a pharmacy. These medicines can come in pill form or as a vaginal cream. Some creams can affect condoms and diaphragms so check if you use these for contraception. 

Find a pharmacy near you — Healthpoint (external link)

You can also get these medicines on prescription from your healthcare provider.

If you have a sexual partner, they will not need to be treated unless they have symptoms of thrush infection such as itching or rash .

The following measures can help reduce your chance of getting thrush.

• Wear loose cotton underwear and avoid tight clothing. 
• Wash your genitals with water only. 
• Avoid deodorants, talcum powder or soap on your genitals. 
• Avoid deodorised panty liners, bubble baths and vaginal douches. 
• Avoid spermicidal condoms and use water-based lubricants. 
• If you are prescribed antibiotics, think about asking for candidiasis treatment too. 
• Make sure your blood glucose level is kept under control if you have diabetes.