Vaginal thrush is caused by an overgrowth or imbalance of the yeast type fungus, Candida, which is naturally present in the vaginal flora of women.
Vaginal thrush can be embarrassing for patients and cause withdrawal from normal daily activities.
A healthy vagina has a slightly more acidic pH that supports a normal balance of good microorganisms.
Several factors can cause an imbalance in the vaginal flora and cause a vaginal yeast infection including:
Monthly menstruation
Use of hormonal birth control
Broad spectrum antibiotic use
Use of tampons and pads
Hormonal changes during pregnancy
Uncontrolled diabetes
Use of intimate perfumes or soaps in the vaginal area
Menopause and loss of oestrogen to the vagina or the use of HRT
Stress / suppression of the immune system (HIV infection, transplant, or cancer patients)
HRT – Hormone replacement therapy
Most yeast infections are caused by the overgrowth of the yeast based fungus species, Candida albicans.
If you suspect that you suffer from a vaginal yeast infection, common symptoms you might experience can include:
Abnormal vaginal discharge (slightly watery white discharge to thick white and chunky (like cottage cheese).
Painful and burning urination.
Itching and burning of the vagina and vulva.
Rash, redness and swelling of the skin just outside of the vagina (vulva).
Pain and burning with intercourse.
You may experience only some or all of these symptoms. Symptoms may vary from mild to severe.
There are several ways to maintain good vaginal health and help prevent thrush.
Avoid wet / damp clothes for long periods. Wear loose fitting, cotton underwear.
Use probiotics daily when on antibiotics. Avoid douching*
Women should always wipe from front to back.
Avoid using perfumed soaps in the vaginal area - rinse only with warm water.
Diabetics should keep their blood sugar levels under control.
Keep your genital area clean and dry - avoid hot tubs.
Change tampons or pads frequently (every few hours).
*Unless douching is prescribed by a healthcare professional (gynaecologist). Annual gynaecological
visits are recommended to detect and diagnose any problems that might affect vaginal health.
More than 90% of vaginal infections are successfully treated with single dose or short course therapy.
Complicated or recurrent vaginal thrush require treatment by a doctor for longer periods (from 14 days up to 6 months).
Short course treatment will range from 1-7 days depending on the chosen product.
Oral azole antifungal medication, topical creams or vaginal tablets / suppositories can successfully
treat uncomplicated vaginal
thrush such as:
Clotrimazole cream (CANEX™ V) can be applied into the vagina (available with an applicator) or on the outside of the vulva (topically) and is available as
OTC medication.
Vaginal clotrimazole tablets
are also available as OTC medication.
Pregnancy is considered a risk factor for developing thrush due to hormone fluctuations in your body.
Thrush in pregnancy is treated differently from thrush in non-pregnant women due to medications that can be harmful to your baby. Oral antifungals can cause birth defects and should not be used.
Over the counter vaginal clotrimazole creams (CANEX™ V), vaginal tablets or suppositories are safe for use in pregnancy.
Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice and treatment if you suspect a vaginal yeast infection while being pregnant.
Vaginal yeast infections are rare after menopause, especially in women that are not using HRT.
Only about 3-7% of women experience vaginal yeast infections in menopause.
Lower levels of ovarian oestrogen and glycogen presence in the vagina contributes to a lower risk for developing vaginal thrush.
Treatment for menopausal thrush also includes OTC vaginal creams (CANEX™ V) and vaginal suppositories / tablets.
HRT – Hormone replacement therapy
Ask your pharmacist about our range
Although yeast infections are more common in women, men can also experience thrush due to Candida naturally found on the skin, especially in the groin area due to skin folds and moisture present in the area.
Untreated penile yeast infections can lead to a condition called balanitis – inflammation of the head of the penis,
if left untreated.
This is commonly known as a penile yeast infection.
You are more likely to get a penile yeast infection if you are:
Uncircumcised
your immune system is suppressed
if you have diabetes mellitus
However, penile yeast infections are most commonly caused by having unprotected sex with an infected partner.
SYMPTOMS OF A PENILE YEAST
INFECTION INCLUDE:
Redness
Burning or itchy feeling
White patches along the penis
WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP
PREVENT PENILE THRUSH?
Wear a condom during sex
Maintain good personal hygiene
Penile yeast infections are easily treated with OTC antifungal creams (CANEX™ V)
Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you and your partner both have a symptoms
of a yeast infection. Treatment will prevent re-infection through sex.
Vulvovaginitis (burning, irritation, itching and discharge – symptoms similar to those of thrush) is common in adolescents due
to hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle, although pregnant adolescents or those with disabilities at higher risk is for infection.
The exact prevalence of vaginal yeast infections in adolescents is not known.
Younger females tend to self-treat vaginal yeast infections and do not seek medical care.
Adolescent vulvovaginitis usually only presents as a clear-whitish vaginal discharge, without any odour.
Usually, no treatment is needed other that reassurance and avoidance of causative irritants that can change your vaginal pH (douches, harsh soaps, perfumed feminine products).
Thrush in teens, although occurring more often during childbearing years, is not commonly seen in clinical practice.
A PROUD BRAND OF
© V-Health™ 2022. All Rights Reserved.
