How To Stop Vaginal Yeast Infection & Itching | Vaginal Thrush Treatment | Is White Discharge Normal

Dr Simi Adedeji2 minutes read

Vaginal thrush, caused by Candida albicans, is common among women and characterized by symptoms like itching, soreness, and white discharge. Patients should seek medical advice for severe symptoms or if they fall under certain risk categories, while also practicing prevention techniques to avoid recurring infections.

Insights

  • Vaginal thrush, caused mainly by Candida albicans, presents with symptoms like itching, soreness, and white discharge, affecting 75% of women at least once. Seek medical advice if experiencing severe symptoms, pain during sex or urination, or if in specific risk groups.
  • Preventing thrush involves avoiding triggers like perfumed products, douching, or anal to vaginal sex, maintaining good hygiene practices, and seeking medical attention for recurrent or persistent symptoms. Sharing knowledge on common conditions like thrush can help others seek help and manage their health effectively.

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Recent questions

  • What are common symptoms of vaginal thrush?

    Common symptoms of vaginal thrush include itching, soreness, and white discharge. Other symptoms may include redness, swelling, pain during sex or urination, and cottage cheese-like discharge.

  • What causes vaginal thrush?

    Vaginal thrush is primarily caused by an overgrowth of yeast, specifically Candida albicans, due to warm and moist conditions in the vagina. This yeast is responsible for 80-90% of vaginal thrush cases.

  • How is vaginal thrush diagnosed?

    Vaginal thrush is diagnosed based on symptoms such as itching, soreness, and discharge. Diagnosis may involve swabs or home testing kits to confirm the presence of yeast and rule out other infections.

  • Who is at risk for severe thrush symptoms?

    Individuals who are pregnant, diabetic with poorly controlled sugars, have a weakened immune system, under 16 or over 60 years old, or experiencing thrush for the first time are at risk for severe thrush symptoms. Seek medical advice if experiencing severe symptoms.

  • How can vaginal thrush be prevented?

    To prevent vaginal thrush, avoid perfumed products, douching, double dipping (anal to vaginal sex), and inappropriate use of antibiotics. Practice proper hygiene, consider clothing choices, opt for non-biological washing powders, and maintain good hygiene practices to reduce the risk of thrush.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Understanding Vaginal Thrush: Symptoms and Diagnosis

  • Vaginal thrush symptoms include itching, soreness, and white discharge.
  • Dr. Simi, a former surgeon and current GP, discusses vaginal thrush in a video.
  • Thrush is common, affecting 75% of women at least once in their lifetime.
  • Candida albicans, a yeast, causes 80-90% of vaginal thrush cases.
  • Symptoms of thrush include intense itching around the vulva and labia.
  • Discharge in thrush can be absent, white and smooth, or cottage cheese-like.
  • Soreness, redness, and swelling in the vagina and vulva are common thrush symptoms.
  • Thrush can cause pain during sex and urination.
  • Thrush diagnosis is based on symptoms and may involve swabs or home testing kits.
  • Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of yeast due to warm, moist conditions in the vagina.

12:52

Managing and Preventing Complicated Thrush Infections

  • Complicated thrush may require treatment if severe symptoms are present, such as redness, inflammation, swelling of the vulva, clitoris, or fissures in the skin. Seek medical advice if pregnant, diabetic with poorly controlled sugars, have a weakened immune system, under 16 or over 60 years old, or experiencing thrush for the first time.
  • To prevent thrush, avoid perfumed products, douching, double dipping (anal to vaginal sex), wipe from front to back, and inappropriate use of antibiotics. Consider clothing choices, opt for non-biological washing powders, and maintain proper hygiene practices.
  • Seek medical attention if experiencing recurrent thrush (more than four episodes in 12 months) or if symptoms persist after treatment. Share information to help others and feel comfortable seeking help for common conditions like thrush.
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