What Is Vaginal Thrush? Symptoms, Causes and When to See a Doctor

In brief:

• Around three in four women have vaginal thrush at least once in their lifetime (CDC).
• Symptoms can be confused with other conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis; diagnosing yourself is risky.
• There is no strong evidence for probiotics in treating thrush; they do not replace medicine.
• Simple steps to reduce irritation may help lower the risk of recurrence.

How common is it?

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 75% of women have vaginal thrush at least once in their lifetime. Some 40–45% have two or more episodes. Three or more episodes within a year are classed as recurrent vaginal thrush, which affects fewer than 5% of women.

What you are experiencing is very common. There is nothing to be ashamed of.

What are the symptoms?

• Itching and irritation of the vulva and vagina
• Burning or soreness; external stinging when you pass urine
• Pain during sex
• White, thick, curd-like discharge; usually odourless

The CDC stresses that none of these symptoms is specific to thrush. Similar symptoms can occur with bacterial vaginosis and some sexually transmitted infections. An examination and a simple discharge test can distinguish them.

Thrush or bacterial vaginosis?

These two conditions are often confused. The table below is not for diagnosis; it helps you know what to tell your doctor.

Source: NHS. Green, yellow or frothy discharge, pelvic pain or bleeding between periods may indicate other infections. Seek medical advice promptly if these occur.

What causes it?

Candida is present in the vagina of many women without causing problems. It can multiply when the balance is disrupted. Triggers listed by the NHS include:

• Taking antibiotics
• Poorly controlled diabetes
• Pregnancy
• Hormone replacement therapy
• A weakened immune system
• Irritation of the skin in the area

Most women with recurrent thrush have no clear underlying cause (CDC).

Why is self-diagnosis risky?

Having had thrush before does not mean you will recognise a new episode correctly. According to the CDC, even women previously diagnosed by a doctor are no more accurate at diagnosing themselves. Symptoms that persist despite pharmacy treatment need an examination.

When should you see a doctor?

The NHS recommends seeing a doctor if:

• You have these symptoms for the first time
• You are under 16 or over 60
• Thrush keeps coming back
• Your treatment has not worked
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Your immune system is weakened, for example by diabetes, HIV or chemotherapy

If a doctor has diagnosed thrush before and you recognise the symptoms, your pharmacist may also be able to help. A doctor or pharmacist decides on treatment, which usually involves vaginal or oral antifungal medicine.

Does your partner need treatment too?

Usually not. According to the CDC, vaginal thrush is not usually acquired through sex, and there is no evidence to support treating a partner. If your partner has redness or itching on the head of the penis, they should also see a doctor.

Do probiotics help with thrush?

The evidence is weak. The CDC says there is no strong evidence supporting probiotics for treating vaginal thrush. A Cochrane review (2017) reported that probiotics used alongside medicine might improve short-term recovery, but the evidence was low quality and no long-term difference was seen. Probiotics do not replace medicine. For strains and research, see our article on Vaginal Probiotics.

What can you do to help prevent it coming back?

The NHS recommends:

• Wash the area with water and a fragrance-free moisturiser (emollient) instead of soap and shower gel.
• Dry thoroughly after washing.
• Wear cotton underwear; avoid tight underwear and tights.
• Do not douche or use deodorant in the area.

Most of these recommendations aim to reduce irritation. There are few strong studies measuring each step's effect separately. For everyday care, see our Intimate Area Care Guide.

Frequently asked

Is vaginal thrush sexually transmitted?

It is not classed as a sexually transmitted infection and is not usually acquired through sex (CDC).

Can vaginal thrush clear up on its own?

Because these symptoms can also occur with infections other than thrush, finding out the cause is better than waiting for them to go away. See a doctor if this is your first episode, you are pregnant or it keeps coming back. Do not use pharmacy antifungal treatment more than twice in six months without speaking to your pharmacist or doctor (NHS).

Can you get vaginal thrush during pregnancy?

Yes; pregnancy is one of the triggers for thrush (NHS). If you are pregnant, do not take medicine on your own; speak to your doctor or midwife.

Can you use an intimate wash while you have thrush?

It is not recommended. While symptoms persist, the NHS advises washing with water and a fragrance-free moisturiser instead of soap, and avoiding soap, shower gel, douching and deodorants. Once treatment is complete and symptoms have cleared, if you want to use a care product, choose an unscented one for the external area only; stop using it if it causes burning or itching.