What it is
It is treated with antifungal creams, pessaries or tablets, many of which are available from a pharmacy.
If it keeps coming back (4 or more times a year), a doctor can check for causes and suggest longer treatment.
Common signs
- Itching and irritation around the vagina or penis
- White discharge that looks like cottage cheese
- Soreness and stinging when peeing or during sex
- Redness and swelling
- A red rash under the foreskin
How it is usually diagnosed
- Questions about symptoms
- Sometimes a swab
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- GP or sexual health notes
- Swab results
- Prescriptions
Questions to ask your doctor
- Is this definitely thrush?
- Is the treatment safe in pregnancy?
- Why does it keep coming back?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Thrush with a high temperature, tummy pain or a weakened immune system that is not improving: see a doctor the same day
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.