Thrush

What causes vaginal thrush?

Vaginal thrush is caused by a fungus known as Candida albicans, which is often present in the vagina without presenting any symptoms. This is because the natural bacteria located in the vagina balances the fungus out, and so no discomfort will be felt. However, when the Candida fungus multiplies and this balance is disrupted, then the vaginal thrush will present itself. For this reason, although it can develop after and be spread through sexual intercourse, vaginal thrush is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection.

Potential causes for this change in the bacterial balance can include taking a course of antibiotics, chemotherapy and the use of vaginal cleaning devices such as douches. Even wearing tight clothing can induce the fungus to multiply.

What are the symptoms?

As the fungus only presents itself after it has begun to multiply, it's possible to be infected without knowing. If this is the case, the only way to establish whether an infection is present is to have a cervical smear test. Symptoms that do present themselves however include itching, soreness and irritation around the genital area. The vagina may also be noticeably red as well as the vulva, and a change to the vaginal discharge with some mild pain while urinating or during sex is very common.

Preventing vaginal thrush

To minimise the risk of becoming infected with vaginal thrush you should avoid wearing very tight clothing or using cleansing products containing alcohol and perfumes. Cotton underwear is also advised if you are susceptible to thrush infections. Avoid using products like disinfectants and antiseptics, which can irritate the vagina, and practice good general hygiene. Doing so will significantly lower the chances of contracting the infection, as well as stopping bouts of outbreaks from occurring.

Vaginal thrush treatment

Thrush treatments vary between over-the-counter creams and pessaries to prescription only medications. Depending on the severity of your infection, a doctor may recommend a treatment based on what he/she judges as being the appropriate method which will provide the best results. The method of application may also play a definitive role in what you would ultimately be comfortable using, be it a tablet treatment or cream application.

euroClinix.net offers two prescription thrush treatments, namely Diflucan and Gyno-Daktarin for the treatment of thrush infections. Diflucan is an antifungal treatment that contains fluconazole and is taken as a pill. Gyno-Daktarin contains miconazole and is a cream based treatment. Both are clinically proven to be effective forms of treatment, and the two various allow patients to choose which kind of delivery method suits them better.

You can purchase either of these two vaginal thrush treatments with us after filling out our online consultation. This will be reviewed by one of our doctors, who will issue a prescription should the medication be a suitable choice. After this the prescription will be handed to our pharmacy where your treatment will be dispensed and then delivered to you.