How To Prevent Vaginal Thrush.

Vaginal thrush is a common yeast infection caused by an overgrowth of the yeast candida albicans. This yeast lives naturally in the bowel and in small numbers in the vagina. It’s mostly harmless, but symptoms can develop if yeast numbers increase.

About 75% of women will have vaginal thrush in their lifetime. Other names for this infection are candidiasis or monilia.

Symptoms can include vaginal itching or burning, a white vaginal discharge and stinging or burning while urinating.

Vaginal creams or vaginal tablets (known as pessaries or suppositories) can help relieve thrush symptoms.

Symptoms of vaginal thrush

Symptoms you may experience if you develop vaginal thrush include:

• vaginal and vulval discomfort – itching or burning

• a thick, white discharge with a ‘cottage cheese’ appearance with or without a yeasty smell

• redness or swelling of the vagina or vulva

• redness and swelling and sometimes splits or cracks in the genital skin

• stinging or burning while urinating or during sex

To help prevent vaginal thrush:

• Wipe your bottom from front to back after going to the toilet. This will prevent the spread of candida albicans from the anus to the vagina.

• Avoid using soap to wash the genital area. Soap substitutes can be used.

• Avoid using antiseptics, douches or perfumed sprays (often sold as 'feminine hygiene products') in the genital area.

• Avoid using perfumed toilet papers and menstrual products.

• Avoid wearing tight-fitting pants and synthetic underwear.

• Consider changing your laundry detergent and don’t use fabric softeners.

• If you frequently experience thrush after taking antibiotics, seek advice from your GP. Think about planning ahead by taking thrush treatment when symptoms first occur.