Thrush

Thrush is an infection caused by a yeast fungus called ‘candida albicans’. This yeast exist harmlessly on the skin and in the mouth, gut, and vagina. Sometime though, signs and symptoms can develop and this is known as thrush, thrush infection or candida.

It's not a sexually transmitted infection but can sometimes develop after you've had sex. It can develop in the vagina and on the genitals. Both men and women can get can thrush throughout their life.

Thrush is a very common cause of unusual vaginal discharge – 3 out of 4 women will have thrush at some point and it is more prevalent in women compared to men. However, both sexes can get thrush. The main symptoms are:

Thrush symptoms in women

• White-coloured vaginal discharge. Often there will be no odour (if there is, it could smell yeasty), but it may be thick and resemble cottage cheese.
• Itching and irritation around the vagina.
• Soreness and stinging when you urinate or have sex.

Thrush symptoms in men

• An unpleasant smell.
• White-coloured discharged, similar to cottage cheese.
• Difficulty in pulling back the foreskin and it feeling tight.
• Soreness, itching, burning and redness around the head of the penis and under the foreskin.
• Soreness and stinging when you urinate or have sex.

There are a couple of options for treating thrush, and which are quick, simple and effective. Fluconazole is an antifungal medicine which is used in the treatment of thrush, working to fight the fungus responsible for the thrush. You can take it at any time of day, either before or after a meal. It is preferred by many women with thrush as it is simply taken as a single dose for the treatment of vaginal thrush. However, it is also a popular option for men suffering with penile thrush, often the first choice of treatment for this type of thrush.

Alternatively, Canesten Thrush Duo Oral Capsule & External Cream is a very convenient, easy way to both calm the itch and get rid of the infection. The on-the-go single-dose oral capsule containing fluconazole works from within to eliminate the thrush infection, while the double strength thrush cream containing clotrimazole helps to calm the itch. Canesten cream should be used 2 or 3 times a day until the symptoms disappear. You can buy Canesten quick and easy today from Medical Specialists® without a prescription.

Women also have the option of Vagisil Medicated Creme, a simple to buy non-prescription product that gives fast relief from the burning and itching associated with thrush.