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Thrush (candida albicans)
Thrush
is caused by a yeast that normally lives harmlessly on the skin, or in
the mouth, gut and vagina without causing any problems. Normally it is
kept in check by harmless bacteria. Occasionally conditions change and
the yeast increases rapidly, causing symptoms. This is called clinical
thrush or candidiasis
Symptoms in women:
- itching
- soreness and redness around the vagina, vulva or anus
- a thick, white discharge from the vagina that looks like cottage cheese and smells yeasty
- a swollen vulva
- pain when you have sex
- pain when you pass urine
Symptoms in men:
- irritation
- burning or itching under the foreskin or on the tip of the penis
- a redness or red patches under the foreskin or on the tip of the penis
- a thick cheesy discharge under the foreskin
- difficulty in pulling back the foreskin
- a slight discharge from the urethra
- discomfort when you pass urine
Thrush can be caused by pregnancy, tight nylon clothing, certain antibiotics, products that irritate the vagina (soaps, deodorants), and having sex with someone who has a thrush infection
If they suspect thrush a doctor or nurse may take a swab to send to the laboratory. Treatment is by the application of antifungal cream or pessaries, or pills. You can also buy thrush treatments from a pharmacy
Alternative sources of help
Your local NHS sexual health
(GUM) clinic is on Calverley Street, adjacent to the Leeds General
Infirmary. It is open Monday to Friday throughout the day (except bank
holidays). An appointment system operates. For further information / appointments
telephone (0113) 392 6725 female clinic, (0113) 392 6724 male clinic, (0113)
392 6058 health advisers. You will get free, confidential advice and treatment.
You can go to any clinic anywhere in the country - you don't have to go
to a local one - and you don't have to be referred by your GP
Source: LSMP
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