Just The Facts about Sexually Transmitted Infections

CANDIDIASIS (THRUSH)

What is it?

Candidiasis, often known as thrush, is caused by an overgrowth of, or an allergic reaction to, a yeast called candida albicans. This yeast is usually found in many areas of the body and is not considered to be a sexually transmissible infection. Candidiasis is very common. 

How do you get it?

A range of factors may possibly trigger an attack of candidiasis although often there is no obvious cause. Thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection however, yeasts can be exchanged between partners during sex and may cause symptoms.

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    Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of yeasts within the vagina. Yeasts often live in small numbers in the vagina without any problem. But if they start to overgrow they can cause symptoms of thrush.

    Thrush can happen for no obvious reason. We do know there are certain things that make it more likely:

    • Taking certain antibiotics.
    • Having sweaty or moist skin (e.g. after gym or exercise).
    • Lots of friction (e.g. after sex).
    • Being pregnant.
    • Having diabetes.
    • Having other skin condition in the area such as eczema or psoriasis.

Symptoms

People with candidiasis may experience genital itching.

  • In people with a vagina

    Symptoms of candidiasis may include genital itching, irritation or burning and/or abnormal vaginal discharge (thick, white ‘cottage cheese’ like discharge). Sex can be painful and penetration can have a burning sensation. The genital skin may be red, swollen and small breaks in the skin can occur.


  • In people with a penis

    Symptoms of candidiasis may include itching and redness on the head of the penis (a condition known as balanitis). Some people find symptoms are more noticeable after sex. Sometimes the itching is located in the groin. If the infection is severe swelling and breaks in the skin may occur.

Is it serious?

Candidiasis is easy to treat and does not lead to any serious health problems.

How do you get tested?

The nurse or doctor will look at the discharge and/or take a swab with small soft cotton bud stick and send it away to the laboratory for testing. 

Treatment

Candidiasis may be treated with antifungal creams or pessaries (tablets that are inserted into the vagina) or oral tablets. People with recurrent or ongoing candidiasis may require longer-term treatment.

  • Recurrences (ongoing outbreaks)

    Thrush is considered recurrent when you have four or more episodes in 12 months. 


    See your nurse, doctor or sexual health clinic  if you are experiencing repeated episodes of thrush. They will need to check that it’s not another type of infection or caused by another condition.


    They may recommend a course of long term antifungal treatment to help suppress the overgrowth of yeasts.

Prevention

Whilst thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection, yeasts can be exchanged between partners during sex. Condoms used correctly every time you have sex from start to finish, may provide some protection from candidiasis and offer good protection from many other sexually transmitted infections.

Telling your sexual partner/s

Candidiasis is not usually sexually transmitted so partners don’t normally require treatment. However, if a partner has symptoms they should be treated.

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