Thrush

Thrush is one of the most common vaginal infections caused by an overgrowth of yeast fungus in the vagina called Candida Albicans.

Symptoms

Thrush can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms:

• Swollen, itchy or irritated vulva

• Painful urination

• White clumpy cottage cheese like discharge

• Pain during sex

Causes

Candida yeast is a microorganism commonly found in the vagina, but the additional presence of Lactobacillus bacteria prevents this yeast from upsetting the vaginal PH.

However, when there is a lack of Lactobacillus presence, the Candida yeast can quickly overgrow, spreading throughout the vagina and upsetting the PH levels.

Several factors can cause this imbalance:

• Pregnancy

• Menstrual & hormonal changes

• Unprotected Sex & Condoms

• Foreign bacteria exchanged during sexual activities

• Antibiotics

• Weak immune system

• Stress

Treatment

Treatments for Thrush are aimed at killing off the Candida fungus overgrowth and are available both over the counter at pharmacies or can be prescribed by a doctor.

There are also many home remedies that can lessen the severity of symptoms and prevent further infections:

• Natural plain no added sugar Greek Yoghurt

  • Eating or applying to the vulva

• Taking probiotics supplements

• Eating antifungal foods such as Garlic, avocados & chia seeds

• Maintaining a healthy balanced diet

• Avoiding sugary processed foods & alcohol

Research

Many researchers are currently exploring the root causes of Candida overgrowth and the adverse effects this can have on the whole body, not just for the vagina.

The majority of this research links Candida overgrowth back to the gut, further investigating the effects that an unhealthy & unbalanced gut can have on the whole body.

For those suffering with chronic recurrent yeast infections, it may prove useful to consider some of the wider causes of Candida overgrowth and how making certain healthy lifestyle changes to tackle this can positively impact the whole body.

Here are some useful websites for further reading:

• ‘Vaginal Microbiome: Everything you Need to Know’ https://www.ombrelab.com/blogs/vaginal/vaginal-microbiome-everything-you-need-to-know

• ‘Candida Overgrowth: The Full Lowdown’ https://thegutstuff.com/candida/

• ‘The Candida Diet’ https://www.thecandidadiet.com/

Although Thrush is not recognised as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), sexual contact is known to often trigger and spread the infection. However you can also develop thrush if you are not sexually active.

Thrush

Approximately 75% of people with vaginas will experience thrush in their lifetime. An itchy painful and often very unpleasant fungal infection.

UPDATED: 11/10/2023

BY: VAGINAL HEALTH

Vaginal Health Problems