Life’s too short to Google all your thrush questions! We’ve covered everything you need to know about thrush right here, so sit back, grab a coffee, and give yourself a pat on the back. You’ve made it to Thrush Crusader!
We get plenty of emails every week from other thrush sufferers out there just like yourself. We have listed here some of the most commonly asked questions that have been asked. Together with all of our powers combined we can flush your flush once and for all!
Is vaginal discharge normal?
For some reason, a lot of us gals think that a vagina is supposed to be this clean, neat, perfectly packaged body part thats talent lies in peeing, giving birth, and having sex.
Well have we got news for you!
Your wonder-down-under is an incredible organ that has many talents – including a self-cleaning system in the form of vaginal discharge! The color and consistency can vary depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle, but generally it shouldn’t smell or be uncomfortable, and it is perfectly normal! Think of this discharge the same way that saliva cleanses and regulates the environment of the mouth.
Now go give your hooch a pat for doing its job well!
If you start experiencing discharge that looks a little lumpy (like cottage cheese… Try eating that while you have thrush!) then you may have thrush. Check out our Thrush Comparison chart to see what will work best for you to treat your thrush.
Keep in mind that if your discharge smells a little funky, is excessive or changes radically in color, you might have something a little more sinister like a bacterial infection or a STI, so it’s probably best to check with your doc if that’s the case.
Can I treat thrush if I’m on my period?
If you’re experiencing natures double whammy of having thrush whilst you’ve got your period, you can thank your changes in hormone levels for that!
You can still treat thrush while on your period, though you might want to be a little picky with your treatment options.
If Aunty Flo comes to visit while you are taking medication for thrush, continue using the treatment as prescribed for the recommended length of the treatment. However, if you have thrush and your period is due soon, consider products that nip thrush in the bud with one or 2 doses so it can be treated before your period arrives.
In a pickle as to what treatment to choose? Check out our comparison chart of some of the most effective thrush treatments to help you decide!
Is thrush an STI (Sexually transmitted infection)?
In a nutshell, no! Thrush has not been strictly categorized as an STI.
However….
It can be passed on during sexual intercourse.
I know, I know, that kind of sounds like an STI. But here’s why it’s not: Thrush is a yeast infection of the skin and the genital area, caused by the Candida fungus. Since Candida is found on the skin of most people, regardless of how many notches they have on their belt, it’s not technically an STI.
But, it can be transmitted during intercourse if your sexual partner is currently suffering from thrush.
If you’ve been treating your thrush, have had sexual intercourse, and your partner starts to have symptoms, your best bet is to get your sexual partner to treat themselves too to prevent reinfection. I mean, sharing is caring, but this takes it to a whole new (unwelcome) level!
If I’m taking other medications, can I still treat thrush?
To be honest, without knowing your medical situation and what you’re currently on, that question is best asked to your doctor or local GP.
In any case, make sure you read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with any thrush treatment you use. This has some important info about the active ingredients, do’s and don’ts as well as possible side effects that you’ll need to be aware of. After all, you don’t want to give your beaver anything it can’t handle!
Is there such thing as a male yeast infection?
Yes, there is! Because the candida fungus is present in almost everyone’s skin, men can also suffer from thrush-type yeast infections.
Male yeast infections usually have the following symptoms (however keep in mind that these symptoms are also symptoms of problems other than yeast infections):
- Pus or discharge under the foreskin (us girls don’t get to have all the discharge fun!). This can smell a bit funky
- A red rash (sometime scaly) at the very tip of the penis head.
- Swelling, pain and tenderness at the tip of the penis
- Uncomfortable itching
- A tight foreskin
If you are a male and are experiencing these symptoms, it’s best to visit your friendly ol’ doc for some advice on treatment.
How do I treat yeast thrush and yeast infections?
Because yeast and thrust infections are caused by a Candida fungal infection, your best bet is to use antifungal medicines to help relieve the symptoms and cure your thrush and yeast infection!
You’ll usually see these medicines in the form of creams, tablets, ointments or suppositories, and since there are a heap of good (and not so good) options available, the decision of what will work best for you can be tough.
Check out our comparison table of some of the most effective thrush treatments available to help you make an informed decision on how to flush your thrush!
What do I do if I get thrush during pregnancy?
So you have a bundle of love in your belly, and a bundle of thrush in your undies. Don’t worry – thrush isn’t harmful to your baby, and it is actually quite common to get thrush during pregnancy. You can say thanks to your friendly hormone estrogen. During pregnancy, estrogen causes fluctuations to the acidity of your vagina, making it prime time for yeast to party in your va-jay-jay.
Creams and suppositories can easily treat your yeast infection, but it’s important to contact your midwife or doc for advice of what to take to treat your thrush, as treatment for vaginal thrush can differ for those who are preggers versus those who aren’t.
My thrush keeps coming back – how do I get rid of thrush for good?
If thrush is becoming to be more like an obsessive mother-in-law, (lurking in the distance and visiting you every chance it gets), its time to get some real help! If you’re experiencing thrush or yeast infections more than 4 times a year, you’re better off going to your doc and getting some long acting treatments.
Before you do, though, consider taking some preventative measures to help your body stay in tip top shape, such as:
- Don’t douche your hooch. Although it sounds like a good idea, it’s not. This natural remedy is actually bad for your vagina and can increase your risk of vaginal infections. Stay away!
- Use soap substitutes. Those pretty smelling soaps and moisturisers are fighting against your healthy hooch! Stick with plain ol’ soap substitutes and your vagina will thank you.
- Change your sanitary pads and tampons regularly during your period. For everybody’s sake!
- Avoid synthetic fibre underwear and tight underwear. Unless you want to give the Candida fungus a nice warm and moist environment to thrive, stick to cotton panties.
- Change out of wet clothes, swimwear and exercise gear as soon as possible.
I’ve heard yoghurt can treat vaginal thrush and yeast infections, is this true?
As delicious as it sounds (who doesn’t like yoghurt?!), this is not an effective way to treat your thrush. Some women think that the yoghurt can help equalize the balance of bacteria and yeast in their vagina, but all that happens is that your Lady V gets a whole lot messy with very little results. You might end up easing your symptoms, but yoghurt isn’t the answer for the party happening in your panties.