Thrush

Thrush is an infection caused by a yeast-like fungus - Candida, and can happen in the mouth and throat, on the skin, and especially on the genitals. While the infection on the genitals is more common in women, this can also happen to men.

The fungus occurs naturally and is generally found in moist places of the body - such as the mouth and the genital area. But thrush occurs when there is an overgrowth of candida. It is then that you need to consult a doctor and get a thrush treatment.

Factors that increase the chances of developing thrush include the following.

• Poor hygiene

• Weakened immune system due to HIV, an ongoing cancer treatment, or taking immunosuppressant drugs

• Prolonged use of antibiotics

• Diabetes mellitus, because high blood sugar leads to greater chances of developing yeast infections

• Obesity, as folds in the skin, creates an ideal environment for the fungus to grow

Symptoms of thrush in men and women

Thrush symptoms in men

• Irritation and redness at the tip of the penis/ under the foreskin

• An unpleasant smell

• Difficulty during sex/ pulling back the foreskin

• A white discharge that resembles cottage cheese

Thrush symptoms in women

• White, odourless vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese

• Soreness during sex

• Stinging sensation while peeing

• Irritation and itching around the vulva/ vagina

It is a common infection - one which isn’t classed as a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and can be addressed by reaching out to a medical practitioner and opting for thrush treatment. You can even connect with our online experts/ doctors at Pharmulous for a discreet treatment plan.

How to stop thrush from recurring?

Usually, doctors prescribe an antifungal medication to get rid of thrush. This comes in the form of tablets, a creme/ lotion, or even a pessary that has to be inserted into the vagina.

According to our experts, once you consult a doctor and undergo thrush treatment, the condition gets cured in under 7-14 days. However, if you have recurring thrush, the treatment may take up anything from 6-8 months.

Here are a few things that you can do to prevent thrush from recurring.

• Use emollient and water instead of shower gels and soap to wash your penis/ vagina

• Wear cotton underwear and avoid wearing tight underwear

• Avoid sex until thrush has been completely cured

• Avoid using deodorants/ talcum powder close to the genital area

• Dry the affected area thoroughly after bathing/ washing

Frequently asked questions about thrush treatment

#1 How do I know if I have thrush?

Thrush can affect both men and women. It leads to a white discharge, which is usually odourless in women but has an unpleasant smell in men. It leads to a stinging pain during sex and urinating. It can even lead to redness/ rash on the penis and around the vagina, though this may not be very visible on brown and darker skin tones.

#2 Is thrush contagious? Should I be worried?

Though thrush isn’t classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it can be passed on during sex - especially if the partner has an untreated infection. To reduce the passing of thrush, you and your partner must maintain good hygiene, use protection during sex, and use a dental dam when engaging in oral sex.

#3 Is thrush treatment safe during breastfeeding?

Yes, the treatment is generally safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. At Pharmulous, our doctors usually recommend medications/ creams depending on the situation. So, it’s important to consult a doctor/ healthcare provider to choose the safest treatment option.