Thrush
Thrush is a common yeast infection caused by a fungus called Candida, which normally lives harmlessly on the skin and in the body. It can affect women (vaginal thrush) and men, and it can be treated easily. It is not a sexually transmitted infection, although it can occasionally be passed on during sex.
- Treatment
- Antifungal cream, pessary or capsule
- First time
- Get checked before treating
- Not improving
- See a doctor
Symptoms in women
- Itching, soreness or irritation in and around the vagina
- A thick, white vaginal discharge, similar to cottage cheese, that usually does not smell
- Pain or discomfort during sex, or when passing urine
- Redness or swelling of the skin around the vagina
Symptoms in men
- Redness, soreness and itching on the head of the penis, and under the foreskin
- A thick, white discharge under the foreskin
- A burning feeling when passing urine or during sex
- Difficulty pulling back the foreskin
What makes thrush more likely
Antibiotics, pregnancy, hormonal changes, diabetes (especially if it is not well controlled), a weakened immune system, tight or synthetic clothing, and perfumed soaps, washes and bubble baths can all make thrush more likely.
What you can do yourself
- Use antifungal treatment from the pharmacy — a cream, a pessary or a single capsule. Follow the pack, and finish the full course.
- Wash the area gently with water or a fragrance-free emollient, and pat dry. Avoid perfumed soap, shower gel, bubble bath and vaginal washes or douches.
- Wear loose, cotton underwear, and avoid tight trousers and tights.
- Wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
- Some treatments can damage latex condoms and diaphragms, so ask us about contraception while you are using them. Avoid sex until treatment is complete if it is sore.
How PRX Pharmacy can help
Our pharmacists can recommend a suitable antifungal treatment in private. Some are not suitable if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, under 16 or over 60, or take certain other medicines, so we will check with you first. If it is the first time you have had these symptoms, it is best to get checked by your GP or a sexual health clinic, because other infections can look similar.
When to get medical help
Contact your GP practice or call 111 the same day if:
- • It is the first time you have had these symptoms
- • You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- • You have had thrush 4 or more times in the last year
- • Your symptoms have not improved after a week of treatment, or keep coming back
- • You have an unusual-smelling, yellow or green discharge, or lower tummy pain, a fever, bleeding between periods or after sex, or pain deep inside during sex
- • You have sores, blisters or ulcers around the genitals
- • You have diabetes, or a weakened immune system
- • You are a man with swelling, cracking of the skin or a foreskin that will not pull back
- • You are under 16 or over 60
If you are ever worried and unsure, ask us or call 111. Trust your instincts — it is always better to ask.
This guide is general information written by the PRX Pharmacy team. It does not replace advice from a pharmacist or doctor who knows your medical history.
Last updated 24 September 2026. Clinically reviewed by Milan Patel, Pharmacist on 24 September 2026.
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