How to tell if you have a vaginal yeast infection or thrush: causes and symptoms?

If you’ve ever had a yeast infection, we feel your itch! It can involve an itchy vaginal and vulval area, which can feel burning, sore and uncomfortable Here’s everything you need to know about vaginal yeast infections.

What is a yeast infection or thrush?

A yeast infection, also known as thrush or vulvovaginal candidiasis, is a fungal infection in the vagina caused by an overgrowth of a vaginal yeast called candida. Candida actually grows naturally in the vagina and bowel, where it lives peacefully alongside, and is kept in check by, the – other harmless fungi and bacteria that make up the vaginal microbiome. But if something throws off the balance, the vaginal yeast can grow too much and cause an infection.

Some women are more likely to get a yeast infection just before your period, when hormonal changes can make the vaginal environment more prone to Candida overgrowth. Having diabetes, being pregnant or recently taking antibiotics can all increase the risk of developing thrush. Yeast infections are not sexually transmitted, although in rare cases they can be passed between partners.

What are the signs thrush?

If you have thrush you tend know about it, because the symptoms are uncomfortable and difficult to ignore. They can affect both the vagina and the vulva, which are the tissues at the vaginal opening. Symptoms to look out for are:

• Thick, white vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese
• Irritation and itchiness around the vagina and vulva
• Burning or discomfort when urinating or during intercourse
• A red or swollen vulva
• Vaginal soreness, pain, or a rash

If this is the first time you’ve ever had yeast infection symptoms – or if you aren’t sure whether you have a yeast infection or something else – consult your doctor for medical advice before trying to treat it yourself. The same goes if you develop any other symptoms besides the above.

How do you get a yeast infection?

Anyone with a vagina can get a vaginal yeast infection, including those who aren’t considered at high risk of them, sometimes it seems to just happen.

Compromised immune system

Those who have an impaired or weakened immune system, be it from a corticosteroid therapy for another health condition, chemotherapy, HIV or other condition affecting the immune system or another infection, are more likely to get yeast infections. This is because, their immune system are less able to control the growth of the yeast.

Using antibiotics

Antibiotics have one job, and that’s to kill off bacteria. But they’re not exactly accurate, they can’t tell the difference between harmful and helpful bacteria, meaning they kill the good, helpful bacteria as well as the bad stuff. By disrupting the normal microbiome balance within your vagina, antibiotics can create an opportunity for Candida to overgrow which can lead to thrush.

Changing homrones

Changing hormones can also increase your risk of thrush, for example during pregnancy, just before a period, when taking certain contraceptive pills with higher estrogen doses, or with menopausal hormone treatment/hormone replacement therapy. Hormonal changes can affect the vaginal environment and the balance of bacteria, which can increase the risk of infection.

Untreated diabetes

If your blood sugar is left uncontrolled, it can increase your chances of a yeast infection as Candida feeds on sugar, so high blood glucose levels that can occur in diabetes is like giving the yeast an all-you-can-eat buffet. Properly managing blood glucose levels helps reduce this risk.

Washing and more

You vagina cleans itself, it doesn’t want or need to be douched with anything at all, even water as doing so can disturb the natural balance of the vagina and make thrush more likely. So too can washing the vulva (which includes the entrance to the vagina) with soap, using scented products and bubble baths.

Other possible contributors include wearing very tight or non-breathable clothing, douching, or using scented hygiene products, all of which can disturb the natural balance of the vagina and make infection more likely.

And one myth…

Wearing very tight, non-breathable underwear (like synthetic fabrics that trap heat and moisture) may create conditions that slightly favour yeast growth, because Candida thrives in warm, moist environments. This doesn’t mean tight underwear causes thrush on its own! But it can lead to fungal rashes in the groin and may contribute to recurrence in people who are already prone to yeast infections. Try breathable cotton underwear to reduce irritation.

How to prevent and treat yeast infections

You can buy over-the-counter thrush treatments at your local pharmacy or ask your doctor. The most common treatment for yeast infections (also known as thrush) can come as either an oral antifungal drug in the form of a pill, or an antifungal cream or pessary to be inserted into the vagina.

FYI If you have your period, it’s best to avoid using a tampon at the same time as an antifungal cream or pessary for thrush. Tampons can absorb some of the medication, making it less effective. Instead, you can use a pad while applying the treatment, or start the course after your period ends. If this is inconvenient, an oral antifungal tablet may be an alternative.

If your symptoms don’t improve with over the counter treatment, are severe, or you tend to get recurrent yeast infections please see your doctor. Not all itching and discharge is thrush and it is important to rule out other causes. If it is persistent or recurrent thrush your , your doctor might prescribe you a longer course of antifungal treatment.

While you can find a million and one natural remedies out there, such as coconut oil, garlic, tea tree and other essential oils, these are not generally recommended as they are not proven to effectively treat yeast infections., In some cases, especially with essential oils that aren’t properly diluted, these remedies can irritate the vulva or vagina and make symptoms worse. Standard antifungal treatments, like topical creams, pessaries, or single-dose oral tablets, remain the safest and most reliable way to treat thrush.

Some tips to try and prevent yeast infections:

• If you have vaginal discharge (like a yeast infection discharge) that’s not related to your period, don’t use a tampon to absorb it. A pantyliner is your best bet.
• Wear cotton underwear where possible.
• Stay away from scented soaps and bath salts, as they could irritate the sensitive vulval and vaginal tissue.
• Don’t use vaginal washes or douches as these can also disturb that natural balance of the vaginal microbiome – remember your vaginal cleans itself!
• Change out of wet or sweaty clothes once you’re done swimming or working out, as moisture environments can encourage yeast to grow.

In a ideal world, you just wouldn’t ever get a vaginal yeast infection. But if it does happen, now you’ll know what to do. Preparation for the win.

One of the greatest advantages of tampons is how comfortable they are when you are mobile, meaning you don’t feel anything bulky or moving when you are doing exercising or even just moving about! Tampax Pearl Compak Regular tampons have a practical applicator and are designed to fit your unique shape, thus protecting you against leaks even better.