Thrush or vaginal candidiasis are the general and medical terms used to describe a common vaginal yeast infection. Thrush occurs when there is an overgrowth of Candida albicans (yeast-like fungus) in your vagina. This occurs when the good bacteria in your vagina can’t keep the fungus (Candida albicans) under control, creating a suitable environment for Candida albicans to increase.
Just so you know, thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection. It can be really uncomfortable, but in the majority of cases it’s simple to treat.
Everyone is different, so your symptoms may differ from a friend’s. They may also change each time you get thrush, so watch out for these common symptoms and whether your symptoms are mild, moderate or more complicated.
Most people experience symptoms such as:
- An itchy vagina / vulva
- Soreness around the entrance to your vagina (vulva)
- Slight swelling of your vaginal lips (labia)
- Cottage cheese-like white discharge
These symptoms aren’t uncommon:
- Pain during sex
- Thick discharge
- Red and swollen labia
- Burning around your vulva
- Pain when you urinate
- Sores in your vaginal area
- Cracked skin around your vulva