Thrush can be confused with other conditions that cause itching and redness with or without discharge. These other conditions include herpes infections and bacterial infections. Your doctor will examine you and take a swab or do further tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Vaginal thrush can make you feel itchy and sore outside your vagina (an area called your vulva). You may find it painful when you use the toilet (to pee) and when you have sex.
In some cases, the symptoms of oral thrush can make eating and drinking difficult. If left untreated, the symptoms will often persist and your mouth will continue to feel uncomfortable. In severe cases that are left untreated, there is also a risk of the infection spreading further into your body, which can be serious.
What causes thrush? Most people have small amounts of the Candida fungus in their mouth, digestive tract and skin. When illnesses, stress or medications disturb this balance, the fungus grows out of control and causes thrush.
Causes of oral thrush
wearing dentures (false teeth), particularly if they don't fit properly. having poor oral hygiene. having a dry mouth, either because of a medical condition or a medication you are taking. smoking.
Vaginal thrush is pretty unpleasant & uncomfortable, if left untreated you'll continue to experience itching, burning & general discomfort and pain in the vagina and surrounding areas. Not clearing the infection properly (or at all) can cause vaginal thrush to flare up frequently, making it more difficult to treat.
How Long Does Oral Thrush Last Without Treatment? A mild case of oral thrush can clear up on its own without treatment. With the right treatment, symptoms should improve within a few days. Without any treatment, it can take between three to eight weeks to resolve itself.
Candida can lead to thrush, bloating, and fatigue. There are some natural ways to ease the condition. Read this article to discover these remedies.
Infections might be the cause. You may have bacterial vaginosis, a yeast infection, or an STI. Menopause-related hormonal changes, diabetes, or skin conditions are other possible causes. Or irritation from and allergic reactions to detergents and other products could be at work.
It's more common than you think. Thrush is a vaginal yeast infection caused by excessive growth of natural yeast-like fungus, called candida albicans. If you've noticed vaginal irritation and inflammation or a change in your discharge (cottage cheese-like white discharge), you may have a yeast infection.
The symptoms of thrush are: soreness and itchiness around your vagina, cottage cheese like discharge that's odorless and burning sensation when passing urine. Bacterial vaginosis causes a fishy, unpleasant odour and greyish watery discharge. BV should not cause you soreness or itchiness in your vagina.
There are several types of at-home yeast infection tests that are available for purchase, including vaginal pH test strips and self-collection kits that allow you to collect a sample at home and mail it to a laboratory for nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT).
Apple cider vinegar has long been used as a home remedy to treat candida overgrowth and protect against yeast infections and thrush. Studies show apple cider vinegar has powerful antimicrobial activities and can inhibit the growth of C. albicans and other pathogens.
Here's what she shared with HealthShots, “If a yeast infection is in the urinary system, drinking water will flush them out. That's because lukewarm water increases metabolic activity and helps to reduce weight; therefore, local infection will be reduced.
Fortunately, the infections respond well to over-the-counter antifungal creams or suppositories, so if you're sure you have a yeast infection, go ahead and try an OTC yeast infection medication like Monistat or yeast arrest suppositories, which contain boric acid, a mild antiseptic.
What if it's thrush, but the anti-fungals don't work? If you have thrush, anti-fungal treatments are usually effective. But for around 5% of women, thrush keeps coming back or doesn't completely clear despite treatment. In these case, it may be necessary to see a specialist.
Salt water to treat vaginal infections
The expert explains that warm water with salt will generally increase blood supply to the vaginal area. It can reduce the vaginal infection as part of the natural healing process. But using salt directly is unlikely to heal the vaginal infection.
Relieve itching with a cold pack or a cool bath. Don't wash your vulva more than once a day. Use plain water or a mild, unscented soap.
What causes thrush? Your vagina naturally has a certain amount of yeast. Thrush is caused by the growth of too much yeast. You are more likely to get thrush if you have recently taken antibiotics, you have diabetes or your immune system is weakened (for example, because you have HIV).