What is STI testing? STI testing is the process of running medical tests to check for any sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is quick, easy, and confidential. Most STI tests only require a blood test and either a self-collected swab or a urine sample. Why is STI testing important? […]
It’s Valentine’s Day National Condom Day! It’s no coincidence that Valentine’s Day and National Condom Day fall on the same day… but in terms of which one we’re celebrating, well, that’s a no brainer. Here at Play Safe, we’ll take any excuse to celebrate condoms, but today, on National Condom […]
World AIDS Day Ever wondered why you see red ribbons everywhere in early December? Well, it’s because of World AIDS Day. World AIDS Day takes place on the 1st of December each year and is all about showing support for people living with HIV, raising awareness about HIV prevention, testing […]
What is STI testing? STI testing is the process of running medical tests to check for any sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is quick, easy, and confidential. Most STI tests only require a blood test and either a self-collected swab or a urine sample. Why is STI testing important? […]
It’s Valentine’s Day National Condom Day! It’s no coincidence that Valentine’s Day and National Condom Day fall on the same day… but in terms of which one we’re celebrating, well, that’s a no brainer. Here at Play Safe, we’ll take any excuse to celebrate condoms, but today, on National Condom […]
World AIDS Day Ever wondered why you see red ribbons everywhere in early December? Well, it’s because of World AIDS Day. World AIDS Day takes place on the 1st of December each year and is all about showing support for people living with HIV, raising awareness about HIV prevention, testing […]
What is contraception? Contraception, also sometimes referred to as ‘birth control’, is something people can use when they want to have sex that can result in pregnancy, but do not want to become pregnant or have a baby. Understanding contraception and figuring out the best contraceptive method for you is […]
It can often make women feel embarrassed, miserable and even dirty. But thrush, also called Candidiasis, is more common than you think!
It happens in around 50% of women at least once in their lifetime.
Thrush is an overgrowth of naturally occurring yeast in the vagina called candida. Yeasts are always present in the vagina but exist in balance with healthy bacteria. When this balance is disrupted, yeast can flourish and cause the classic symptoms of a clumpy white discharge, vaginal itch and irritation.
The most common symptoms that you might experience include:
Yes, men can get thrush. Symptoms usually present as splotchy red spots on the head of the penis and under the foreskin, which may be sore and itchy.
Treatment of thrush can either be an oral tablet, cream that’s applied directly to the vulva and vaginal area, or a pessary which is a tablet you insert into the vagina before going to bed. These can be bought over the counter at a pharmacy or a doctor can prescribe one, or a combination, of these treatments.
Thrush isn’t considered an STI because yeast is naturally occurring in the vagina and you can get thrush even without being sexually active. However, contact with semen during sex can sometimes disrupt the natural environment in the vagina, triggering thrush. Using condoms can prevent this effect. Some couples may find that they seem to pass the symptoms back and forth and in those cases, getting treatment at the same time can be a good idea.
There are lots of tips to prevent thrush and keep your vulva and vaginal area healthy.
If your symptoms don’t respond to over the counter treatments see your doctor to make sure you have the diagnosis right. A simple vaginal swab can tell if you have thrush or another type of infection.
Some women may be prone to recurrent thrush. There are various strategies and treatment regimes that can help, so talk to your doctor about what’s happening for you.
If you have any concerns or just want a bit more info, ring 1800 451 624 between 9:00am and 5:30pm Monday to Friday to talk to a sexual health nurse. It’s confidential and free if you call from a landline.
There’s a lot of confusion about what the vagina ‘should’ look, feel or smell like. So, here are some simple facts (vagina 101) to clear the rumours. The vagina is mostly an internal organ, and what we see externally are the parts of the body that make up the vulva. […]
What’s normal and not normal? All women have some vaginal discharge (fluid or semisolid substance that flows out of the vaginal opening). It’s a way the body maintains a healthy vagina. Vaginal discharge is part of the vagina’s inbuilt self-cleaning system. Bacteria that are normally found in the vagina create […]