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 […]
Thrush, also called Candidiasis, isn’t actually an STI as you don’t get it from a sexual partner. It’s an overgrowth of naturally occurring yeast on the body.
In the vagina, thrush can cause a thick clumpy white discharge and feel very itchy. The skin around the vagina may also be red, swollen and sore.
Under the foreskin and on the head of the penis, thrush can cause itch, redness or white patches, swelling and irritation.
Thrush isn’t an STI that you get from sexual partners.It’s an overgrowth of naturally occurring yeast on the body. The overgrowth can be triggered by anything that disrupts the balance of healthy organisms in the vagina or under the foreskin. It can be triggered by certain medications like antibiotics or contraceptive pills. Some people will notice it is linked to their menstrual cycle. It grows best on warm, moist skin and is more likely to occur if you wear tight fitting clothes or live in a hotter climate.
If you notice any changes in your body, it’s a good idea to get tested
It is super easy to get treatment for thrush at a pharmacy. You may not need a prescription for this. If this doesn’t help or the infection keeps recurring it’s important to get advice from your doctor.