Thrush - what it is, how to prevent it, and how to treat it
Use this button to quickly leave the website
Quick Exit
Back
NSW Government
  • A
  • A
Visit the blog
What is a dental dam? How to use them and where to find them

Exploring the benefits and purpose of a dental dam Dental dams may not be trending across social media but could this lesser-known barrier method be a good option for you? What is a dental dam? A dental dam is a thin, stretchy piece of latex or polyurethane that can be […]

All about Anal Sex

We’re talking about sexual activity that involves your butt.  Anal play can be enjoyed by anyone of any gender or orientation and can be: Putting fingers or a tongue (rimming) around/inside someone’s butt Putting a dildo or other sex toy inside someone’s butt Putting a penis inside someone’s butt There […]

Been diagnosed with an STI? Now what?

If you’ve been diagnosed with a sexually transmissible infection (STI), you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed, worried or unsure about what’s next. It might seem scary but getting an STI is not the end of the world. In fact, 4 million people in Australia will get an STI at […]

Visit the blog
What is a dental dam? How to use them and where to find them

Exploring the benefits and purpose of a dental dam Dental dams may not be trending across social media but could this lesser-known barrier method be a good option for you? What is a dental dam? A dental dam is a thin, stretchy piece of latex or polyurethane that can be […]

All about Anal Sex

We’re talking about sexual activity that involves your butt.  Anal play can be enjoyed by anyone of any gender or orientation and can be: Putting fingers or a tongue (rimming) around/inside someone’s butt Putting a dildo or other sex toy inside someone’s butt Putting a penis inside someone’s butt There […]

Been diagnosed with an STI? Now what?

If you’ve been diagnosed with a sexually transmissible infection (STI), you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed, worried or unsure about what’s next. It might seem scary but getting an STI is not the end of the world. In fact, 4 million people in Australia will get an STI at […]

Safe sex at schoolies

After years of hard work, it’s finally time to let loose and celebrate. But as fun as schoolies can be, it’s important that you stay safe, including when it comes to sex. Use condoms The easiest way to practice safe sex? Use condoms. Condoms act as a physical barrier, preventing […]

Are there any symptoms?

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.

How do you catch Thrush?

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

How can you prevent Thrush?

  • It’s a good idea to avoid soap, bubble baths or perfume in your vagina. This can affect the balance of normal yeast in your vagina
  • Make sure you rinse and dry under your foreskin using warm water, every day and after having sex
  • Wearing cotton underwear and avoiding tight-fitting clothes can also help if you’re prone to thrush.

Testing and treatment for Thrush

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.

More about Common STIs

Could I have an STI?

Take our 30 second quiz to find out

Where can I get tested?

Find a testing location

Got a sticky question?

Ask Nurse Nettie

Got a sticky question?

Ask Nurse Nettie

Stay in touch

Signup to our email or follow us on social for tips on all things sex and relationships