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Thrush? Don't worry, you're not alone!

By Sarah Clark

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Thrush. It's one of those conditions that it's just 'not nice' to talk about, but maybe it should be – because around 75% of women will get at least one bout of this annoying condition in their life. Some women are regularly afflicted, and although it's undoubtedly irritating, mildly embarrassing and inconvenient, it's nothing to be ashamed of or overly worried about.

What causes thrush?

Thrush is just caused by a yeast called Candida. We all have this yeast in our system, and it doesn't usually cause any problems, but sometimes the healthy bacteria on the skin and the vagina that keep Candida in check can get out of kilter, and this allows the yeast to multiply. The natural pH balance in the vagina is slightly acidic, and if the acidity drops, this can also be like a 'welcome' mat to Candida, and the organism may start to multiply. Candida likes warm, damp, moist conditions – which is why it commonly appears in the vagina, groin and mouth. Babies also get thrush in the nappy area. So, no, it most certainly isn't a sexually transmitted infection.

The most likely reason for the Candida to start getting rampant and causing an infection are taking antibiotics (because they destroy the healthy bacteria along with the bacteria they are supposed to kill), pregnancy, menopause, hormonal upsets and anything that upsets the balance of the immune system – stress, chemotherapy, or high doses of steroids.

Other triggers for thrush can be simple things like a reaction to perfumed soaps, shower gels and bubble bath; using tampons; wearing nylon tights and underwear made from synthetic materials. None of the triggers or causes of thrush casts any kind of aspersion on your sexual behaviour whatsoever.

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