Thrush
Click star to rate:
Causes of vaginal thrush
Vaginal thrush is caused by an overgrowth of a yeast called Candida albicans in the vagina. This yeast lives naturally in our bodies, including in the vagina. It is prevented from growing too much and causing symptoms of thrush by the action of 'friendly bacteria' which help keep the internal environment of the vagina acidic.
When the vagina becomes less acidic, there is a change in balance of the friendly bacteria and growth of Candida albicans is stimulated. The yeast overgrowth causes thrush.
There are a number of factors that can disturb the acidity of the vagina and trigger episodes of thrush and these include:
- Medicines such as antibiotics and steroids. This is because antibiotics kill the friendly bacteria in the vagina that keep Candida albicans under control
- Physical trauma such as sexual intercourse and inserting tampons
- Stress
- Menstruation
- Using perfumed soaps and shower gels
- Wearing tight clothing
- Hormonal fluctuations due to menopause and pregnancy
