Recently we covered the ways you can help stay clear of yeast infections in summer, but what if your symptoms are telling you something else?
So, you might have heard about thrush – that pesky little yeast infection that can give you a hard time. Well, let’s get straight to the point and talk about the symptoms of thrush in women.
First off, we have oral thrush. Picture this: you might notice some funky white patches on your tongue, inner cheeks, or the roof of your mouth. Yeah, those patches can be a real mood-killer! And if you try to scrape them off, guess what? They might bleed! Ouch! On top of that, you could have a sore throat, trouble swallowing, and a mouth feeling like you’re chewing on cotton balls. Not fun at all, right?
Now, let’s talk about the nether regions. Vaginal thrush is no joke either. You might experience itching and soreness down there that’ll drive you bananas. Plus, there’s this weird discharge – thick and white, almost like cottage cheese. Not exactly the kind of thing you want to see in your underwear! And guess what? It can make your intimate moments a bit painful too. Not fair, thrush!
Why do I keep getting thrush and what causes thrush?
So, you’ve been dealing with thrush more times than you’d like, huh? It’s like a never-ending roller coaster, and you’re probably wondering why the heck it keeps coming back to haunt you.
Well, first things first, you’re not alone in this struggle. Thrush can be a persistent little bugger, and there are a few reasons why it might keep showing up uninvited.
Antibiotics: You know those lifesavers that fight off nasty bacterial infections? Yeah, they’re great, but they can also wreck the delicate balance of your lady bits. Antibiotics can kill off the good bacteria that keep the Candida yeast in check, making it go wild and leading to—you guessed it—thrush.
Weakened Immune System: When your immune system is down for the count, it’s like rolling out the red carpet for thrush. Stress, illness, or certain medications can weaken your immune response, giving the pesky yeast a chance to party in places it shouldn’t.
Hormonal Changes: Ah, hormones. They can be both a blessing and a curse. Fluctuations in hormone levels during pregnancy, your monthly cycle, or even while taking birth control can create an environment where thrush thrives.
Diabetes: If you have diabetes, uncontrolled blood sugar levels can feed the Candida yeast like an all-you-can-eat buffet. It’s important to keep that sugar in check to keep thrush at bay.
Clothing Choices: Believe it or not, your fashion choices might be contributing to the thrush fiesta. Tight, non-breathable clothing, especially down there, can create a warm, moist environment where the yeast feels right at home.
Personal Habits: Taking good care of yourself is vital. Poor hygiene, not changing out of wet swimwear or sweaty gym clothes, or using scented hygiene products can all play a role in giving thrush a foothold.
Partner Pass-Back: Yep, unfortunately, your partner might unknowingly pass the yeast back to you during intimate moments. Time to have that awkward but necessary conversation and make sure they get treated too.
Don’t worry, though! There’s light at the end of the thrush tunnel. By working with your healthcare provider and making some lifestyle changes, you can break the cycle and keep thrush from becoming your unwanted guest.
Can you have thrush without showing any symptoms?
Believe it or not, thrush can be a sneaky little ninja sometimes. It’s possible to have thrush without any obvious symptoms parading around. Yeah, you heard that right – the yeast party might be happening inside you, and you won’t even know it.
This silent version of thrush is more common in healthy individuals with a robust immune system. It’s like the Candida yeast decided to go undercover, keeping its wild side in check. But don’t let your guard down just yet!
Even without any obvious signs, this hidden thrush can still cause trouble. It might be quietly spreading its wings, waiting for the perfect moment to strike and turn your life into an itchy, uncomfortable mess.
Yeast infections – also known as thrush – are so common, many women think they have them when in fact it’s something else.
So if you have thrush-like symptoms like itching, burning, discharge or pain, here are five (other) things, besides a yeast infection, that it could be.
5 vaginal infections that aren’t thrush (but look or feel like it)
1. Herpes
Herpes, a common and extremely contagious STI, causes painful sores on the genitals. Often these occur on the outside of the vagina, but sometimes they may develop inside, too – and in this case, they can cause itching and burning, much like thrush. Herpes isn’t curable, but it is treatable, which can prevent future outbreaks.
Read more: 5 Myths about STIs, debunked!
2. Trichomoniasis
Also known as trich, this is another very common STI, causing a foul-smelling greenish-yellow discharge along with genital itching and pain when urinating. Unlike herpes, it’s easily treatable, usually with a course of antibiotics prescribed to both partners (even though men typically display no symptoms).
3. Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
BV is caused by an overgrowth of the wrong kind of bacteria in the vagina, which causes the natural acidity of the vagina to become much more alkaline. BV is usually the result of poor hygiene, and/or poor health in general, and/or the use of IUD contraceptives, and/or transferring E. coli bacteria from the anus to the vagina during sex or wiping from back to front, rather than front to back. Symptoms include burning and itching of the vagina, and/or a grey or greyish white discharge with a fishy smell. Unpleasant as the symptoms may be, they’re easily treated with antibiotics.
4. A sensitivity or allergic reaction
Using a new soap or washing powder? Douching or washing too vigorously? The vagina’s delicate pH balance is easily disturbed, and when this happens, you may experience itching, discharge or other irritating symptoms.
5. Gonorrhoea
Another common but serious STI, this one, if left untreated, can lead to infertility. Gonorrhoea can cause pain the vagina, painful urination, and vaginal discharge which may be thin or watery, and green or yellow in colour. If your symptoms sound like this, get to your doctor, gynae or sexual healthcare clinic ASAP.
Whatever your suspicions, get your symptoms checked out
Your symptoms may be indicated something easily and quickly treatable, but they may also be giving you important insight into something more serious. Don’t take a chance – always make 100% sure so you can be treated early and prevent more serious issues in future.
If you’re experiencing symptoms you’re uncertain about, we can help. Simply pop into your nearest Marie Stopes centre to put your mind at ease.
Find your nearest Marie Stopes centre and book an appointment online now.