ExploreSexual health
Thrush (yeast infection)
Thrush is very common and not sexually transmitted — it is an overgrowth of a yeast that normally lives on the skin. It causes itching, soreness and thick white discharge, and settles well with treatment.
Common symptoms
- Itching, soreness or stinging around the vulva
- Thick, white discharge, often described like cottage cheese
- Redness or splitting of the skin around the entrance to the vagina
- Stinging when weeing or discomfort with sex
Useful to track
- When symptoms started and what they feel like
- Recent antibiotics, new bath or body products, or tight clothing
- Whether symptoms change across your cycle
- What you tried and whether it helped
Tests and conversations that may be relevant
- A GP can often recognise thrush just by hearing your story and looking
- A vaginal swab confirms it and rules out other causes if things are unclear
- Testing for other causes is worth doing the first time, or if symptoms keep returning
When to see a GP or specialist
- The first time you have these symptoms
- If you are pregnant
- If pharmacy treatment does not settle things
- If thrush keeps coming back — four or more times a year has its own approach
Urgent warning signs
- Fever or pelvic pain with discharge — this needs prompt review, as it can point to pelvic inflammatory disease
In Australia, call 000 or healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
Questions to take to a clinician
- Could this be thrush, or something else like bacterial vaginosis?
- What are my treatment options, and for how long?
- If it keeps coming back, what is the next step?
Related
eophi shares general information reviewed against Australian guidance. It never diagnoses. If something feels urgent, call 000 or healthdirect on 1800 022 222.