Vaginal thrush — treatment and recurrent thrush
Reviewed by the My London Pharmacy clinical team, Michelle Chuku, Pharmacist Independent Prescriber
·29 July 2026
·6 min read
Quick answer
Vaginal thrush is a common yeast infection that causes itching, soreness and thick white discharge. It is not a sexually transmitted infection and usually clears with antifungal treatment, either a capsule taken by mouth or a cream or pessary. Thrush that keeps coming back should be reviewed by a clinician.
What vaginal thrush is
Vaginal thrush is an infection caused by an overgrowth of a yeast, usually Candida, that lives harmlessly on the skin and in the vagina for many people. It becomes a problem only when the natural balance shifts and the yeast multiplies. Thrush is very common; the majority of people with a vagina will have at least one episode in their lifetime, and it is not a sexually transmitted infection. The symptoms can, however, overlap with other conditions, which is why an accurate picture matters before treating.
Typical symptoms include itching and soreness around the vagina and vulva, a thick white discharge that is often described as cottage-cheese-like and usually odourless, and stinging when passing urine or during sex. Redness, swelling and small cracks in the skin can also occur. Symptoms range from mild to quite uncomfortable, and most cases respond well to treatment. Thrush is not dangerous, but it can be distressing and disruptive, and there is no need to simply put up with it.
What triggers thrush
Thrush tends to appear when something disturbs the natural balance of the vagina and allows the yeast to multiply. Common triggers include a recent course of antibiotics, which can reduce the protective bacteria that normally keep yeast in check, as well as pregnancy, poorly controlled diabetes, and hormonal changes such as those around your period. A weakened immune system, for example due to certain medicines or health conditions, can also make thrush more likely. Often there is no obvious single cause.
Some everyday habits can contribute too. Perfumed soaps, shower gels, bubble baths and vaginal washes can irritate the delicate skin and upset the natural balance, as can very tight or non-breathable clothing that keeps the area warm and moist. Douching is not recommended and can make things worse by disrupting the vagina's natural defences. Understanding your personal triggers can help reduce how often thrush occurs, alongside treating the current episode.
How thrush is treated
Most episodes of thrush respond well to antifungal treatment. This comes in two main forms: a capsule taken by mouth, or a cream or pessary used inside and around the vagina. Both are effective, and the choice often comes down to personal preference and your circumstances. An oral option such as the Fluconazole 150mg Thrush Capsule is a single-dose treatment that many people find convenient, while a pessary or intravaginal cream treats the area directly. An external antifungal cream can be added to soothe itching and soreness around the vulva while the main treatment takes effect.
If you are pregnant or think you might be, an oral antifungal capsule is generally avoided, and a clinician will usually recommend a pessary or external cream instead. Always mention pregnancy, breastfeeding or any other medicines you take, so treatment can be matched safely to you. Symptoms typically start to improve within a few days, though it can take up to a week to fully settle. If there is no improvement after treatment, it is worth a review rather than simply repeating the same product.
Managing recurrent thrush
Thrush is considered recurrent when it happens four or more times in a year. Recurrent thrush can be frustrating, uncomfortable and wearing, but it is manageable with the right plan. It is worth confirming the diagnosis first, because ongoing or repeated symptoms are sometimes caused by something other than thrush, such as bacterial vaginosis, a skin condition like eczema or lichen sclerosus, sensitivity to a product, or in some cases a less common type of yeast that responds differently to standard treatment.
For genuine recurrent thrush, a clinician may recommend a longer or repeated antifungal course, sometimes as a maintenance plan taken regularly over several months, to bring symptoms under control and reduce flare-ups before gradually stepping down. Identifying and reducing triggers, from perfumed products to blood sugar control in diabetes, is an important part of the plan. A consultation helps put a structured, reviewable approach in place rather than treating each episode in isolation and hoping it does not return.
Self-care and reducing flare-ups
Alongside treatment, a few gentle measures can help the area settle and lower the chance of thrush returning. These focus on avoiding irritation and keeping the skin comfortable and are worth building into your routine, especially if you are prone to recurrent episodes.
- Wash with water or an unperfumed emollient wash rather than soaps and shower gels.
- Avoid vaginal washes, douches, bubble baths and perfumed products.
- Choose breathable cotton underwear and avoid very tight clothing and prolonged time in damp swimwear or gym wear.
- Dry gently but thoroughly after washing, and consider using a barrier emollient if the skin is sore.
- Do not use antifungal treatment repeatedly without review if it is not clearly working.
These steps support treatment but do not replace it. If self-care and standard antifungals are not resolving your symptoms, that is a clear signal to seek a review rather than continuing to self-treat.
Thrush, partners and sex
Because thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection, most partners do not need treatment. However, thrush can occasionally be passed between partners during sex, and some men develop symptoms such as itching, redness or soreness of the penis. If a partner has symptoms, they can be assessed and treated in their own right; treating a partner who has no symptoms is not usually necessary.
Thrush and its treatment can also affect sex in practical ways. Symptoms such as soreness and itching may make sex uncomfortable, so it can help to wait until treatment has taken effect. It is also worth knowing that some antifungal creams and pessaries can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms, which may make them less reliable, so a clinician or pharmacist can advise on timing and contraception if this applies to you. If thrush repeatedly flares after sex, that is worth mentioning at a review.
When to seek help
Speak to a clinician if this is your first episode and you are not sure it is thrush, if treatment has not worked within a week, or if thrush keeps coming back. You should also seek advice if you are pregnant, under 16 or over 60, have symptoms such as unusual or smelly discharge, bleeding between periods or after sex, blisters or sores, or pain in the lower tummy, or if you have a weakened immune system or diabetes.
These situations benefit from proper assessment because the symptoms can overlap with other conditions that need different treatment, and NHS guidance advises confirming the cause rather than assuming. A clinician can confirm what is going on, sometimes with a simple swab, recommend the most suitable antifungal, and set up a longer plan for recurrent thrush if that applies. Everything is handled discreetly and without judgement, so there is no need to delay seeking help.
Frequently asked questions
Is thrush a sexually transmitted infection?
No. Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of yeast that naturally lives on the body and is not classed as a sexually transmitted infection. It can, however, sometimes be passed between partners, so both may occasionally need treatment.
What is the fastest treatment for thrush?
A single-dose oral antifungal capsule is a convenient option that many people find effective, while creams and pessaries treat the area directly. A clinician or pharmacist can help you choose based on your circumstances.
Can I treat thrush if I am pregnant?
Oral antifungal capsules are generally avoided in pregnancy. A pessary or cream is usually recommended instead. Always tell a clinician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding so treatment can be matched to you.
Why do I keep getting thrush?
Recurrent thrush (four or more times a year) can be linked to antibiotics, hormones, diabetes or irritation from perfumed products. A clinician can confirm the diagnosis and consider a longer maintenance treatment plan.
How can I reduce the chance of thrush returning?
Wash with water or an unperfumed emollient, avoid perfumed products and douching, and wear breathable cotton underwear. Managing triggers such as blood sugar can also help alongside treatment.