Is your lifestyle giving you thrush?

If you've had vaginal thrush you'll know all too well how aggravating the symptoms of itching, soreness and discharge can be, and for some women these symptoms can recur with frustrating frequency.

Vaginal thrush is caused by an overgrowth of the naturally-occurring yeast candida (usually candida albicans, though other strains of candida may occasionally be responsible). Thrush develops when the vagina's healthy balance of microflora is disrupted, and it thrives in warm, airless, moist conditions.

Diagnosis is made by vaginal swab and thrush is usually treated with a short course of antifungal vaginal pessaries and cream, or an oral capsule (fluconazole), though chronic recurrence may need a specialist approach.

Intimate wipes and washing

Contact allergy from wet wipes, bubble baths and wash products is a common cause of vulval itching and these products can also be a trigger for thrush.

Dr Nitu Bajekal, a consultant gynaecologist and obstetrician at Spire Healthcare, comments:

"Take showers rather than baths. Avoid perfumed toiletries in the vulval area and never use feminine wipes or douches which disturb the vagina's normal healthy bacteria. Use non-soap-based washes, or emollients such as emulsifying ointment instead of soap to clean the genital area."

Just using plain water is also an option and avoid over-washing (once a day is adequate). When visiting the toilet always wipe from front to back.

Bajekal also suggests using unperfumed, non-biological washing detergents to wash underwear and ditching the fabric conditioner.

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Itchy vulva

Most women experience an itchy vulva and vaginal itching from time to time. However, in pruritus vulvae, the itching is persistent and causes distress.

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Undies and swimwear

"Avoiding thongs, tight-fitting synthetic underwear and tights can help prevent the warm, moist conditions that can lead to thrush," she says. "Wear breathable cotton underwear and forgo it at night to allow air to the area."

Some women are also allergic to fabric dye, so go for white cotton rather than coloured if in doubt.

After exercising, ensure you change out of sweaty gym clothes or a wet swimming costume as soon as possible. An emollient such as emulsifying ointment can be helpful as a barrier when swimming, as chlorine can upset the vagina's delicate microflora.

Sex, lube and shaving

"Thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI) but it can make sex uncomfortable," says Bethany Fawcett, contraception and sexual health nurse at young people's sexual health and well-being charity Brook. "And it is important to note that some topical thrush treatments can weaken latex condoms, diaphragms and caps."

Men can develop genital thrush (known as candidal balanitis) but are far less susceptible than women. Some men experience an allergic, hypersensitive response to a woman's candida during sex, but it is rare for thrush to be passed between partners.

Former nurse Samantha Evans is co-founder and managing director of sex toy company Jo Divine. She is keen to point out that some sexual lubricants can be a trigger for thrush too.

"Many women get recurrent thrush, not realising their lube is causing the problem and this was my personal experience. Some lubes contain irritating ingredients including glycerine/glycerol which research shows is a food source for candida albicans. Glycerine exacerbates vaginal dryness and increases susceptibility to vaginal infections, especially after sex."

She advises using a pH-balanced lubricant free from glycerine, glycols and parabens, and to choose condoms that are not lubricated with products containing these additives.

There is also evidence that repeatedly shaving or waxing pubic hair can make the vulva more vulnerable to irritation and infection due to micro cuts, so avoid over-grooming.

Hormones, periods and pregnancy

"Some studies show that high levels of oestrogen can increase chances of thrush," says Fawcett. "Oestrogen can be found in the combined contraceptive pill and is one of the two main hormones used in hormone replacement therapy. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and your menstrual cycle can also increase your chances of getting thrush."

"Some women find symptoms are worse just before or after a period, possibly due to changes in the vaginal pH which is normally acidic," adds Bajekal. "Several studies have found that symptoms of thrush tend to appear on days 19-24 of the cycle."

She also suggests avoiding daily use of panty liners and 'chemical-laden sanitary wear' during a period: "Opt for a Mooncup or organic unbleached sanitary towels or tampons instead."

Antibiotics and a weakened immune system

Some women will develop thrush after taking a course of antibiotics which can disrupt the balance of healthy bacteria in the body, allowing candida to take over.

"Probiotics can help restore the natural balance of bacteria in your gut," advises Bajekal, "but beware of gimmicky probiotic drinks in stores that may be loaded with sugar and haven't been proven to be effective in clinical trials. If you suffer from thrush on a recurrent basis, it is best to opt for a pharmaceutical-grade probiotic that has at least five billion organisms per dose."

Conditions that suppress the immune system can also be a trigger for thrush.

"People undergoing chemotherapy or those with HIV are more likely to develop thrush because the immune system is not able to keep the candida under control," comments Fawcett. "Thrush is also more common in people with diabetes, as higher sugar levels lead to better conditions for the yeast to grow."

Consuming excess sugar and alcohol, and chronic stress and exhaustion, can also reduce the body’s ability to fight off infection and keep candida under control. Regular exercise and at least seven hours of restful sleep are recommended.

Is it really thrush?

"Recurrent thrush is defined as more than two episodes in six months and occurs in less than 5 in 100 women," says Bajekal. "Your doctor may do a swab to check if you have a different strain of candida and it is important to rule out other causes of symptoms. Recurrent thrush needs correct treatment, for an extended duration, to be effective."

It is not uncommon for vulval soreness and irritation to be misdiagnosed as thrush by GPs and women themselves, as the symptoms can mimic other vulval conditions such as lichen sclerosus, vulvodynia, bacterial vaginosis and STIs.

So although you can buy thrush treatments over the counter, it is important to get a clear diagnosis before self-treating, and to be checked for other health issues that may cause similar symptoms.