What it is
Everyone has natural yeast on their bodies – including in your vagina or penis. Thrush is when this yeast grows too much, throwing off your healthy balance. It’s also called candidiasis (can-di-di-ah-sis).
How it happens
These are some of the things that make your chances of getting thrush higher:
- antibiotics
- contraceptive pills and devices
- a weaker immune system
- pregnancy
- diabetes
- having sex
Yeast loves a moist, warm home. So you’re at more risk if you:
- wear tight fitting clothes
- live in a hotter climate
Protect your body
It’s all about keeping the balance.
- Don’t wash in your vagina. It’s pretty clever and cleans itself.
- Ditch the oils, soaps, gels and creams. These throw off the balance of healthy yeast in your vagina or penis.
- Rinse your foreskin. Rinse with water only and dry under your foreskin every day and after sex.
Treat it
If you have symptoms, you can get medicine from the chemist. You don’t need a prescription to buy it. If the medicine doesn’t work, see a doctor as soon as possible – it might be an STI.
Find a clinic
