Thrush

Thrush is a common yeast infection that affects men and women. It’s usually harmless but it can be uncomfortable and keep coming back. It isn’t classed as a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Thrush symptoms in women

• white discharge (like cottage cheese), which doesn’t usually smell
• itching and irritation around the vagina
• soreness and stinging during sex or when you pee

If you’re unsure it’s thrush check vaginal discharge.

Thrush symptoms in men

• irritation, burning and redness around the head of the penis and under the foreskin
• a white discharge (like cottage cheese)
• an unpleasant smell
• difficulty pulling back the foreskin

Thrush can affect other areas of skin, such as the armpits, groin and between the fingers. This usually causes a red, itchy or painful rash that scales over with white or yellow discharge. The rash may not be so obvious on darker skin.

Sometimes thrush causes no symptoms at all.

Recurring thrush

You might need to take treatment for longer (for up to 6 months) if you keep getting thrush (you get it more than twice in 6 months).