Vaginal thrush (also called vaginal candidiasis or monilia) is a common infection caused by overgrown yeast. There are many treatments available to relieve thrush symptoms.
Answer a few questions about your health, and we’ll recommend the right treatments just for you. Order vaginal thrush treatment online and get it delivered from our pharmacy.
Vaginal thrush is an infection that occurs because of an increase of the yeast fungus known as Candida albicans. Our bodies have friendly bacteria that help us in different ways, for example, to digest food. But if they grow too much they can be harmful.
Candida albicans belongs to a fungi family that is normally found on the skin, in the bowel and vaginal area. Fungi normally grow in warm and moist environments like the vagina. Healthy vaginas will contain a mix of bacteria and some yeast cells. However, if quantities of this fungus increase it can lead to an infection and symptoms can become worse.
The fungal infection can cause symptoms such as irritation, discharge and intense itchiness around the vagina and the vulva. However, vaginal thrush isn’t known to cause any further long-term health issues.
Vaginal thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It can develop after vaginal intercourse, but it’s extremely common for it to be passed on during sex. It’s caused by an overgrowth of the yeast ‘candida albicans’, which is normally found on the genital skin. Typical causes can include taking antibiotics, using certain soaps, and wearing tight-fitting clothing.
Vaginal thrush can affect women at any point in their lives. It’s a common infection, and around 70 to 75% of women of childbearing age will have vaginal thrush at some point. Although in most cases there’s no definitive reason as to why vaginal thrush occurs, there are certain factors that can lead to symptoms developing. When the natural defences in the vagina are altered, it can result in an infection. This can happen with women who suffer from certain health conditions.
Women who are more vulnerable to vaginal thrush, also known as candidiasis or monilia, include pregnant women, people who are taking antibiotic medication, people who suffer from diabetes, and people who have a weaker immune system (for example, if you’re receiving chemotherapy). All women are also prone to recurring episodes of vaginal thrush. In this case, clinicians will offer alternative treatments for recurrent yeast infections.
Vaginal thrush is a common health condition that can develop at any time. This type of yeast infection occurs with millions of women globally, and research has shown that it’s expected to continue. It affects 372 million women at some point in their lifetime. Recurrent vaginal thrush affects between 103 million and 172 million women per year across the world. The age group that is most commonly affected is 25 to 34 year olds.
It’s believed that there could be a relationship between vaginal thrush and oestrogen, so you can be more vulnerable to thrush during your reproductive years, between starting your period and starting the menopause. Hormone changes are also seen during pregnancy, so you may be susceptible at this time too. There are also suggestions that hormone and contraceptive pills could trigger vaginal thrush, but this hasn’t been confirmed.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
There’s no known, specific cause for vaginal thrush. It occurs when the number of natural fungi in the body increase. One of these is Candida albicans, which is found in the vagina and is harmless in small quantities. These fungi support the body and help it function properly to keep yeast controlled. But different triggers and health conditions can alter quantities of these natural defences, and go against your body’s necessary balance. This leads to vaginal thrush symptoms arising.
Candida albicans is a common fungus that leads to yeast infections. It belongs to the candida fungus family. Other types of fungus within this family can lead to more complicated infections which require more aggressive treatment.
The different symptoms you can experience if you have vaginal thrush include:
Symptoms of vaginal thrush are usually minor and will heal by themselves. However, you may find that symptoms are uncomfortable, annoying and don’t let you carry out your usual daily activities. In this case, you should log in to your account and send our clinician a message. They may advise you to try an alternative treatment.
If the vaginal thrush you’re experiencing is severe you’ll have symptoms that include:
If you have any of the following symptoms then it might be that you don’t have vaginal thrush:
Vaginal thrush symptoms can be uncomfortable and stressful, particularly if you have recurring thrush. If vaginal thrush isn’t treated for a long time, this could lead to risks with other parts of the body. Some symptoms that are similar to vaginal thrush could indicate other issues. For example, skin rashes near the vagina might be due to other infections.
There can also be an increased risk of you getting an STD when you have a yeast infection. Yeast infections aren't directly associated with the development of STDs, but the lesions (small cuts) made by scratching, and the microscopic tears in the affected skin, could allow some bacteria or viruses that cause STDs to enter the body more easily.
But it’s unlikely that vaginal thrush will lead to any serious health problems. Vaginal thrush won’t damage your vagina or your uterus, and it won’t hurt your baby if you’re pregnant.
If you have recurring vaginal thrush that is making you upset, depressed, or anxious, or if it’s affecting normal activities such as your sex life, then it’s important to talk to our clinician They can advise you on how to deal with your situation and what treatments are available.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Risk Factors of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis among Women of Reproductive Age in Xi’an: A Cross-Sectional Study. BioMed Research International, 2018, pp.1–8.
Global burden of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: a systematic review. The Lancet Infectious Diseases, 18(11), pp.e339–e347.
Daily capsule treatment that targets fungus. Non-branded version of Diflucan.
Effective tablet treatment for vaginal thrush infections.
Vaginal thrush cream that treats internal and external symptoms.
Branded clotrimazole tablet that effectively treats vaginal thrush infections.
Soothing relief of itching and irritation caused by thrush.
Combined thrush treatment that uses two medications to clear vaginal thrush.
Internal cream in an easy to use applicator, to soothe vaginal thrush.
Powerful single dose thrush treatment. Branded version of fluconazole.
Registered with GMC (No. 4624794)
Meet Daniel
Registered with GPhC (No. 2202465)
Meet Sanjeda
Registered with GPhC (No. 2070724)
Meet Craig
Registered with GPhC (No. 2070338)
Meet Ruaraidh
Always read the leaflet that comes with your medication and tell us about any side effects you get.
We know health, but you know you.
Our experts tell you what’s safe, but you decide what’s best.
Answer a few questions and tell us about yourself. Get tailored advice from our clinicians so you can choose better.
Choose your treatment and how often you have it delivered.
We know things change. It’s the nature of life. We’ll check in regularly to make sure your treatment is still right for you.
Pause. Change. Skip. Start again. Any time you like.
Here are some other things we can help with.
Personalised advice. Effective antibiotic treatments to restore balance. Get the help you need for BV.
Pill, patch, ring. We offer a range of birth control options so you can choose the one that's right for you.
Treatments to make your period lighter and more manageable. We'll help you to find the right option for you.
Prevent unplanned pregnancy with emergency contraception. Highly effective Plan B treatments, delivered fast.
Event planned? Period due? Take period delay pills a few days before to delay your bleeding.
Get tailored advice from our expert team, and choose from a range of treatments to reduce symptoms.
We're making healthcare more about you. Sign up to our newsletter for personalised health articles that make a difference.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
If there’s a particular treatment or condition you’re looking for, tell us and we’ll look into it for you.
If you made a mistake on the gender selection, you can amend this by pressing 'Cancel' below and changing your gender. If you entered the correct gender but made a mistake on the treatment category selection, you can choose a different category by pressing 'Choose other treatment' below.
You have recently requested a change to your treatment plan which is under review.
We'll let you know once our clinician has reviewed your request.
Our prescriber has already made treatment suggestions for you
You can view and select an option from your account.
You already have treatment for under review.
You have a consultation being reviewed. Our prescriber will contact you soon.
You already have a treatment plan for on pause. You can restart or make changes to this from your account.
Submit your question here, or tell us if you’ve found an issue on our site.
We’ll get back to you very soon. We aim to respond to all queries in one working day.
You’re signed up to our newsletter. Keep an eye on your inbox for our latest update.
By clicking 'Subscribe now' you're agreeing to our Privacy Policy.
Secure delivery 
UK clinicians
