Thrush - Vulvovaginal Thrush

What is Vulvovaginal Thrush?

Vulvovaginal Thrush (often known as genital thrush or vaginal thrush) is a common yeast infection in women. It’s usually harmless but it can be uncomfortable and be reoccurring. Thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

What causes thrush

Thrush can be triggered by sex or passed on during sex. It is caused by a fungus called candida that is normally harmless. Thrush tends to grow in warm, moist conditions and develops if there is an imbalance of bacteria if:

• your skin is irritated or damaged
• you're taking antibiotics
• you have poorly controlled diabetes
• you have a weakened immune system 
• you're having hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• you're pregnant

Symptoms of Vulvovaginal Thrush

What are the common symptoms of vaginal thrush?

Symptoms of vaginal thrush in women:

• thick, white vaginal discharge (often like cottage cheese), which does not usually smell
• red, cracked and inflamed skin on your vagina and vulva
• pain when you pee
• pain during sex

Thrush can present in other areas of your skin, such as your armpits, groin and between your fingers. This usually causes a red, itchy or painful rash that scales over with white or yellow discharge. 

How Your Pharmacists Can Help

At Green Cross Pharmacy our pharmacy team can assess your symptoms and recommend the best treatment for you. They can recommend over-the-counter treatments like antifungal creams and pessaries, or where applicable prescribed antifungal capsules and tablets, through the Common Conditions Service. There is a charge for this consultation and treatment service.

For Appointments:

Book Online - Under Common Conditions Service

Walk-in - Ask to talk to a pharmacist ( we have a private consultation room if preferred)

Fee - Pharmacist consultation fee is €35.