The very mention of vaginal thrush may make you squirm a little in your seat. Redness, itching, burning, discomfort, and smelly discharge is what immediately comes to mind.
There are a lot of hushed whispers when it comes to talking about our privates, which is the real problem. It leaves us less informed or misinformed about our basic health. For instance, thrush discharge does not have any smell. See how the bad smell bit is a misconception?
Let’s take a look at some of the other facts about vaginal thrush that we ought to know.
Facts About Vaginal Thrush
1. It Is Not A Taboo And Is Actually Very Common
More than half the women in the world develop vaginal thrush at least once in their lives. For something that is so common, it is ridiculous how little most women know about it. As a result, they don’t know how to deal with it as well.
2. It Is Not A Bacterial Infection
Contrary to what most people think, vaginal thrush is not a bacterial infection.1 It is a fungal infection of the species Candida. This means that popping antibiotic pills or rubbing anti-bacterial creams around your vagina is not going to help. You can only kill bacteria with an antibiotic, not fungus.
Imbalance in pH inside the vagina can foster the growth of candida that is probably already residing there but in very small numbers. Such a pH imbalance can be caused by a number of reasons, one being taking antibiotics. Though these may target harmful bacteria, they also kill your body’s normal “good” bacteria that are responsible for keeping these fungi in check.
3. It Is Not A Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Either
Somehow all rashes and infections of the privates are immediately linked to sex with an infected partner. This is not the case with vaginal thrush. It is not a sexually transmitted infection.
That said, sex can sometimes create an environment that is suitable for candida to thrive. If you are not relaxed enough during sex or you are not stimulated enough and your vagina remains dry, you may develop thrush.
4. A One-Time Infection Does Not Mean A Life-long Infection
It takes about a week for vaginal thrush to clear after starting treatment. Once gone, it’s gone. Getting an infection once does not increase your chances of recurrent episodes. It is not a chronic condition.
5. Pregnancy Encourage Its Growth
Those who have started menstruating and have not yet reached menopause have higher chances of developing thrush than pre-menstrual and post-menopausal women.
Thrush occurs commonly in pregnant women. It may even be difficult to get rid of the infection, taking longer than the usual one week.
6. Your Sweet Tooth May “Feed” It
Yeast used carbs for nutrition. Just like bacteria. By catering to your sweet tooth or munching on carb-rich snacks all day long, you are supplying your body with surplus sugar that the yeast can use for its growth. That brings us to the next point.
7. Frequent Recurrences May Indicate Poorly Managed Diabetes
Not keeping your diabetes in control means there is plenty and more of sugar flowing in your blood to nourish a growing yeast infection. If you find that episodes of thrush are becoming frequent, 4 or more times a year, you are probably not treating your diabetes well enough.
8. It’s Best You Refrain From Sex Till You’re Cured
This is because you may give it to your partner. This means that thrush is common in women but is not exclusive to them. Men too can develop thrush symptoms by sexually engaging with women who carry the infection. Red, itching, and sore foreskin and penis head is what thrush looks like in men.
Another reason for you to practice abstinence is that sex will not be enjoyable when you have thrush; it may be painful even.
9. Your Underwear May Have Something To Do With It
Warm, moist, air-deprived parts of your body are what candida love. Wearing underwear that is too tight regularly, allowing your sweaty gym clothes to dry on your person, and not immediately changing your wet swimsuit can all create this perfect environment. You are just calling it upon yourself.
Wear light, breathable fabric and slightly loose-fitted underwear. All we’re saying is it shouldn’t be a snug fit.
10. You Can Resort To A Preliminary Home Treatment
Realizing that you may have thrush is not an emergency situation. The symptoms are quite easy to recognize – creamy, white, thick vaginal discharge (can be watery at times) and redness, an itch, and pain around the opening of the vagina. General discomfort is felt. Once you suspect an infection, apply some anti-thrush cream on your skin. You may also try some natural traditional remedies for some form of relief:
- Add vinegar or baking soda to the water you use to bathe.
- Spread some tea tree oil on a tampon and insert.
- Rub some yogurt in and around your vagina.
If you find no improvement in your symptoms over a couple of days, consult your doctor. Also, if you realize that you have thrush after you’ve had it for a while (some women have milder symptoms), it’s okay for the treatment to be a little delayed. All hell will not break loose.
To rest some of your worries aside, know that thrush does not damage your vagina and does not spread to your uterus. This also means that if you’re pregnant, your baby is going to be completely safe.
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