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Conditions

Thrush

A microscopic image of the fungus candidia albicans, that can cause thrush

There is definitely nothing to sing about with this condition, which affects 80% of women at least once in their lifetime. Not least because of its recurring tendency. However, men don’t get away lightly either, as they are also susceptible to the condition, but less commonly. This is because everyone has small amounts of Candida albicans, the yeast that causes thrush, present in their body. For women the symptoms may include irritation and, more noticeably, a cottage cheese discharge coming from their vagina. Likewise, men may experience inflammation and a similarly unpleasant discharge coming from their penis. Thrush can often go away without treatment, but there are many over-the-counter remedies on hand to help. However, in first time cases or if you’re suffering from a persistent yeast infection, it may be worth consulting your GP for advice.

What the Men in White Coats Say

Comments and Questions

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I am 27 and I have a problem with my belly button, every time i wear something tight around my belly or i get really hot i end up with a very smelly, red and itchy belly button. My belly button is quite deep and i sometimes wake up with a crust around the edges. It is very embarrassing as i know other can smell it too especially in the summer months. I was told about 5 years ago that it was thrush and treated it with canesten or the equilvent but it just keeps coming back. Please help if you can





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Hello, im 15 years old and i'm having problems 'down below' , im too emabarresed to go to the doctors about it. My vigina get extreamly itchy and sore. it hurts to put any medicated creams on it e.g. Lanacane. This happens every week before im due on for my period. Please give me some answers x





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hi i am 13 years old girl and i started to get discharge about 5 months ago.my mum is a nurse and says there is nothing to worry about as it can be itchy sometime.i also have exsma so wasn't sure wether that was why it was itchy.also it can smell fishy and even when i am sitting down with my legs slightly open i can smell it.i am worried as i dont want the doctor to put anything up me ,or hurt me when checking,and i have been washing down there 3 times every week as when i wached your show you said not to doush to often.please reply as i very worried and dont know what it is.





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I was on antibiotics for 7 days to get rid of tonsilitis, which from that it gave me candida thrush, but also my vagina has become swollen inside all the way up to my cervix. I have been prescribed pessary in tablet form, cream and also oral capsuals but nothing seems to take this swelling down, it has been like it for 2 weeks now!





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im 14 and everytime i shave my vagina it get realy itchy and red around the bit under my stomach its realy uncomfortable and i dont know what to do HELP???????





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yes its just shaving rash . try waxing instead.

hi i'm 18 years old and i'm suffering from thrush. i caught it from my girlfriend and we've both been suffering from it over 8-10months now if not more, we've both been to the sexual health clinic and got cream called trimovate, and another one i can't remember the name of it. it has gone red around the head of the penis, it gets really dry now and i get bad oder but i don't understand why because i wash properly everyday and i have been using the cream i was given by doctors. please help





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im 15 and after shaving my vagina, i devolped a rash, i dont know what to do about it ? would it be possible to use Daktacort Hydrocortisone cream on it ?





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hi im 17 and ive been on antibiotics since i was basically born and the doctors have told me that i will have thrush ,,, i have had thrush fr nearly three years no way , i used the cream , the tablets changed my diet everything but it just wont go , i have also been cleared of an sti helllpppp meee!!!!





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I use to suffer from recurring thrush for about three years. I tried everything from colonic irrigation to supplements. It made me very unhappy but I persisted with my GP and took oral tablets once a month for about 7 months. This has done the trick. Thrush originates from the bowel so it is important to eat a high fibre diet to avoid constipation and remain regular, keep hydrated as well. Wipe from front to back when you go to the toilet. When showering try to limit the amount of shampoo and shower gel that runs over your intimate area. I use feminine wash to avoid upsetting my ph levels. Wear cotton underwear and iron your underwear as this helps to kill thrush spores. Also eating prebiotic yoghurts and drinks help with your gut flora. Try to limit your sugar intake as this feeds the yeast. I also dry myself with a hairdryer after showering to dry the area throughly. I hope this helps.

I think I have thrush because I have a bad smell down below and I keep geting thick smelly discharge on my knickers also now and then 1 of my vagina lips gets realy itchy , but I'm too embarassed to tell my parents or go see someone about it. Please hellpppp!!!!





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Hi i am 16 years old and i have recentl noticed i think i may have thruish tho i didnt pay much attachion to it buh now i noticed that a lump just atthe top of my vagina that you cant see but it is quite panful and i am worried about it can you gve me any advice on it ?





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It looks like no one else has asked this question, so please fill in the rest of your details below.





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Content supplied by NHS Choices

Vaginal thrush is a fungal infection that causes irritation and swelling of the vagina and vulva (a woman’s external sexual organs). Read More »

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