How effective is antifungal treatment for thrush for vaginal thrush?

Vaginal thrush is an overgrowth of yeast that can cause itching, soreness, redness, and a thick discharge. Antifungal medicines target the yeast and may be applied inside the vagina, around the vulva, or taken by mouth, depending on the product and your circumstances.

Itching and soreness may take time to settle even after the yeast is controlled. Similar symptoms can come from bacterial vaginosis, an infection passed through sex, dermatitis, or hormonal changes. A new, severe, or uncertain episode should be assessed rather than treated by guesswork.

Use the full prescribed course or follow the package directions for a suitable pharmacy product. Avoid scented washes, vaginal deodorants, and douching, which can worsen irritation. Some vaginal creams and pessaries can weaken latex condoms or diaphragms, so ask a pharmacist about precautions during treatment.

Tell a clinician if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, breastfeeding, taking other medicines, or have thrush repeatedly. Do not use oral antifungal medicine in pregnancy unless specifically advised.

Arrange medical review if symptoms do not improve, return soon, or include pelvic pain, fever, sores, bleeding, a strong odour, or pain when urinating. Seek urgent help for severe pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, or a rapidly worsening illness.

Ask whether your symptoms fit thrush, which treatment suits your health and medicines, when relief should begin, whether sex or contraception needs special precautions, and when testing is needed.