What does vaginal discharge feel like with vaginal thrush?

Discharge associated with thrush is often white or off-white and may have little or no smell. It can sit on the vulval skin and feel damp, pasty, or grainy. The discharge itself is only one part of the pattern: itching, soreness, redness, burning when urine touches irritated skin, or discomfort during sex may occur too.

Not every episode looks the same, and discharge can change during the menstrual cycle. A strong odour, green or yellow colour, frothy texture, pelvic pain, or bleeding needs a different assessment because other causes can produce those features.

Keep the area gently clean with lukewarm water and pat dry. Avoid scented washes, vaginal deodorants, and douching, which can irritate sensitive skin. Loose cotton underwear and changing out of damp clothing may reduce rubbing. A pharmacist or clinician can help choose an appropriate antifungal treatment, especially if this is your first episode, symptoms are unusual, or symptoms return.

Arrange medical advice if you have fever, lower abdominal pain, sores, marked swelling, unusual bleeding, or a strong-smelling or coloured discharge. Seek assessment if symptoms do not improve after treatment, keep returning, or you are pregnant, have diabetes, or take medicines that affect immunity.

Could this discharge be thrush or another infection? Do I need an examination or a swab? Which treatment suits my symptoms, and what should I do if the irritation continues?