What if antifungal treatment for thrush does not relieve vaginal discharge?

If antifungal treatment for thrush does not relieve vaginal discharge, arrange a medical review to confirm the cause rather than repeating treatment on your own. The discharge may need a different treatment, or the original symptoms may have been caused by something other than thrush. A clinician can ask about its colour, smell and texture, check for irritation, and decide whether an examination or swab is appropriate.

Thrush commonly causes itching, soreness and a change in discharge, but discharge can also occur with bacterial vaginosis, a sexually transmitted infection, skin irritation, a retained tampon or hormonal changes. These conditions can overlap, and symptoms alone do not reliably identify the cause. An antifungal medicine works against fungal thrush; it will not treat every cause of discharge. Visit the guide to [Vaginal Discharge](/symptoms/vaginal-discharge/) for features to note before your appointment.

Record when you used the medicine, whether you completed the recommended course, and whether the discharge changed afterwards. Note any itching, burning when passing urine, pelvic discomfort, bleeding, unusual odour or new sexual partner. Avoid douching and fragranced washes, and do not use leftover or repeated antifungal products until a clinician has reviewed the symptoms. If pregnancy is possible, mention it before taking further medicine. Read about [Antifungal Treatment for Thrush](/treatments/medical-gynaecology/antifungal-treatment-for-thrush/) so you can discuss the product and directions you used.

Seek prompt medical advice if discharge is accompanied by fever, increasing pelvic or lower-abdominal pain, bleeding between periods or after sex, genital sores, marked swelling, or a strong unpleasant smell. Arrange assessment sooner if you are pregnant, recently gave birth, or may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection. Severe pain, fainting, heavy bleeding or feeling acutely unwell needs urgent care.

Ask whether the symptoms fit thrush or another cause, whether a swab is needed, and whether sexual or other household factors could affect testing or treatment. You can also ask what changes should prompt a follow-up visit and how to protect irritated skin while the cause is being clarified.