Curious about antibiotics and Thrush?! Well, we’re here to give you all the facts
Thrush is a common infection caused by an overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans. There are two main types of Thrush infection: oral and vaginal. Approximately 75% of women will have experienced vaginal Thrush in their lifetime.
Vagina’s as we know are incredible organs that are ‘self-cleaning’ maintaining the perfect pH balance to keep nasty bacteria out. A type of good bacteria called Lactobacillus helps to keep the vagina more acidic, preventing yeast and bacterial infections.
Broad-spectrum antibiotics that are often used to treat your basic bacterial infections like sinusitis/tonsilitis etc. wipe out the bad bacteria causing the infection, but also can wipe out the good bacteria like Lactobacillus. Without enough Lactobacillus your vagina can become less acidic and a great environment for yeast infections like Thrush to grow and survive!
Symptoms:
⚪️ Thick, white (cottage cheesy) discharge
🐟 Fishy odour
🔥 Vaginal discomfort, itching or burning
🍑 Redness or swelling of the vulva
🚽 Stinging or burning during urination or sex
Prevention:
💊 When you start antibiotics, it is important to take a probiotic at the same time to
try and prevent Thrush!
👙 Change out of wet swimwear and underwear as soon as possible
👗 Wear loose-fitting clothing
🩲 Wear breathable cotton underwear
🧼 Avoid soaps, douching or other vaginal cleaning products (remember it is self-c
cleaning!)
Treatment:
🔸 If you already have symptoms of a yeast infection you can use antifungal creams or
pessaries (which can be bought over the counter at the pharmacy)
🔸 If symptoms persist you should see your GP and they can perform a swab to
confirm it is Thrush and then prescribe an oral tablet for treatment
Please remember to see your GP with any concerns!