What is thrush?
Thrush is an infection caused by a yeast called Candida. This yeast normally lives in your body quite happily without doing you any harm. But when the natural pH balance of your vagina is upset - which can easily happen - Candida can multiply. And that's when you may start to itch and develop thrush.
Don't worry or be embarrassed about having thrush, as thrush is much more common than you might think - 3 out of 4 women have it at some point in their lives, especially if they are under the age of 20 or pregnant, and it is commonly suffered around the time of a period.
Men are not immune. They can get thrush too, though only a few develop the rash and itchiness. Most male sufferers act as carriers, without actually having the symptoms. To help prevent re-infection, make sure your partner uses Canesten Thrush Cream as well as you.
Normally, there is a delicate balance between bacteria and yeasts that live naturally within the vagina. However, this balance is easily upset by any of the following factors which could allow the yeasts to overgrow, leading to thrush infection.
- Intake of medicines such as antibiotics
- Trauma of sexual activity or tampons
- Stress
- Perfumed soap, shower gels and bubble baths
- Menstruation
- Wearing tight clothing
- Pregnancy
The main symptom - and by far the most irritating - is the itching. You may also feel a burning soreness and this can be accompanied by a whitish odourless discharge.
Though very uncomfortable, these symptoms can be sorted out quickly and easily, by treating at the site of infection as well as soothing the irritation.
Most women seek help for relief of external itching. However, it is important that the infection is treated internally as well as externally, to prevent symptoms from returning.
Cool it and clear it with the Canesten range
There is now a wide range of Canesten products to cool and clear vaginal thrush infection. Click on each pack to view further product information.
A convenient pack available from your pharmacist, containing two effective treatments for thrush:
- A single, fast-acting Canesten capsule, taken orally. A modern, convenient and discreet way to help clear the infection
- A handy tube of Canesten 2% (double strength*) Thrush Cream. Applied on the outside, it rapidly cools the external symptoms
A traditional treatment pack, which you can purchase from your local pharmacy or supermarket. It contains:
- A Canesten Pessary with applicator, to clear the infection
- A tube of Canesten 2% (double strength*) Thrush Cream to rapidly cool external symptoms
An alternative cream-based pack, also available from your local pharmacy or supermarket. Rather than the pessary combination, it contains:
- A pre-filled applicator of soothing Canesten 10% Internal Cream to help clear the infection
- A tube of Canesten 2% (double strength*) Thrush Cream to rapidly cool external symptoms
You can also purchase an individual pack of Canesten 2% (double strength*) Thrush Cream. It is also suitable for male partners if they have a thrush infection (of the penis), to help prevent re-infection after sexual intercourse.
If you already have an external cream, you can also purchase Canesten Internal Cream, Canesten Pessary or Canesten Oral capsule separately.
When using any medication always read the label. Canesten Creams and Pessaries contain clotrimazole. Canesten Oral capsules contain fluconazole.
Please note, that fluconazole (which is contained within Oral & Cream Duo and Oral capsule) should not be used during pregnancy.
Please contact your doctor if you are suffering from thrush during pregnancy and breastfeeding.