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Thrush: Everything You Need to Know

Picture of Andrew Bellingham

Andrew Bellingham

Pharmacist | 20+ Years | BPharm | Dip Clin Pharm

What is Thrush?

Thrush is a common yeast infection, caused by an overgrowth of Candida Albicans. The infection can affect both men and women, but is more commonly found in women.

Symptoms of Thrush

Though thrush is a common infection, for those affected the symptoms can be quite uncomfortable. While others may not experience any symptoms at all. 

In women, symptoms of thrush may include: 

  • Itching or soreness in the vagina
  • Thick, white, odourless discharge 
  • Pain or discomfort during intercourse or while urinating


In men, symptoms of thrush may include: 

  • Difficulty pulling back the foreskin
  • Itching, soreness and redness on the head of the penis
  • White, lumpy discharge from the penis
  • Pain or discomfort during intercourse or while urinating

Causes of Thrush

The fungi that causes the infection, Candida albicans, commonly lives on the skin and inside the body without any problems.

However, these circumstances may increase your chance of developing thrush: 

  • You’re using antibiotics
  • You have a weakened immune system
  • You have diabetes
  • You’re going through hormonal changes
  • You’re pregnant

How to Treat Thrush

Getting rid of thrush typically requires antifungal medications. These can be found in various forms such as creams, tablets and pessaries. 

Treatment usually takes between 7-14 days to clear up the infection.

Get Better with Healthera

If you’re feeling the symptoms of thrush, and don’t feel comfortable enough to go to your local pharmacy, you can use Healthera to get the medicine you need delivered right to your door. 

All you need to do is press the button below to open your Healthera app, navigate to the Women’s Health category in the Pharmacy Shop and choose the medicine that best suits you.

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