Thrush is caused by an infection with a fungus called candida albicans. Infection may develop if acid producing bacteria in the vagina are destroyed eg by antibiotics. Lifestyle factors which may make symptoms worse include: perfumed soaps (an emollient is sufficient), deodorants or bubble baths, stress, overwork, hormonal imbalance, pregnancy, wearing tight trousers, nylon pants, lack of lubrication before sexual intercourse, over use of tampons (or infrequent changing, allergy to spermicide in condoms (try hypoallergenic). Irritation from bubble baths, perfumed soaps, biological washing powders, condoms etc. may be confused with thrush.

Symptoms are itchiness or soreness of the vagina and vulva, together with a thick whitish discharge. Some complain of stinging on passing urine and painful intercourse.

The most commonly used treatment is canestan. This can be purchased over the counter at any chemist as vaginal pessaries and cream. I would suggest the 500mg pessary to be inserted into the vagina at night and the cream to be used externally 2-3 times a day for 10 days. Male sexual partners should also apply the cream - pull the foreskin back and apply 3 times a day for 10 days.

Diflucan oral tablets are also available over the counter. Some people find that yoghurt (live) helps….this can be taken by mouth or by applying to a tampon and inserting into the vagina.

If treatment is not working other causes should be considered eg. Bacterial Vaginosis. Your doctor can test for this by checking the pH of your vaginal discharge. Do make sure to avoid sex for 48 hours before testing.

Homeopathic treatments:
Remedies should match symptoms as closely as possible. They should be taken until symptoms resolve and then stopped- recommencing only if symptoms recur. Most common remedies can be purchased over the counter in pharmacies.Mail order companies and information.

- thrush with an itchy, milky, discharge. Itching worse before menstruation and after urination: thrush associated with vaginal warts or accompanied by a headache, anxiety or depression
Calc. Carb. 12C 5-6 times a day for up to 5 days

- thrush with a very offensive discharge. Marked vaginal and vulval itching. Sore, burning vagina. Weepy, irritable, indifferent toward loved ones.
Sepia 12C 5-6 times a day for up to 5 days

- thrush with burning pain. Offensive yellow/ white discharge. Pain during sexual intercourse. Constipation and diarrhoea. Offensive flatulence. Anal itch. Better for fresh air and dry warmth
Sulphur 12 C 5-6 times daily for up to 5 days

Herbal remedies
- Seven Herb cream for topical application available through Dr Anne Walker, 366 Wokingham Road, Earley on tel:0118 9666930

More information can be found :
- on www.netdoctor.co.uk

- National Candida Society
Dr Christine Tomlinson,
PO Box 151
ORPINGTON,
Kent,
BR5 1UJ Tel 01689 813039

Information on systemic candidiasis
- Reading: Beat Candida through Diet: a complete dietary programme for sufferers of candidiasis , Gill Jacobs and Joanna Kjaer, Vermilion, UK £8.99, ISBN: 0-09-181545-2
- Postal Laboratory Urine Test, £19.95
Bio-Screen 'Yeast Cult.'
Tets for metabolic activity indicating the presence of candida in the body other than the intestines.
Available from: Advanced Nutrition, tel: 01892 515927
- Herbal treatment involves boosting the immune system with herbs such as Echinacea and eating a healthy diet with a good omega 3/ omega 6 balance.

Information/support for those with chronic vulval pain
Vulval Pain Society, PO Box 514, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 2BP.