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Thrush

Common yeast infection. Itching, discharge. Quick to treat.

Speak to a GP about thrushFrom £79
A doctor consulting about Thrush

In short

Thrush is a common yeast infection that's usually quick to treat. Around 75% of women will have vaginal thrush at some point. Recurrent cases (4+ per year) warrant looking for underlying causes.

Overview

What is thrush?

Thrush is a yeast (candida) infection. The most common form is vaginal thrush in women, but it can also affect the mouth (oral thrush), nappy area in babies, and the penis in men. It's not classed as a sexually transmitted infection but can sometimes pass between sexual partners.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

  • Itching or soreness around the vagina or vulva
  • Thick, white, cottage-cheese-like discharge with no strong smell
  • Stinging or pain when urinating or during sex
  • Redness or swelling
  • Oral thrush: white patches in the mouth that don't wipe off easily

When to act

When to see a doctor

Book a GP if it's your first episode (to confirm diagnosis), you're getting thrush often (4+ times a year), you're pregnant, symptoms aren't improving with over-the-counter treatment, or you have diabetes or another condition that affects immunity.

When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent help if

  • Pelvic pain or fever (suggests a different infection, possibly STI)
  • Foul-smelling or unusually coloured discharge (could be bacterial vaginosis or STI, needs different treatment)
  • Bleeding between periods or after sex
  • Recurrent thrush in a healthy woman (assess for diabetes or other underlying cause)

Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies or NHS 111 for urgent non-emergency advice.

Treatment

How a private GP can help

  • Confidential history and symptom assessment
  • Examination where appropriate (in-person appointments)
  • Prescription of antifungal pessaries (e.g. clotrimazole) or oral fluconazole
  • Investigation of triggers for recurrent thrush
  • Referral to an NHS sexual health service if STI is suspected (these are free)
  • Advice on prevention

What we don't do

  • STI testing (refer to NHS sexual health services or postal kits)
  • Treatment for complex pelvic conditions

Pricing

What it costs

An online consultation about thrush starts at £79 for a 20-minute video appointment. In-pharmacy consultations are £129 and home visits are £189. Your consultation includes one private prescription if appropriate, and a sick note for work if needed. You pay the pharmacy separately for any medication.

See full pricing breakdown

FAQ

Common questions about thrush

Is thrush a sexually transmitted infection?
No. Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of yeast that's normally present on the body. It can sometimes pass between sexual partners but isn't classed as an STI.
How quickly does treatment work?
Most people feel better within 1-3 days. If symptoms persist after a week, get reassessed.
Can antibiotics cause thrush?
Yes. Antibiotics can disturb the natural balance of yeast and bacteria in the vagina, making thrush more likely.
Should my partner be treated?
Only if they have symptoms. Routine treatment of partners isn't recommended.
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Ready to talk to a GP about thrush?

Message Emily on WhatsApp or book online in under 90 seconds. UK-registered doctors, available today.

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