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.
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 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.
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)
How a private GP can help
A consultation typically covers:
- 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 NHS sexual health clinic if STI is suspected (these are free)
- Advice on prevention
What we don't do
- STI testing (refer to NHS sexual health clinic or postal kits)
- Treatment for complex pelvic conditions
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 the full pricing breakdown for what's included with each appointment type.