Thrush isn’t a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it can be triggered and sometimes passed on through sex. It's important to note that some STIs can cause symptoms similar to those of thrush, such as genital itching and discharge.

If you are experiencing these symptoms and have had unprotected sex, it's important to get tested for STIs to rule out any potential infections by booking a visit to your local sexual health clinic.

Practising safe sex and getting regular STI testing can help reduce your risk of both conditions.

Men can also get thrush, not just through having sex with someone who already has it (although this is the most common way), but through a disturbance of good bacteria. Just as a woman’s vagina can make a nice home for candida (the fungus previously discussed), so can the nice warm moist area of the penis. In men, thrush can cause redness, itching, and irritation on the penis. It may also cause a white, lumpy discharge that resembles cottage cheese.

It's generally recommended that you avoid using tampons until the infection has cleared up. This is because tampons can irritate the vaginal area and potentially worsen symptoms of thrush. Additionally, tampons can absorb medication used to treat thrush, making it less effective.

Instead of using tampons, it's recommended that you use sanitary pads or panty liners until your thrush infection has been fully treated. You may also want to consider wearing loose-fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton, which can help reduce irritation and promote healing.

Thrush can sometimes come back after treatment, especially if the underlying cause of the infection is not addressed. For example, if thrush is caused by a weakened immune system or an uncontrolled medical condition like diabetes, it may be more likely to recur. Additionally, if you do not complete the full course of medication prescribed for your thrush infection, it may not be fully cleared up and could return.

To prevent thrush from coming back after treatment, it's important to address any underlying health issues that may be contributing to the infection.

Thrush is not typically considered a contagious condition. However, it's important to note that some types of yeast infections can be spread through sexual contact. For example, men can develop thrush on the penis after having unprotected sex with a partner who has a vaginal yeast infection.

Additionally, babies can sometimes develop thrush after coming into contact with yeast in their mother's breast milk. If you are concerned about the potential for thrush to be spread to others, talk to your GP about steps you can take to reduce the risk of transmission and maintain good overall health.

If you have thrush, it's generally recommended that you avoid having sex until the infection has cleared up. This is because sexual activity can cause further irritation and discomfort in the affected area, potentially prolonging the healing process. Additionally, engaging in sex while you have thrush may increase the risk of passing the infection to your partner, especially if you're not using barrier protection like condoms. Once your symptoms have resolved and you've completed the full course of treatment prescribed by your doctor, it should be safe to have sex again.

Vaginal itching is a common symptom that many women experience at some point in their lives. It can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from mild irritations to more serious medical conditions. Some common causes of vaginal itching include yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, sexually transmitted infections, and skin irritations from soaps, detergents, or personal care products.

If you're experiencing vaginal itching, it's important to pay attention to any accompanying symptoms and consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis. They can help determine the underlying cause of your discomfort and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan. In some cases, over-the-counter remedies may be sufficient to alleviate itching, while other situations may require prescription medications or further medical intervention. By addressing the root cause of the itching, you can work towards finding relief and maintaining good overall health.