Thrush
Symptoms
- Itching and irritation around the vagina
- White, cottage cheese-like discharge
- Soreness and stinging during sex or urination
- Redness and swelling
Who this service is for
- Women aged 16-60 with typical thrush symptoms
- Those who have had thrush before
- Women without underlying health conditions
This service is not suitable for
- Those experiencing thrush for the first time (see GP)
- Pregnant women
- Women with recurring thrush (4+ times per year)
When to seek urgent care
Contact your GP or seek emergency care immediately if you experience:
- Unusual or foul-smelling discharge
- Blisters or sores
- Symptoms during pregnancy
Treatment information
Vaginal thrush is usually treated with an antifungal, either a single oral capsule or a pessary and cream. Your prescriber will check the symptoms fit thrush, since similar symptoms can have other causes, and will advise if you are pregnant, get thrush often, or if this is a first episode.
Prescription treatment is only supplied following a clinical assessment. If treatment is not clinically appropriate, you will not be charged for medication.
Treatment options
- A single-dose oral antifungal capsule.
- A pessary or cream applied to the area.
- Advice on recurrent thrush and when a GP or sexual health clinic is the better route.
Reviewed by
Anand Sharma
MRPharmS, Independent Prescriber
Superintendent Pharmacist (designate)
Important information
This is a private healthcare service. Prescription medications are only supplied following a clinical assessment by a qualified prescriber. Treatment is not guaranteed and will only be provided where clinically appropriate. Alternative options may be discussed.