Could these symptoms be vaginal thrush?

Vaginal thrush happens when Candida, a yeast that can normally live in the vagina, grows excessively and causes irritation. Symptoms can include itching, burning, redness or soreness around the vulva — the skin outside the vagina. You may notice thick white discharge, discomfort during sex or stinging when you wee. Discharge can also be unchanged or absent.

Other conditions can cause similar symptoms, including bacterial vaginosis, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), skin irritation and vaginal dryness. Your symptoms and previous experiences help the GP work out the likely cause.

Burning when you wee may come from irritated skin or a urinary problem. Mention urgency, needing to wee more often, sores, bleeding or pain as well as itching.

Thrush can develop when the normal balance of microorganisms in the vagina changes. Pregnancy, diabetes and a weakened immune system can make it more likely. Some medicines can also change that balance; your GP can review your medicines without you having to work out the trigger yourself.

An episode does not always have an obvious trigger. If symptoms keep returning, reviewing the diagnosis and any contributing health factors is more useful than assuming every episode needs the same treatment.

Your GP starts with your symptoms and medical history: when the irritation began, whether you have had thrush before and how previous treatment worked. During an online appointment, this helps them assess the likely cause and recommend a treatment plan.

An examination can help distinguish infection from skin irritation or other causes. A vaginal swab checks for infection and can be particularly useful when symptoms persist or keep returning. If either is needed, your GP will explain the in-person next step. Depending on your symptoms and sexual history, STI testing or a urine test may also help.

Thrush is treated with antifungal medicines. Options include vaginal creams, pessaries — tablets inserted into the vagina — and oral tablets. The choice depends on your symptoms, pregnancy or breastfeeding, other medicines and whether previous treatment has worked. A doctor or pharmacist can help you choose.

Some treatments are available from a pharmacy without a prescription. If you have had thrush before, treated it successfully and recognise the symptoms, a pharmacist may be able to help. A GP appointment is useful when you are uncertain about the cause, want medical advice or need a review after treatment.

Use treatment for the full course described in its instructions. The time it takes to improve varies with the treatment and symptoms. Ask what improvement to expect and when to seek review if it does not happen. If you are pregnant, could be pregnant or are breastfeeding, check with a doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

Avoid soap, bubble bath and scented products on irritated vulval skin. If sex is uncomfortable, give yourself time to recover. These steps may reduce irritation while treatment addresses the infection.

Some vaginal treatments can affect latex condoms and diaphragms. Check the product instructions or ask your pharmacist about protection during and after treatment.

You can use your own words. If possible, have these details handy:

Arrange an appointment if this is your first episode, you are unsure what is causing your symptoms, treatment has not helped or symptoms keep returning. Sores, unexplained bleeding or an unusual smell also need assessment because another condition may be responsible.

Repeated symptoms can mean the diagnosis or treatment needs another look. Ongoing irritation can leave the skin sore or cracked. Your GP can check contributing factors, recommend testing and discuss whether specialist advice would help.

Seek prompt local care if you have fever with pelvic or lower abdominal pain, worsening pain or feel unwell. Severe abdominal pain needs an emergency department or 000. If pregnancy is possible and you have pain or bleeding, contact a doctor, midwife or hospital immediately; severe pain or fainting needs emergency care.

If you are unsure how quickly to seek care, call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

This guide draws on Australian patient information and clinical guidance.