Thrush is a type of yeast infection that appears due to an imbalance of bacteria in the genital area of both males and females. Although thrush can affect both males and females, the infection is more common in females as the vagina has better conditions for the bacteria to cultivate than the penis does. Thrush is transferred from person to person during sexual intercourse but it is not classed as an STI, as the yeast that causes the thrush is always in your body and does not initially get transferred from individual to individual.

Symptoms of thrush are very similar but slightly different between males and females, with both experiencing skin reddening, itching and soreness and white discharge. Males with foreskin tend to see some swelling inside the foreskin and pain when urinating, whereas females may experience pain during sex and when urinating.

Thrush is caused by a fungus known as ‘candida albicans’. These organisms are always present in the human body, but on occasions, if they are in moist areas, like the mouth and genitals, the fungus can begin to grow faster and may grow even faster than the immune system breaking it down, leading to what we know as Thrush.

There are many different treatments for this infection, the most common treatment is an antifungal cream. These creams are applied directly to the infected area up to twice a day to attack the overgrowth of yeast, which in turn helps with the balancing of bacteria and the removal of thrush.

Another option is to use a form of oral medication, which is an alternative option to a cream based solution. Many males and females favour this option as it is usually a single dose treatment and doesn’t require any further action after that.

Anti-thrush tablets should not be taken if you're pregnant. You should see your GP before taking any tablets or using any creams. During pregnancy, thrush can be treated with certain creams/ tablets. Usually thrush would be treated with anti-fungal tablets, but you can't take these tablets if you are pregnant. Your doctor will give you all the options there are for treating thrush, during pregnancy.

Canesten Thrush Oral Capsule is a full course of treatment for thrush in both men and women. The product can only be used if you have been previously diagnosed by your physician as having thrush. The active substance in Canesten belongs to a group of treatments called azoles, which are antifungal agents that target the cause of infections such as thrush.

Canesten Thrush External Cream is an effective treatment and soothing relief of external thrush symptoms. This cream will relieve irritation of the vulva, which is caused by vaginal thrush (candidiasis). One 20g tube of Canesten Thrush Cream contains Clotrimazole 400mg (2%w/w).

This cream is suitable for Adults between 18 – 60 years of age. Only use this product if you have been previously diagnosed by your doctor as having vaginal thrush. This cream cannot treat any internal (vaginal) cause of the infection.