Dealing With Thrush Naturally

Thrush is one of those ailments that maybe every woman have experienced at one time or another through their lives, and I’m not talking about oral thrush, but vaginal thrush.

It can be pretty uncomfortable and embarrassing, and is the main cause of itchiness “down there” (which always seems to happen when you are in public!)

Here are some information about it and ways in dealing with thrush naturally.

What Is A Vaginal Thrush?

Thrush is an infection caused by a build up of yeast called “Candida albicans”. This form of yeast is always present in the body and is usually not a problem. It can become an issue when the body’s immune system comes under attack due to use of antibiotics, poor nutrition, too much yeast-rich foods, sugar and alcohol in the diet, birth control pills and hormonal shifts (such as in pregnancy or menopause). These circumstances often provide a chance for yeast to grow.

Thrush actually begins in the bowel and the candida albicans can exit the body in faeces. It can be transferred from the anus to the perineum and vagina, and enter the vagina that way. There are other forms of thrush that can colonise in the vagina, but candida albicans is the only one which will cause symptoms.

What Are Its Symptoms?

The symptoms of vaginal yeast infections include itching, burning, redness, irritation, and whitish or yellowish discharge which can sometimes have an unusual odour. These symptoms build up over one to three days.

It is always best, if you have these symptoms, to see your doctor to have it diagnosed as these symptoms can be related to quite a few other types of infection or disease which require different treatments altogether. If these symptoms are coupled with other symptoms, such as blood in the urine (haematuria) or painful urination, fever, abdominal and back pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and/or fever, you must see a doctor immediately.

How Can You Prevent It?

There are many ways that you can prevent thrush from occurring in the first place:

1. Avoid wearing pantyhose and synthetic underwear.

Perspiration and heat can encourage growth of the yeast, so avoid wearing pantyhose and synthetic underwear. Wear cotton underwear to promote “breathing” space!

2. Wipe front to back.

After going to the toilet, wipe front to back with toilet paper to prevent re-infection (you should always do this anyway!).

3. Take acidophilus supplements during antibiotic use.

Antibiotics and the oral contraceptive pill both disturb the pH balance of the vagina and this can encourage Candida growth. It is a good idea to take acidophilus supplements during antibiotic use.

4. Wash with plain water.

Wash with plain water and avoid use of soap on your nether regions (as this can alter the vagina’s pH).

5. Avoid unnecessary douches, powders, sprays and deodorants.

6. Use pads instead of tampons if you are susceptible to thrush.

7. Increase the amount of garlic in your diet.

This will also deter vampires (even the sparkly kind!)

8. Take note of your personal hygiene during and after sex.

Use plenty of lubricant during sexual intercourse. It’s a good idea to attend to your personal hygiene after sex (just a bit of a clean up!)

How To Treat It

If you are unlucky enough to develop thrush, some ways to make things a little more bearable include:

1. Antifungal cream

Seeing your GP or pharmacist and obtaining some antifungal cream, tablets or pessaries (little capsules that you insert into your vagina) to get rid of the thrush and relieve symptoms.

2. Herbal Tea Bath

Add 500ml of strong calendula or thyme tea to a warm bath. This will help settle the itchiness.

3. Yoghurt

Apply a tablespoon of natural acidophilus yoghurt to the vaginal area at night until symptoms settle.

4. Vinegar/Salt Bath

Add a cup of vinegar or salt to a warm bath. These ingredients can assist in the restoration of the vaginal pH.

5. Drink lots of water

This will help flush your system of impurities!

6. Honey

Believe it or not, honey has remarkable healing properties. To relieve the redness and itching, apply honey to the vaginal area. Leave it for approximately 15 minutes, then gently wash it off with warm water (no soap!).

7. Avoid sugar and alcohol at the onset and during the thrush infection.

Foods which contain yeast and moulds (like mushrooms, bread and cheese) should also be avoided.

Vaginal thrush is pretty horrible, but it can be treated and you needn’t be doing the “fanny scratch” in public if you adopt some of these suggestions!

If you have worsening symptoms or experience fevers, abdominal pain, back pain, vaginal pain, bleeding or painful urination, seek immediate medical attention, or see a GP or other appropriate health professional if you are unsure of your symptoms or if treatment is not effective.

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If you become concerned about any symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention we have some hotlines and suggested websites for further information and advice – Click here!

SAHM takes no responsibility for any illness, injury or death caused by misuse of this information. All information provided is correct at time of publication.