Reviewed by Dr Lotte Elton March 2024

Can thrush go away on its own?

Can thrush go away on its own?

Vaginal candidiasis – often called thrush or a yeast infection – is caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida that lives naturally on the skin. Thrush is typically characterised by a thick, white discharge that is sometimes likened to cottage cheese. It can cause vulval or vaginal soreness or itchiness.1 It is very common, and about 70% of people with a vagina will experience thrush at least once in their lifetime.2

For some people, thrush may be a more chronic issue: about 8% of people with a vagina experience recurrent vaginal thrush3 which is defined as thrush occurring four or more times in a year.4

It is quite common to carry high levels of Candida in the vaginal region without any symptoms, and treatment is not required in this case.5 If thrush is causing symptoms, though, then treatment is recommended. Mild cases of thrush may resolve on their own, but thrush which is is not treated properly may return and the symptoms can be irritating and uncomfortable.

Can I treat thrush myself?

Self-care measures may provide relief from symptoms, and reduce the risk of thrush returning. These include:

  • Avoiding the vulval and vaginal area coming into contact with substances that might irritate the skin or cause overgrowth of yeast, like soap, shampoo, bubble bath, or shower gels
  • Avoiding vaginal douching, which can increase the risk of Candida infection6
  • Wearing loose-fitting and/or natural fabrics, such as cotton

Some people use complementary therapies such as applying live yoghurt to the vulval area, but UK medical guidance suggests that these should not be used. 7

Since having sex can also aggravate the symptoms of thrush, it may be better to avoid sex until symptoms have resolved

There are a number of medical treatments you can use to treat thrush without having to go to a doctor or health professional. The two most common treatments for thrush – fluconazole and clotrimazole — can be bought at a pharmacy without a prescription. They are often sold under the brand name Canesten.

For most people, the first treatment is a single tablet of fluconazole 150mg. Alternatively, clotrimazole pessaries (tablets) which are inserted into the vagina may be used. A pharmacist can advise you about these treatments.8

In addition to one of the above treatments, clotrimazole 1% or 2% cream can be applied to the vulval area 2-3 times a day to provide relief from itch and soreness. Be aware that these creams can sometimes damage latex condoms: since having sex can also aggravate the symptoms of thrush, it may be better to avoid sex until symptoms have resolved.9

When should I see a doctor?

If you are concerned about your symptoms for any reason, it’s always worth seeing your doctor. They should listen to you and take your concerns seriously. Alongside your symptoms, other reasons to seek medical advice include:

If you have never had thrush before

Many of the symptoms of thrush – like discharge and vaginal itching – are similar to other conditions, like chlamydia or dermatitis (skin irritation). If it is your first time having these kinds of symptoms, a doctor can confirm that you do actually have thrush, rather than another condition.

If you have recently had sex with a new partner

Any new symptoms could be due to a sexually transmitted infection, so it would be worth having an STI test. These can be arranged at your GP practice or at a local sexual health (GUM) clinic. You may also be able to order sexual health tests online – many local authorities in the UK have commissioned services such as SH:24 or Sexual Health London.

Pain in your lower abdomen or pain during sex

Thrush can sometimes cause soreness during sex, particularly around the opening of the vagina, because the vaginal mucosa (similar to the inside of your mouth) is irritated. However, pain in your abdomen or pain during sex might be a symptom of an infection in your uterus, Fallopian tubes, or ovaries – sometimes called pelvic inflammatory disease.10

Bleeding between your periods or after sex

This kind of bleeding, sometimes called “intermenstrual” (between periods) or “postcoital” (after sex) bleeding, can be caused by sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia.11

If your symptoms haven’t improved – especially if you have already tried over-the-counter treatments from a pharmacy – it’s a good idea to seek medical advice

If you haven’t seen any improvement in your symptoms

If your symptoms haven’t improved – especially if you have already tried over-the-counter treatments from a pharmacy – it’s a good idea to seek medical advice. A doctor or nurse may be able to send off vaginal swabs to a laboratory to check for thrush or other infections and identify what thrush treatment would be most effective for you.

If you are pregnant

Some thrush treatments, like the anti-thrush tablet fluconazole, aren’t suitable if you’re pregnant.12 A doctor will be able to confirm whether you have a thrush infection and advise on the best kind of treatment for you.

Thrush symptoms that keep coming back

A doctor will assess you to check for any other conditions, like diabetes, that might be causing recurrent thrush. They may advise treatment such as taking a daily anti-thrush tablet for a few months.

What happens if I leave thrush untreated?

Thrush can be confused with other, more serious conditions, like chlamydia or gonorrhoea. Left untreated, these infections can cause inflammation of the reproductive organs (like the uterus and Fallopian tubes), which can affect your fertility.

Very rarely, Candida can get into the bloodstream and spread around the body. This is called invasive candidiasis, and it can affect the blood, heart, brain, bones, or eyes.13 Invasive candidiasis is much more common in patients whose immune system works less well (immunocompromised) – for example, people who are receiving chemotherapy for cancer – and in people who are in hospital.

In most cases, leaving thrush untreated does not cause any long-term damage, but your vulva/vagina may remain sore and itchy.

Featured image is an illustration of a person standing with their hands resting on the top of their trousers. Their hands are tensed, as if their are itchy or irritated

Page last reviewed March 2024
Next review due March 2027

Vaginal candidiasis – often called thrush or a yeast infection – is caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida that lives naturally on the skin. Thrush is typically characterised by a thick, white discharge that is sometimes likened to cottage cheese. It can cause vulval or vaginal soreness or itchiness.1 It is very common, and about 70% of people with a vagina will experience thrush at least once in their lifetime.2

For some people, thrush may be a more chronic issue: about 8% of people with a vagina experience recurrent vaginal thrush3 which is defined as thrush occurring four or more times in a year.4

It is quite common to carry high levels of Candida in the vaginal region without any symptoms, and treatment is not required in this case.5 If thrush is causing symptoms, though, then treatment is recommended. Mild cases of thrush may resolve on their own, but thrush which is is not treated properly may return and the symptoms can be irritating and uncomfortable.

Can I treat thrush myself?

Self-care measures may provide relief from symptoms, and reduce the risk of thrush returning. These include:

  • Avoiding the vulval and vaginal area coming into contact with substances that might irritate the skin or cause overgrowth of yeast, like soap, shampoo, bubble bath, or shower gels
  • Avoiding vaginal douching, which can increase the risk of Candida infection6
  • Wearing loose-fitting and/or natural fabrics, such as cotton

Some people use complementary therapies such as applying live yoghurt to the vulval area, but UK medical guidance suggests that these should not be used. 7

Since having sex can also aggravate the symptoms of thrush, it may be better to avoid sex until symptoms have resolved

There are a number of medical treatments you can use to treat thrush without having to go to a doctor or health professional. The two most common treatments for thrush – fluconazole and clotrimazole — can be bought at a pharmacy without a prescription. They are often sold under the brand name Canesten.

For most people, the first treatment is a single tablet of fluconazole 150mg. Alternatively, clotrimazole pessaries (tablets) which are inserted into the vagina may be used. A pharmacist can advise you about these treatments.8

In addition to one of the above treatments, clotrimazole 1% or 2% cream can be applied to the vulval area 2-3 times a day to provide relief from itch and soreness. Be aware that these creams can sometimes damage latex condoms: since having sex can also aggravate the symptoms of thrush, it may be better to avoid sex until symptoms have resolved.9

When should I see a doctor?

If you are concerned about your symptoms for any reason, it’s always worth seeing your doctor. They should listen to you and take your concerns seriously. Alongside your symptoms, other reasons to seek medical advice include:

If you have never had thrush before

Many of the symptoms of thrush – like discharge and vaginal itching – are similar to other conditions, like chlamydia or dermatitis (skin irritation). If it is your first time having these kinds of symptoms, a doctor can confirm that you do actually have thrush, rather than another condition.

If you have recently had sex with a new partner

Any new symptoms could be due to a sexually transmitted infection, so it would be worth having an STI test. These can be arranged at your GP practice or at a local sexual health (GUM) clinic. You may also be able to order sexual health tests online – many local authorities in the UK have commissioned services such as SH:24 or Sexual Health London.

Pain in your lower abdomen or pain during sex

Thrush can sometimes cause soreness during sex, particularly around the opening of the vagina, because the vaginal mucosa (similar to the inside of your mouth) is irritated. However, pain in your abdomen or pain during sex might be a symptom of an infection in your uterus, Fallopian tubes, or ovaries – sometimes called pelvic inflammatory disease.10

Bleeding between your periods or after sex

This kind of bleeding, sometimes called “intermenstrual” (between periods) or “postcoital” (after sex) bleeding, can be caused by sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia.11

If your symptoms haven’t improved – especially if you have already tried over-the-counter treatments from a pharmacy – it’s a good idea to seek medical advice

If you haven’t seen any improvement in your symptoms

If your symptoms haven’t improved – especially if you have already tried over-the-counter treatments from a pharmacy – it’s a good idea to seek medical advice. A doctor or nurse may be able to send off vaginal swabs to a laboratory to check for thrush or other infections and identify what thrush treatment would be most effective for you.

If you are pregnant

Some thrush treatments, like the anti-thrush tablet fluconazole, aren’t suitable if you’re pregnant.12 A doctor will be able to confirm whether you have a thrush infection and advise on the best kind of treatment for you.

Thrush symptoms that keep coming back

A doctor will assess you to check for any other conditions, like diabetes, that might be causing recurrent thrush. They may advise treatment such as taking a daily anti-thrush tablet for a few months.

What happens if I leave thrush untreated?

Thrush can be confused with other, more serious conditions, like chlamydia or gonorrhoea. Left untreated, these infections can cause inflammation of the reproductive organs (like the uterus and Fallopian tubes), which can affect your fertility.

Very rarely, Candida can get into the bloodstream and spread around the body. This is called invasive candidiasis, and it can affect the blood, heart, brain, bones, or eyes.13 Invasive candidiasis is much more common in patients whose immune system works less well (immunocompromised) – for example, people who are receiving chemotherapy for cancer – and in people who are in hospital.

In most cases, leaving thrush untreated does not cause any long-term damage, but your vulva/vagina may remain sore and itchy.

Featured image is an illustration of a person standing with their hands resting on the top of their trousers. Their hands are tensed, as if their are itchy or irritated

Page last reviewed March 2024
Next review due March 2027

Dr Lotte Elton (MBBS, MSc, MPhil, DRCOG, AFHEA)

Dr Lotte Elton is a medical doctor, researcher, and trainee academic GP. She has an MSc with Distinction in Reproductive and Sexual Health Research from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and an MPhil with Distinction in Health, Medicine and Society from the University of Cambridge. Her research interests are in public health, medical sociology, and the philosophy of medicine; she has presented at multiple international conferences as well as publishing research in peer-reviewed journals. She holds the Diploma of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Diploma of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health. She has clinical experience in obstetrics and gynaecology, sexual health, and emergency medicine, and is passionate about equitable reproductive and sexual health care that is accessible to all.

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References

  1. Guideline development group, British Association for Sexual Health and HIV national guideline for the management of vulvovaginal candidiasis, International Journal of STD and AIDS, September 2020; vol 31, no 12, pp 1124-1144
  2. Jeanmonod, R., and Jeanmonod, D., Vaginal candidiasis, in StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, Treasure Island (FL), January 2021 [online] (accessed 18 March 2024)
  3. Ibid
  4. NICE, Candida – Female genital, Clinical Knowledge Summary, National institute for Health and Care Excellence, May 2017 [online] (accessed 18 March 2024)
  5. Ibid
  6. Lines, A., et al., Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, BMJ, June 2020, vol 8, no 369, m1995
  7. NICE, Candida – Female genital, Clinical Knowledge Summary, National institute for Health and Care Excellence, May 2017 [online] (accessed 18 March 2024)
  8. Ibid
  9. NHS, Overview: Thrush in men and women, NHS website, 2023 [online] (accessed 18 March 2024)
  10. NHS, Overview: Pelvic inflammatory disease, NHS website, 2018 [online] (accessed 18 March 2024)
  11. Tarney, C.M., and Han, J., Postcoital bleeding: a review on etiology, diagnosis, and management, Obstetrics and Gynecology International, June 2014, article ID: 192087
  12. NICE, Candida – Female genital, Clinical Knowledge Summary, National institute for Health and Care Excellence, May 2017 [online] (accessed 18 March 2024)
  13. Kullberg, B.J., and Arendrup, M.C., Invasive Candidiasis, The New England Journal of Medicine, October 2015, vol 373, no 15, pp 1445-1456