16 Sep 2024 |

Recurring Thrush - Why do I keep getting it

Thrush is a common infection typically caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans. This fungus is commensurate, or naturally present, on the skin without creating any issues.

However, excessive growth of the fungus may result in recurrent thrush infections in different areas of the body, typically:

• Mouth
• Oesophagus
• Groin area
• Throat
• Genitals
• Armpits

Candidiasis or thrush, an infection caused by Candida, affects both men and women. This infection is typically harmless for individuals during the initial stages. However, recurrent occurrences thrush infections will lead to several uncomfortable symptoms. Read on to discover different causes, underlying symptoms and treatment methods for recurrent thrush.

What is recurrent thrush? An Overview

Recurrent thrush has quite a common incidence rate. If you are experiencing recurrent thrush, typically this will involve 4 or more outbreaks in a single year.

The main factor differentiating recurrent thrush infection from a persistent one is its symptom free period of occurrence. The term ‘recurrent thrush’ indicates the repeated return of an infection after recovery from the first outbreak. ‘Persistent’ on the other hand, indicates a consistent infection that doesn't go away.

Around half of all women over 25 years of age have experienced at least one episode of thrush in their lifetime. A vulvo-vaginal infection is the most common occurrence in women. Different research surveys have also discovered that such cases tend to occur repeatedly in about 5% of those women.

Know the Causes: Why Do I Keep Getting Thrush?

Although thrush is not an STI, it may occur due to sexual contact or is often triggered by sex. The main cause of thrush, the Candida fungus is basically harmless. However, this fungus thrives more often in warm and moist conditions.

Thrush is often triggered by a number of reasons including:

• Damaged or irritated skin
• A weak immune system
• Deficiency of Vitamin B12 and Iron
• Diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• Bacterial vaginosis
• Altering pH levels during your menstrual cycle

What are the signs and symptoms of a thrush infection?

The major symptoms of thrush in women are:

• An abnormal white and odourless vaginal discharge
• A sensation of constant irritation and itchiness in and around your vaginal and vulvar region
• A feeling of soreness or stinging while urinating or having sex

Key symptoms of thrush in men include:

• An abnormal white discharge from the glans or foreskin resembling the texture of cottage cheese Unusual or unpleasant odour
• A feeling of inflammation, redness or irritation at the tip of your penis or under your foreskin
• Complications in retracting the foreskin

You may also experience thrush infection in your groin, armpits or in between your fingers. The most common symptoms of thrush occurring in such areas include:

• A yellowish or whitish discharge
• Development of itchy, red and painful rashes

Remember however that a thrush infection can be present in some cases without exhibiting any symptoms at all.

Find out the Risk Factors

Females are more prone to developing genital thrush on a recurrent basis as compared to males. This is because the vagina is a more optimised environment for the candida fungus to thrive and multiply compared to the penis.

You may also experience greater risks of developing thrush due to certain factors including:

• Using antibiotics
• Have not taken the complete treatment for your previous occurrence of thrush
• Poor management and control of diabetes
• Pregnancy
• Undergoing an HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy)
• Undergoing chemotherapy
• Past history of autoimmune diseases like HIV infection
• Dry mouth
• Smoking
• Using corticosteroids for other health conditions

You become more prone to risks of recurrent thrush due to triggers such as:

• Genetic predispositions, especially in women
• Stress
• Using irritating products on your sensitive areas
• Tight clothing that is not breathable
• pH changes in the vagina
• Hormonal changes
• Sexual activity

How to treat recurrent thrush?

The first step after experiencing repeated thrush should be to consult your GP immediately. Your healthcare provider will try to diagnose the original cause of your recurrent occurrence of thrush.

For treatment, antifungal medications are the best solution. You will have to follow the phases of antifungal treatment once you are diagnosed and the proper location of your infection is identified. The course of antifungal treatment can include the use of:

• Tablets
• Liquids
• Lozenges
• Topical creams

Effective treatment should clear your thrush within 10 to 14 days. In some severe cases, treatment can extend for up to 6 months.

What are the dos and don’ts for alleviating and prevention of thrush? 

Dos

The following should ease your symptoms and resist repeated occurrence of thrush:

• Use loose fitting cotton underwear
• Instead of scented soaps, apply water with an emollient cream to wash your affected areas
• After rinsing the areas, make sure to dry them properly
• If you are facing discomfort while having a sexual intercourse, avoid sex until complete clearance

Don’ts

Also remember to not:

• Use perfumes, deodorants or douches in your penile and vaginal areas
• Apply shower gels or soaps on your affected areas
• Wear tight underwear or clothing

How can you stop getting repeated thrush?

You can cut down your likelihood of contracting thrush to a significant extent by making simple modifications to your lifestyle patterns and daily habits:

• Avoid stress
• Follow a healthy lifestyle and exercise regularly
• Intake a healthy and balanced diet full of green vegetables, fresh fruits and high fibre content

All these prepare your immune system to fight off a thrush infection.

How to know it’s time for medical advice?

You must consult your GP once you find signs of:

• Your first case of thrush infection
• Your age is below 16 years or above 60 years
• 2 episodes of thrush within 6 months
• Ineffectiveness of thrush treatment
• Pregnancy
• Weak immunity or immune disorders

Recurrent thrush typically does not produce any long term health effects even though outbreaks can be stressful, annoying and embarrassing at times.

Final Outlook

Although thrush is a harmless infection initially, recurrent thrush may be an indicator of serious concern. Visit STI Clinic London immediately if you start encountering uncomfortable and persistent symptoms. Early diagnosis with our top specialists detects your thrush infection and also determines timely treatment to reduce risks of chronic symptoms.