Let’s start with the basics – what is recurring thrush?

Recurring thrush, also known as recurrent candidiasis, is a common condition that affects many women and men. Thrush is caused by a yeast infection known as Candida albicans, which can grow out of control and cause symptoms such as itching, burning, and discharge.

Recurring thrush is defined as having more than four episodes of thrush in one year. This can be frustrating and uncomfortable for those who experience it, as it can disrupt daily activities and cause embarrassment.

What are the most common causes of recurring thrush?

There are several factors that can contribute to recurring thrush. One of the most common causes is an imbalance in the body’s natural bacteria and yeast levels. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, including antibiotic use, hormonal changes, and a weakened immune system.

Other factors that can contribute to recurring thrush include:

– Sexual activity: Thrush can be passed back and forth between sexual partners, making it difficult to fully eradicate. Therefore if you have a regular partner, you must both be treated!

– Tight clothing: Tight-fitting clothing can create a warm, moist environment that is ideal for yeast growth.

– Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can encourage yeast growth, making thrush more likely to occur.

– Diet: A diet high in sugar and processed foods can contribute to yeast overgrowth.

What can I do?

Treating recurring thrush typically involves a combination of antifungal medications and lifestyle changes. Over-the-counter creams and suppositories can help to relieve symptoms, while prescription medications may be necessary for more severe cases.

In addition to medication, there are several things that individuals can do to reduce their risk of recurring thrush. These include:

– Make sure both you and your partner are treated otherwise, medication is pretty pointless as you’ll be reinfected

– Wearing loose-fitting clothing to allow for better air circulation.

– Practicing good hygiene, including washing the genital area with mild soap and water.

– Avoid douching or using scented products in the genital area.

– Limiting sugar and processed foods in the diet.

– Using condoms during sexual activity to reduce the risk of passing thrush back and forth between partners.

– Taking regular high-concentration probiotics to boost healthy bacteria and eating fermented foods such as kefir.

It’s important to note that recurring thrush can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes or an immune condition. If you experience recurring thrush, it’s important to speak with a doctor to rule out any underlying issues.

In conclusion, recurring thrush can be a frustrating and uncomfortable condition to deal with. However, with the right treatment and lifestyle changes, it is possible to manage and reduce the frequency of episodes.

If you are experiencing recurring thrush, give us a call and speak to one of our professional team.