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Salient. Newspaper of the Victoria University Students' Association. Vol 42 No. 20. August 27 1979

Thrush

Thrush

Thrush is also known as Candida Albicans or monilial vaginitis. The culprit is a common microscopic yeast like fungus which is a normal inhabitant of the vagina but it is more common in pregnant women, diabetics and women on the pill. After a course of antibiotics thrush is likely to appear due to the alteration in the vaginal flora.

In the female the signs and symptoms are itching and discomfort around the vagina and a variable amount of discharge. Diagnosis is made by examing a specimin of the discharge under the microscope where branching threads of the fungus may be seen. A swab is sent for laboratory confirmation.

Treatment is by antifungal pessaries or cream inserted into the vagina and it is important that these be inserted even if menstruating. Recent advances have resulted in much improved antifungal treatments of shorter duration. Prevention is difficult but if attacks are recurrent it is preferable to use cotton pants rather than nylon and to stop wearing tight jeans and pantyhose.

Symptoms are much less common in the male but a rash one the penis may be due to thrush and treatment is essential to prevent reinfection of the partner.