Thrush
Strictly speaking, thrush is not considered to be a sexually transmitted infection as it isn’t necessarily connected with sex. However, it can sometimes be picked up whilst having sex, so we thought we’d include it anyway. The infection is caused by a fungus which lives on the skin and in the mouth, stomach, vagina, penis and bottom.
Transmission
If it is passed on through sex, it will most likely have happened during unprotected vaginal, anal and (sometimes) oral sex.
Symptoms
Often there are no symptoms, but if there are they may include any of the following:
- A rash or inflammation of the affected area
- A thick white discharge from either the penis or vagina
- Pain during sex or when urinating
Treatment
There are several anti-fungal creams and tables available which help to clear the infection. Sexual partners should be checked and treated if necessary to help stop re-infection.
How to avoid it
It’s extremely difficult to stop the infection occurring altogether, but using condoms and dental dams for oral sex and rimming, and condoms with loads of water-based lubricant for vaginal and anal sex, can help stop the infection from being passed on during sex.
