Why Do I Keep Getting Thrush? Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

This guide provides authoritative, clinician-verified information about why do i keep getting thrush? causes, symptoms and treatment. At The Vesey Private Hospital in Sutton Coldfield — a CQC-regulated private clinic rated 4.87/5 on Doctify — our clinical team provides expert assessment and treatment across all areas covered in this guide. Appointments are available 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm.

Understanding Why Do I Keep Getting Thrush? Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Thrush is a common yeast infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a fungus that lives harmlessly on the skin and inside the body. Most people mean vaginal thrush, though it can also affect the mouth (oral thrush) or skin folds. It is called recurrent when you have four or more episodes in a year.

Typical symptoms of vaginal thrush include:

• Itching and soreness around the vagina and vulva
• A thick, white discharge (often like cottage cheese) that usually has no strong smell
• Stinging or discomfort when passing urine or during sex
• Redness or splitting of the surrounding skin

If the discharge is discoloured or smells unpleasant, or you have pelvic pain or bleeding, the cause is more likely to be something other than thrush and should be checked.

When to Seek Medical Assessment

It is worth seeing a clinician rather than self-treating if any of the following apply:

• It is your first episode, or you are not sure thrush is the cause
• You have four or more episodes a year
• You are pregnant, under 16 or over 60
• Symptoms don’t improve after treatment, or you have abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain or smelly discharge

Frequent thrush can be triggered by recent antibiotics, pregnancy, hormonal changes, and irritation from soaps or tight synthetic underwear. Importantly, recurrent thrush can sometimes be a sign of poorly controlled or undiagnosed diabetes or a weakened immune system, so a check is sensible. A private GP at The Vesey can review you the same day (from £90, open 7 days), arrange swabs and a blood-sugar check, and confirm the diagnosis.

Treating and Preventing Recurrent Thrush

Most single episodes clear quickly with an antifungal — a clotrimazole pessary or cream, or a single oral fluconazole capsule. When thrush keeps coming back, a longer maintenance course of antifungal treatment over several months is usually very effective, alongside confirming the diagnosis with a swab.

Simple measures reduce recurrences: avoid perfumed soaps, shower gels and vaginal washes, wear loose cotton underwear, avoid douching, and treat triggers such as high blood sugar. If episodes persist despite treatment, our GP and women’s health teams can look for other causes and tailor a longer-term plan.

Contact The Vesey: How to Access Our Services

The Vesey Private Hospital is located at Unit 3, The Courtyard, Sutton Coldfield B75 7BU, with free on-site parking and easy access from Birmingham (15 minutes by car) and surrounding areas. We are open 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm, including bank holidays.

To book an appointment, use our online booking system at thevesey.co.uk/book, or call our reception team on 0121 387 3727 between 8am and 8pm. Same-day GP appointments are typically available. Specialist consultations can usually be arranged within days.

We accept all major credit and debit cards and are recognised by Bupa, Vitality, WPA, and Healix. For insurance patients, please bring your policy details and membership number. Our team will assist with pre-authorisation and claims documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions