[Concerned_2012]

Hi people,

I'm starting to get a little concerned and more importantly worrying about my partner!

Basically the last 3 sexual partners I've had have all developed thrush shortly after starting sexual intercourse with me. Most have had it before but it seems like when I'm in a committed relationship my partner tends to get it every couple of months or so.

Here is a bit of further info,

Partner is on the pill therefore we don't use condoms
I'm VERY clean and particular "down there". Always make sure he's cleaned properly in the shower!
No other health issues that I'm aware of
Always treat myself for Thrush when my partner has to stop any chance of re-infection
I'm tested for STD's regularly, always clear

As silly as it sounds when the past 3 sexual partners seem to suffer the same way and have never before it can't help make me feel like there's something dodgy about my little fella or my sperm! Silly I know but can anyone shed some light on the matter?

The doctor says if my STD tests come back clear then its not me but I can't see how not and I hate seeing her uncomfortable.

Thanks in advance,
Concerned_2012

[DreamP346]

Yeast infections are very common in women. Its not really an infection but a change in the bacterial fona of the vigina. It can be caused by diet, use of douches, use of soaps on the vulva, medication, etc. It has nothing to do with the man.

[BabyGirl]

Vaginal thrush,

Maybe Share this with Your Partner, so the worry is Lessened


Vaginal thrush is a common infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans yeast, which lives naturally in the vagina. Other names for this infection are candidiasis or monilia. Symptoms may include vaginal itching or burning, a white discharge and stinging or burning while urinating. Vaginal creams or vaginal tablets (pessaries) can help reduce the symptoms of thrush.

Vaginal thrush is a common infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans yeast. This yeast lives naturally in the bowel and in small numbers in the vagina. It is mostly harmless, but symptoms can develop if yeast numbers increase. About 75 per cent of women will have vaginal thrush in their lifetime. Other names for this infection are candidiasis or monilia.

Symptoms can include vaginal itching or burning, a white discharge and stinging or burning while urinating. Vaginal creams or vaginal tablets (pessaries) can help reduce the symptoms of thrush. Thrush can also occur in other parts of the body, such as the mouth.

Symptoms

Symptoms you may experience if you develop vaginal thrush include:

Vaginal discomfort – itching or burning
A thick, white discharge with a ‘cottage cheese’ appearance and yeasty smell
Redness or swelling of the vagina or vulva
Stinging or burning while urinating or during sex
Splits in the genital skin.

Diagnosis

To make a diagnosis of vaginal thrush, your doctor will need to:

Examine your genitals
Take a swab from the affected area.

Vaginal thrush is not a sexually transmissible infection (STI). It is caused by an overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans. This overgrowth may be due to:

Antibiotic use
Oral contraceptive use
Diabetes
Pregnancy
Menstrual cycle changes
General illnesses like diabetes, iron deficiency and immune system disorders
Associated vulval skin conditions.

Sometimes, the reason for candida overgrowth cannot be identified.

Treatment

Treatment aims to reduce the number of yeasts so they no longer cause symptoms. Options that are available from your local pharmacist without a script include:

Antifungal creams or vaginal pessaries (tablets) – these are put inside the vagina with a special applicator and are used from one to six days, depending on the instructions. Occasionally a second course of treatment is required. Repeated topical treatments (applied to the skin) may occasionally cause skin irritation.
Oral tablets – these are called fluconazole and are designed to be swallowed. This treatment is more expensive than other options and is not recommended for pregnant women or as a ‘first line’ treatment. If you are on other medications or are pregnant, consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking fluconazole.

Treatment is not always necessary

Sometimes symptoms only last for a short time (for example, the week before your period) and treatment is not necessary.

Preventing thrush

To help prevent vaginal thrush: For HER !

Wipe your bottom from front to back after going to the toilet. This will prevent the spread of Candida albicans from the anus to the vagina.
Avoid using soap to wash the genital area. Soap substitutes can be used. Sorbolene (with or without glycerine) is probably the cheapest and is very effective. When using sorbolene:
Avoid perfumed products.
Be aware that products containing 10 per cent glycerine can occasionally cause stinging.
Apply before the area is wetted and rinse off lightly. A slight greasy film should remain.
Avoid using antiseptics, douches or perfumed sprays in the genital area.
Avoid using perfumed toilet papers and menstrual products.
Avoid wearing tight-fitting pants and synthetic underwear.
Consider changing your clothes-washing detergent and don’t use fabric softeners.

Thrush and sex

You can still have sex when you have vaginal thrush. However, it can be uncomfortable and you may experience a burning sensation during or after sex. Use plenty of lubricant to protect your skin.

Thrush is not a sexually transmissible infection (STI), but male partners can sometimes get redness and irritation after sex.

The treatment for thrush can weaken condoms so apply the treatments after you have had sex if you are using condoms.

Ruling out other conditions

A number of other vaginal conditions result in symptoms that are similar to those of thrush. You should see your doctor if you:

Are not sure you have thrush
Have had several episodes of thrush
Have had recent unprotected sex with a new partner
Have pain in your pelvic area or abnormal bleeding
Have treated yourself with a thrush treatment and your symptoms haven’t gone away.

Management of recurrent thrush

If you experience repeated episodes of thrush, it is recommended that you see a doctor to confirm that it is thrush and that you don’t have a sexually transmissible infection (STI). Your doctor can check for the presence of other skin conditions that may have similar symptoms and exclude other conditions that can cause thrush (such as diabetes).

Any factor contributing to the overgrowth of Candida albicans should be identified and managed. If no contributing factors are found, a course of preventative treatment may be recommended.

There is no evidence to support the treatment of male partners of women who experience thrush. Thrush outbreaks, while uncomfortable, do not cause any long-term health issues. There is also no clear evidence that dietary changes prevent thrush, but the research is limited.

Where to get help

Your doctor
Your local community health centre

Things to remember

Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of yeast known as Candida albicans.
Vaginal creams and pessaries help reduce candida overgrowth and ease thrush symptoms.
Thrush outbreaks, while uncomfortable, do not cause any long-term health issues.
Consult your doctor if you have recurrent attacks of thrush.

It is AWESOME that you are concerned about your Partner.. Being Educated and using Caution and Treatments will help " Little Fella " stay Happy & Healthy and have him keep Her Happy too .