General Practice, by video or in person
Vaginal Thrush (Yeast Infection)
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Vaginal Thrush (Yeast Infection)
- Itching and irritation around the vulva and vagina
- A thick white discharge, often like cottage cheese, that does not usually smell
- Soreness and stinging during sex or when passing urine
- Symptoms that start after a course of antibiotics
- Symptoms that keep coming back
Vaginal thrush is a common infection caused by candida, a yeast that normally lives harmlessly on the body. It grows when the natural balance changes: after antibiotics, in pregnancy, with diabetes that is not well controlled, with a weakened immune system, or when the skin is irritated by soaps, douching or tight underwear. It causes itching and soreness, and a white discharge, often like cottage cheese, that does not usually smell. It is not a sexually transmitted infection, although sex can trigger it, and partners do not need treatment unless they have symptoms. Thrush is one of the things people in Nigeria call 'toilet infection', along with bacterial vaginosis, urine infections and STIs, which is why the same drug from the chemist so often fails: it was treating the wrong one. Thrush is treated with antifungal pessaries, creams or tablets.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Itching and irritation around the vulva and vagina
- A thick white discharge, often like cottage cheese, that does not usually smell
- Soreness and stinging during sex or when passing urine
- Symptoms that start after a course of antibiotics
- Symptoms that keep coming back
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital now if you have a fever with pain low in the tummy, or feel very unwell with a discharge, which can mean a pelvic infection rather than thrush. See a doctor if it is your first time, you are under 16 or over 60, you are pregnant or breastfeeding, treatment has not worked, thrush has come back more than four times in a year, you have diabetes, HIV or another condition that weakens immunity, or the discharge smells, is yellow or green, or comes with sores, bleeding or pain. Thrush that keeps coming back can be a sign of diabetes, so a blood sugar test is worth doing. A doctor can take the history by video, tell you whether it sounds like thrush or something else, prescribe treatment, and arrange a swab test when one is needed.
Treatment options
- An antifungal pessary or cream inside the vagina, or an antifungal tablet by mouth, on a doctor's or pharmacist's advice
- An antifungal cream on the vulva for itching and soreness
- In pregnancy, a pessary or cream chosen by a doctor, because some tablets are not suitable
- A vaginal swab when it keeps coming back, to confirm thrush and the type of yeast
- A blood sugar test, since thrush that keeps coming back can be a sign of diabetes
- Washing with water and an emollient instead of soap, cotton underwear, and no douching or vaginal steaming
Common Questions
Is thrush the same as 'toilet infection'?
Thrush is one of the things people mean by it. 'Toilet infection' is also used for bacterial vaginosis, urine infections and sexually transmitted infections, which need different treatments. Thrush is not caught from toilet seats.
Why does my thrush keep coming back?
Common reasons are repeated antibiotics, diabetes, pregnancy, irritation from soaps and douching, or it was not thrush in the first place. If it comes back more than four times in a year, see a doctor for a swab and a blood sugar test, and a longer course of treatment if thrush is confirmed.
Does my partner need treatment?
Not usually. Thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection. A partner only needs treatment if they have symptoms, such as an itchy rash on the penis.
Can a doctor treat thrush by video?
Usually, yes. A doctor can tell from your history whether it sounds like thrush, send a prescription to a partner pharmacy, and tell you if you need a swab or an examination because it could be something else.
Need Help?
A doctor on a video call, who advises on the right test and treatment, and tells you if you need to be seen in person.
See a doctor by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
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The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Thrush in men and women. NHS. Patient information.
- Vaginal discharge. NHS. Patient information.
- Bacterial vaginosis. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 30 October 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.