How is Thrush Treated?

There are many different ways to get thrush treated effectively. The treatments recommended by medical professionals can often be obtained over the counter of your local pharmacy without a prescription, however in more severe cases, you may wish to consult your doctor to ensure you choose the right medication for your individual case. There are a few natural methods that are said to heal with thrush, or at least help with some of the symptoms, though these are not 100% reliable. Sometimes your body can naturally get rid of thrush over a period of a few days, but the only sure way to get rid of the infection is to take medication.

Treatment of Vaginal Thrush

There are a few different ways to clear up vaginal thrush. If it is your first time getting thrush, then it is advised you get checked out by a medical professional to firstly diagnose that it is actually thrush you are suffering from, and also to ensure that you understand which treatment will be best suited to your individual case. Depending on the severity of your case and the type of treatment you decide to go with, you could be taking the thrush medication from around 1-3 days, though if you are experiencing a particularly severe case of the infection, you may have to take the medication for a little longer.


The typical anti-thrush medicines can come as;

  • An anti-thrush cream or gel. This method of treatment is usually administered to the skin surrounding the entrance to the vagina, and works to sooth and controls any irritating symptoms you may be suffering from whilst treating the Candida infection on the skin.
  • Anti-thrush pessaries. Pessaries are inserted into the vagina in same way that you insert a tampon, and work to treat the Candida fungus deeper inside the vagina. These are often used in conjunction with the anti-thrush creams to deliver an all-encompassing treatment. The anti-thrush pessaries usually contain one of three typical anti-fungal medications, econazole, clotrimazole, and miconazole.
  • Anti-thrush tablets. These are taken orally, and are an alternative to creams and pessaries, although you may wish to apply the cream regardless if you are suffering from discomfort. The anti-thrush tablets usually contain one of two anti-fungal medications, fluconazole and itraconazole.

If you follow the directions on any of these treatments then you should be relieved of the thrush infection in a short amount of time. Each treatment is noted to be as effective as the other, however, if you do think that you may still have thrush, then it may be worth visiting your doctor. There are several factors determining why a thrush treatment has not worked, and they should be able to offer you a more suitable and effective form of medication.

If you are breastfeeding, pregnant or trying to get pregnant, it is advised that you visit your doctor to ensure you choose the best treatment for you. Oral treatments have been known to have side effects, so are best avoided if you are pregnant. These side effects can include nausea, headaches, constipation, vomiting and diarrhoea. These are obviously very inconvenient, and although it is nothing to worry about if you do experience any of these mild symptoms, you may wish to opt for the cream or pessary treatment if you develop thrush again.

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