Thrush
A common yeast infection that can cause itching and thick, white, cottage-cheese-like discharge.
What does thrush mean?
Thrush: A common yeast infection that can cause itching and thick, white, cottage-cheese-like discharge.
How it is used in the Splash library
Thick, white, like cottage cheese (often itchy or sore): possibly Thrush.
From “Discharge, decoded”No smell, but thick white itchy discharge: more like Thrush, which usually does not smell.
From “Smell changes down there”When that balance shifts, two common infections can show up: thrush and bacterial vaginosis (BV).
From “Thrush vs BV: the itchy, fishy truth”Some notice being very thirsty, needing to pee a lot, a dry mouth, tiredness, blurred vision or thrush, but these are common in pregnancy anyway.
From “Gestational diabetes: the sugar test and what it means”Infections like thrush or STIs
From “Pain during sex: when to get help”
Thrush explained
Thrush is a common yeast infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a fungus that normally lives harmlessly in the body. Vaginal thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection, though it can be triggered around sex.
Most people with a vagina will have thrush at some point.
What's typical
Typical symptoms are itching and soreness around the vagina and vulva, thick white discharge that looks like cottage cheese and doesn't usually smell, and stinging when peeing or during sex.
It is more likely after antibiotics, during pregnancy, with poorly controlled diabetes, or with a weakened immune system. Some people notice it in the days before a period.
It is usually treated with antifungal pessaries, creams or a tablet from a pharmacy (NHS).
When to talk to a GP, nurse or pharmacist
- It is your first time having these symptoms, so a GP or sexual health clinic can confirm what it is.
- You are pregnant, under 16, or treatment hasn't worked.
- You get thrush more than twice in 6 months, or have unusual discharge, sores or blisters.
In the UK you can call NHS 111 for advice at any time. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US). This is general information, not medical advice.
Where it comes up
Sources
Sources checked October 2026.
See it in your own cycle.
Log a few periods and Splash shows your patterns, privately, on your phone. Free, no account.