Treatment failure
Treatment for vaginal thrush using antifungal medication is ineffective in up to 20% of cases. Treatment for thrush is considered to have failed if the symptoms do not clear up within 7-14 days.
There are a number of reasons for treatment failure. For example, you may have a different kind of infection, such as bacterial vaginosis (the most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge), rather than thrush.
If your treatment does not work, you should visit your GP. They may run further teats to confirm your diagnosis and offer an alternative treatment.
Depression and psychosexual problems
Depression and psychosexual problems (anxiety about having sex) can sometimes occur in women who have recurrent thrush. Your GP will be able to advise you about specialist treatments, such as counselling (a talking therapy), if you have either of these conditions.
The Live Well good sex information also offers advice for anyone experiencing problems with their sex life.
Male thrush
In rare cases, candidal balanitis (inflammation of the head of the penis) can occur in male partners of women who have thrush. Your GP will usually recommend a course of antifungal medication if you have this condition.
Thrush and pregnancy
There is no evidence that having thrush affects you chances of getting pregnant, and if you have thrush whilst you are pregnant, it will not harm your unborn baby. However, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and you have thrush, you should not use oral antifungal treatments.
