It could be possible that you have thrush, there are loads of links in this thread on the topic that you may want to take a look at http://messageboards.ivillage.co.uk/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=iv-ukhlhealth&msg=3418.1 Thrush is nothing to be ashamed of as so many women get it as a reaction to bath products, diet, wearing tight clothing and other reasons.

Also it could be an infection of some sort or std (if you are sexually active) and would be advisable to see your doctor or you could go to your local family planning clinic (can be more friendly especially if you are worried about being seen at your GP). It really should be treated and not left lingering.

Please do see medical attention so that you can see the back of this little problem.

Do come back if you have any more questions

Sarah

Its worth a try to help your body naturally overcome this problem, and I'm pretty sure in saying once you've had Trush, you never ever want it back again.

Just a tip if anyones unfortunate enough to have it more than once!!

YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Because candida is present inside everybody all women will suffer from a thrush infection at least once in their lives. 2.3 billion women suffer from a vaginal yeast infection at least once, that's seventy per cent. Some women suffer frequently.
Remeber that not all doctors have the answers, there are many ways of helping yourselves rid this condition for good.

WHAT IS VAGINAL THRUSH?
It is a yeast fungal infection caused by yeast fungi (candida albicans).
Candida is present inside everyone's body and can live harmlessly without making any appearance at all. The candida (known as yeast) once distirbed can cause a dreadful thrush infection to appear. The yeast is kept under control by the good bacteria in our bodies although when we are ill, run down or stressed our immune system and PH balance inside the vagina allows the bad bacteria to grow and the yeast to mutiply, resulting in of course, a thrush infection.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
The symptoms of thrush are listed below
- Itchiness and burning
- Increased discharge (often white)
- Irritation and/or swelling of the vagina
- Stinging when passing urine, this is because the skin around the vagina is often chapped and broken which when urine gets inside stings.

It is important not to diagnose yourself with thrush unless you have been treated in the past and recognise the symptoms. If you have the above symptoms the infection could be something else, and the treatment you are recieving is not helping the condition at all. If it is your first thsuh infection visit a GP to make sure you are suffering from a thrush infection. They will do this by taking a vaginal swab for examination.

WHAT CAUSES A THRUSH INFECTION?
A thrush infection can happen to any woman at any point in their lives, although after menopause it's highly unlikely. There are a few things that can cause a yeast infection to appear. These are listed and explained below.
TIGHT CLOTHING
Such as tight jeans or trousers. Candida breeds in warm, moist and dark areas which tight trousers and jeans create. Wear no knickers when possible and light airy clothing to let the vagina breathe. Wear stocking instead of tights and cotton underwear not nylon.
CONTRACEPTIVE PILL
There isn't much scientific evidence to prove this, however, some women have stopped getting frequent thrush attacks after stopping taking the pill. The pill can increase vaginal moisture beacuse it creates more discharge which can of course cause the yeast to breed.
PERIODS
Some women only get thrush infections at the time of their period due to the warm enviorment it creates.
SEX
Thrush is NOT a sexually transmitted disease. Men can be infected with thrush and pass it back to you during sex. It's best to avoid sex while you are infected, its often too painful to engage in intercourse anyway. It's often a good idea to treat your partner with an over the counter remedy to make sure, as they often don't have any symptoms.
POOR DIET
You need a healthy diet to maintain a healthy immune system when your immune system is weakened it's harder to keep thrush at bay. You are more vunerable to illness when you have a poor immune system. Avoid sugary diets, as yeast loves sugar.
BUBBLEBATHS VAGINAL DEODRANTS SOAPS ETC...
Using bubble bath, vaginal deodrants and soaps can upset the natural PH balance of the vagina causing a thrush infection. It is better to pat your vagina dry after a shower or bath with a towel as rubbing can cause your vagina to become sore.
Remeber: Vaginas are not dirty or smelly, men find natural smells a turn on.
HYGIENE
Although douching the vagina (pushing water into the vagina to cleane it) is definatly bad for the natural balance inside your vagina, vaginal hygiene is very important. When going to the toilet you must make sure to wipe from front to back to make sure none of the bacteris can get inside the vagina.
SANITRY TOWELS AND TAMPONS
Make sure to change sanitry towels frequently to avoid infection, as the warm, tight and moist atmosphere encourages the yeast to grow. Change tampons frequently and only use light flow tampons when you are not heavy as they often absorb the vaginas natural discharge which is to clean the vagina naturally.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
* Try not to eat too many complex carbohydrates (sugar, biscuits, bread, potatoes, root vegetables and cereals). These are eventually converted into sugars inside your body, which of course yeast thrives on. Eat more refined carbohydrates such as wholemeal bread, and pasta, and brown rice.

*Cut down on foods that are yeast-based products like Marmite, mushrooms, cheese, bread and alcohol.

*Dring cranberry juice, this cleanses the bladder of bad bacteria which can stop the yeast from thriving. It also cleans the uretha of all bacteria which can lead to cystitis. Alternatively take cranberry tablets which are avaliable from health shops such as Holand and Barratt.

*Eat natural live Bio Yoghurt. This is full of good bacteria called lactobacilli, which prevents yeast from breeding. You can also put live bio yoghurt inside you vagina to rid the yeast, this can be done using a tampon, dipping the tampon in the yoghurt and leaving inside for a few hours. I wouldn't advise leaving it for too long though. Actimal or benecol yoghurts contain this lactobacilli, that is found naturally living inside your body. These are especially good as they taste much better than the natural live bio yoghurts, I especially like the strawberry actimal ones. You can buy these from your local supermarkets, and cost about £2 something for about 8.

* Take acidophilus supplements which build up the lactobacilli inside you (which is found in yoghurts). This is especially great if you hate the taste of the live bio yoghurts, I know I do. These suppliments contain good bacteria to balance out the natural flora inside your vagina and also the intestines. Which is particually good if you find that you often get thrush as a direct infection from the anus. It is a good idea to wipe from front to back after using the toilet as this combats the problem of the bad bacteria from the back passage entering the vagina and causing the inbalance of the flora inside your vagina. Taking these suppliments if taking antibiotics (as antibiotics kill all of your bacteria good and bad) can help to stop the development of thrush and also if your travelling to hot climates as thrush thrives in warm places and you wouldn't want to get a nasty attack from thrush while on your holidays. You can get these from helath shops, such as Holland and Barratt, they cost around £6.99 for 100.

* Eat plenty of garlic. Garlic is a natural antibiotic, which rids bad bacteria. Alternatlivly take garlic suppliments from health shops. You can buy odour-less garlic now which is good news for those who don't want to smell like garlic. These are also availiable from stores such as Holland and Barratt, and cost around £4 for 100.

* Olive oil, just dressing your salad can stop yeast turning into thrush, remember that frying the oil will not do!

* Read about your condition. I have found that internet sites such as Amazon.co.uk, sell books (often second hand for cheaper) all about this condition. Not all doctors have read every book about thrush and there are many things to learn. I have found from reading books about thrush and candida, that I have learnt all about the condition and it's causes and possible treatments. There are even cookbooks on the internet that give you quick and easy recipes that can help you enjoy meals that don't neccessarily help thrush thrive.

*Try to stay destressed, take up yoga, keep away from stressful enviroments. Stress seriously affects you immune system and makes you more suseptable of infections, such as thrush. Get more sleep, perhaps go to bed at a decent hour, and wake at a decent hour, and get into a routine of this. Lack of sleep takes its toll on the immune system.

Remember that a healthy diet keeps your immune system in top condition. Plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Less sugar and rubbish can help to ward of thrush for good.
:o) xx
If I can help anybody with this feel free to ask anything you wish. :o)