Vaginal thrush is an extremely common infection in women, caused by the overgrowth of a yeast called candida albicans.

While this type of yeast naturally lives in the bowel and vagina, it can cause a series of uncomfortable symptoms if the amount of yeast increases.

We’ll get more into how this happens as well as the symptoms a little bit later. One of the lesser known symptoms of thrush can be urinary incontinence. To find out how it occurs, keep reading!

What causes thrush?

As mentioned thrush is caused by an overgrowth of candida albicans. This overgrowth can be influenced by some other health conditions or changes and medicines.

These can include:

• Existing skin irritation or damage
• Diabetes
• Immune system disorders
• Pregnancy and other hormonal changes such as during menstruation and menopause
• Antibiotics and medications like steroids

While it’s not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), thrush can also be passed on through vaginal intercourse.

Thrush symptoms

While they can vary case by case, thrush symptoms can include the following:

• Vaginal and/or vulval itching, irritation or swelling
• Changes to vaginal discharge (generally a thick, white appearance and ‘yeast’ odour)
• Stinging or burning while urinating or during sex
• Pain during sex
  
  

These symptoms also align with conditions like urinary tract infections (UTIs) and genital herpes, so you must see your doctor for a proper diagnosis if any of these symptoms arise.

Your doctor will likely examine the affected area and take a swab to send for testing. They may also ask you to do a urine test to rule out a UTI.

Incontinence and thrush

Thrush might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to incontinence, but it can actually cause problems with your bladder and urinary tract. This can make you need to pee a lot more often and urgently.

If you already have incontinence, you might notice your symptoms get worse when you have thrush. Once you treat the thrush, your symptoms should go back to normal.

If you find yourself needing to pee more often or urgently and are worried about accidents, try using some incontinence products like pads, guards, or pull-ups.

Thrush can also cause a skin condition called incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) [1]. This is a type of rash that can happen in people who have incontinence. When you have IAD, your skin is damaged, which can make it easier for thrush to grow.

How to treat thrush

There are a few different ways to treat thrush. The goal is to get rid of the fungus that’s causing the problem. Here are some options:

Internal creams or suppositories

These are inserted into the vagina with an applicator and can be used for one to seven days. You can find them at your local pharmacy. Just be aware that these creams can damage condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps.

External creams

These can help relieve itching and discomfort outside the vagina. Talk to your doctor about whether you should use both internal and external treatments.

Single-dose anti-fungal medication (Fluconazole)

This is a one-time pill that can be as effective as internal creams. However, it’s not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or for people taking certain medications.

During treatment, try to avoid using anything scented or irritating in the vaginal area. This includes soaps, bubble baths, bath oils, spermicides, lubricants, and vaginal hygiene products.

Thrush symptoms should go away within one to two weeks of starting treatment. If they don’t, or if you keep getting thrush, you should see a doctor.

How to prevent thrush

You can’t always prevent thrush, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk.

• Wear breathable underwear: Avoid tight-fitting clothing and synthetic fabrics.
• Change your underwear daily: Wash them in hot water to kill bacteria.
• Take antibiotics only when necessary: If you do take antibiotics, also take a probiotic to help restore your gut bacteria.
• Wash your vulva and vagina with warm water: Avoid using soaps or other scented products.
• Wipe from front to back: This helps prevent the spread of bacteria.
• Manage your blood sugar: If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control.
• Eat a healthy diet: Eat whole foods and foods like yogurt with good bacteria.

We hope this article has helped you understand how thrush can cause incontinence, what symptoms to look for, how to treat it, and how to prevent it!