Why is thrush worse before a period

Your vagina is self-cleaning, if during your menstrual cycle you are cleaning your vagina more frequently this can wash away the good bacteria. If you get thrush with most periods, it might not be a new infection every time. The previous infection may not have been properly resolved or treated — this is known as recurrent thrush.

To properly clear the infection, you will need to finish the course of treatment, even if the signs of infection have begun to clear. If you are experiencing recurring thrush, you should see your GP. Your GP or a healthcare professional at a sexual health clinic may be able to help find the cause of the thrush you are experiencing. These can be bought over the counter in your local pharmacy or some supermarkets.

Treatments for thrush include:. Many of these treatments should help to relieve symptoms within one week. You might find that you need to take your thrush treatment for longer than normal to stop it recurring in the future. Stress can make us feel run down and weaken our immune system, making us vulnerable to illnesses such as colds as well as infections such as thrush.

There are lifestyle and hygiene changes that you can make to lower your risk of developing thrush, as well as keeping you in good health. Making sure that you eat a varied and balance diet will help to support your immune system. Make sure that your blood sugar levels are steady as this will help to stop you from getting thrush. Yes, if you have had thrush in the past, you can get it again.

Even if you have had treatment to clear the infection. Prevalence of Candida albicans and non- albicans isolates from vaginal secretions: comparative evaluation of colonization, vaginal candidiasis and recurrent vaginal candidiasis in diabetic and non-diabetic women. Sao Paulo Med J.

Yeast infections. Updated February 22, Modulation of post-antibiotic bacterial community reassembly and host response by Candida albicans. Sci Rep. Association of sexual function and psychological symptoms including depression, anxiety and stress in women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc.

The influence of diet on gastrointestinal Candida spp. Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fungal diseases - vaginal candidiasis. Updated November 10, Yeast infection tests. Updated July 31, Efficacy and safety of a single oral mg dose of fluconazole for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis in Japan.

J Infect Chemother. Antifungal oral and vaginal therapy for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: a systematic review protocol. BMJ Open. Boric acid for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: the clinical evidence. J Womens Health Larchmt. Cleveland Clinic. Updated October 26, Updated April 1, Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth.

At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Treatment is often inconsistent between practitioners. This perhaps reflects the lack of confidence in available guidelines , based on the above study.

In Australia, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme PBS does not cover the recommended long-term treatment , making it unaffordable for many. Some women are reluctant to take anti-fungal medications for long periods, as they can have some side-effects, including abdominal pain. Because of this and the expense, many turn to alternative therapies to combat thrush. Although some women may find the folk remedy of yoghurt soothing, there is no strong evidence to support its use.

Some recommend formulations such as aci-gel or vinegar to restore the normal pH of the vagina. But contrary to popular belief, the vaginal pH of women with thrush is usually normal. Other natural treatments include tea tree oil and garlic. But using tea tree oil can lead to nasty allergic reactions , while garlic can burn. Sometimes simple remedies such as ice packs applied to the area for up to ten minutes can bring relief. This will help prevent the infection from getting worse.

In addition to medication, a person may consider home remedies that could aid in the treatment process. Learn more about different home remedies for yeast infections here. A popular home remedy involves using probiotic supplements. However, according to a study , there is not enough quality evidence to fully support the effectiveness of probiotics.

Home remedies may not work or be safe. A person should talk to a doctor before using any home remedies to treat a yeast infection. In some cases, a person may not be able to prevent a yeast infection from occurring. These infections are most common in warm, damp areas of the body, such as the vagina.

Some people may develop recurring yeast infections in their lifetime. If a person gets a yeast infection around their menstruation each month, they should talk to their doctor. Though there are several OTC treatments for vaginal yeast infections, a person should see their doctor for a diagnosis. This is because other conditions can cause similar symptoms.