Surprising things that cause thrush….from eating too much sugar to your skinny jeans

MOST of us have had thrush at some time or other.

It's a vaginal infection that is usually caused by an overgrowth of yeast fungus.

Around 75 per cent of women experience it at least once in their lives, and it can happen at any age.

Yet despite being such a common complaint, loads of us are completely unaware of the various lifestyle choices that can encourage thrush to develop or worsen.

There are lots of triggers which we engage with on a day-to-day basis, which can easily be avoided - from soap to jeans.

Dr Israel Carmona, Director at Institut Marquès – the international specialists in Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Assisted Reproduction - revealed some of the surprising factors that can lead to thrush...

1. Shower gels and soap

Dr Israel Carmona told The Sun Online: “Body soaps and shower gels often contain harsh chemicals and perfumes that can upset the healthy balance of bacteria and pH levels in your body.

"Using these soaps and gels to clean your intimate area can therefore lead to irritation, triggering thrush.

"Your vagina is designed to keep itself clean, so there’s no need to use fancy soaps and gels. Wash here with warm water and plain soaps, and you’ll remain thrush free.”

2. Sugary treats

Dr Israel Carmona said: “Good vaginal health is largely maintained by your overall health.

"A balanced diet will therefore benefit your intimate area and lessen the likelihood of you developing thrush.

"For example, refined sugar found in sweets and fizzy drinks have been proven to feed bad bacteria, upsetting your body’s delicate balance and increasing your risk of developing thrush.

"High sugar levels can also create more suitable living conditions for the fungal bacteria to grow and make thrush more likely to occur.

"I always advise my patients to avoid eating excessive amounts of high-sugar foods and to drink plenty of water, as this will ensure you are in good health.”

3. That time of the month

“The hormonal changes you experience during your menstrual cycle can give rise to changing conditions in the vagina and make you more susceptible to thrush," Dr Israel Carmona told The Sun Online.

"Using tampons and sanitary pads can also exacerbate the problem by making the area less breathable, as thrush bacteria thrives in conditions where there is warmth and moisture.

"In order to lessen your risk of developing thrush during your period, be sure to change your tampons and sanitary pads frequently.”

4. Skinny jeans

Dr Israel Carmona said: “Wearing tight or synthetic clothing, such as leggings, skinny jeans, gym clothing, and swimming costumes, can create an environment where thrush is more likely to develop. "This is because tight, man-made fabrics are less breathable and can make your intimate area warm and sweaty – which is the perfect environment for thrush to develop in.

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"Avoid wearing tight or synthetic clothing for long periods of time, and make sure you change your clothes immediately after swimming or exercising. If you are prone to developing thrush, opt for cotton underwear over underwear made from synthetic materials.”

5. Sex

Dr Israel Carmona said: “Thrush isn't classed as a sexually transmitted disease (STD) however, it can be caused or passed on as a result of sexual intercourse.

"If you or your partner currently have thrush, avoid having sexual intercourse until the thrush has cleared up in order to avoid passing it back and forth.

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"Over-the-counter antifungal medications are also available to treat the thrush. This can be a tablet you take orally, a tablet you insert into your vagina using a pessary, or a cream to relieve the irritation.”

6. Antibiotics

Dr Israel Carmona says: “Approximately one in three women who take antibiotics will develop thrush.

Although antibiotics themselves don’t directly cause thrush, they can negatively impact the levels of healthy bacteria that are residing in your vagina.

"Fewer amounts of healthy bacteria means that there i

s less competition for the bad fungal bacteria, so it is able to grow more easily - thus leading to thrush.
"If you do contract thrush after taking antibiotics, speak with your local doctor or GP.

"They will be able to advise on alternative treatment options or ways that you can ease the symptoms you are experiencing.”

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