Who gets thrush?
Most women get thrush at some point in their life, but it is most common in women in their thirties and forties, and in those who are pregnant. It is not clear why some women are more prone to thrush than others. Diabetes and medical conditions that cause problems with the body’s immune system increase the likelihood of it occurring. Other potential triggers include: • wearing tight clothing – this prevents natural ventilation • taking antibiotics – about 30 per cent of women will have thrush because of this • using products that irritate the vagina, such as vaginal douches or bubble bath • having chemotherapy. There is little evidence that using sanitary towels or tampons is a risk factor for developing thrush. Although not usually thought of as a sexually transmitted disease, thrush can sometimes be passed on to your partner after vaginal, oral or anal sex, during foreplay or by sharing sex toys.
