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Conditions
Thrush(Candidiasis)
A yeast infection caused by Candida, most commonly affecting the vagina (vaginal thrush) or mouth (oral thrush). Causes itching, discharge, or white patches.
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Symptoms
CommonsymptomsofThrush(Candidiasis)
An AHPRA-registered doctor assesses these symptoms online - no in-person visit required.
Vaginal: itching, burning, thick white discharge, redness
Oral: white patches on tongue/cheeks, pain, difficulty swallowing
Skin: red, itchy rash in moist areas (groin, under breasts)
Burning during urination or intercourse (vaginal thrush)
Our Scope
Howwecanhelp
InstantMed handles many common conditions entirely online. Here's what fits our service.
What we can help with
- Treatment prescriptions (fluconazole, topical antifungals)
- Management advice for recurrent thrush
- Assessment of triggers and prevention strategies
- Medical certificates if needed
What needs in-person care
- First-ever vaginal symptoms (should be examined to confirm diagnosis)
- Severe or resistant fungal infections
- Systemic candidiasis (requires in-person care)
Depending on your situation, an AHPRA-registered doctor may be able to issue a medical certificate or arrange a repeat prescription after reviewing your request online.
Clinical Guidance
Whentoseeadoctor
These indicators suggest you should seek professional medical advice promptly.
Signs you need a doctor
- 1First episode (to confirm diagnosis)
- 2Recurrent thrush (4+ episodes per year)
- 3Symptoms not resolving with over-the-counter treatment
- 4Thrush during pregnancy
- 5You need treatment advice
Seek emergency care if
- Thrush with high fever (possible systemic infection)
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing with oral thrush
- Severe symptoms in immunocompromised patients
Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department
Clinical Insight
Adoctor'sperspectiveonThrush(Candidiasis)
InstantMed Clinical Team
AHPRA-registered medical team · Reviewed 2026-03
Thrush is extremely common - about 75% of women will experience at least one episode of vaginal thrush in their lifetime. For women who recognise their symptoms from previous episodes, telehealth can provide a fast prescription without an examination. A single dose of fluconazole 150mg is effective for most uncomplicated episodes. What I look for in the history is whether this is a straightforward recurrence or whether there are features suggesting something else - unusual discharge colour, strong odour (more suggestive of bacterial vaginosis), or systemic symptoms. Recurrent thrush (4+ episodes per year) warrants investigation for underlying causes - poorly controlled diabetes, immunosuppression, or hormonal factors - and may benefit from a longer course or maintenance antifungal therapy.
Treatment
TreatingThrush(Candidiasis)
Thrush is treated with antifungal medications -- either a single oral tablet (fluconazole) or topical antifungal creams/pessaries. For recurrent thrush (4+ episodes per year), a maintenance regimen of weekly fluconazole for 6 months can reduce recurrence rates significantly. Identifying and addressing triggers is key to prevention.
Fluconazole
Diflucan, Canesoral
Class:Azole antifungal
Typical dose:150mg single oral dose (acute); 150mg weekly for 6 months (recurrent)
- Single-dose oral tablet is the most convenient treatment
- Available over-the-counter for known recurrent thrush
- Prescription required for maintenance/suppressive regimens
- Avoid in pregnancy (topical treatments preferred)
Clotrimazole
Canesten
Class:Azole antifungal (topical)
Typical dose:500mg pessary as single dose, or 1% cream applied twice daily for 6 days
- Available over-the-counter at pharmacies
- Safe to use during pregnancy (preferred over oral fluconazole)
- Pessary provides targeted vaginal treatment
- External cream can be used alongside for vulval symptoms
Nystatin
Nilstat, Mycostatin
Class:Polyene antifungal
Typical dose:Oral drops: 1mL (100,000 units) four times daily for 7 days
PBS:PBS listed for oral candidiasis
- First-line treatment for oral thrush (mouth)
- Hold in the mouth for as long as possible before swallowing
- Not absorbed systemically - acts locally in the mouth
- Available as oral drops and pastilles
Source: Therapeutic Guidelines - Antibiotic, 2024. This information is educational only and does not replace clinical assessment.
Specialist referral: Referral to a gynaecologist is recommended for recurrent thrush not responding to maintenance fluconazole, for thrush during pregnancy requiring specialist management, or if an alternative diagnosis (e.g. lichen sclerosus, vulvodynia) is suspected.
Thrush (Candidiasis) in Australia
75% of Australian women will experience vaginal thrush at least once in their lifetime
5-8% of women experience recurrent thrush (4+ episodes per year)
Thrush is the second most common cause of vaginal symptoms after bacterial vaginosis
Over-the-counter antifungal treatments are available in Australian pharmacies without a prescription for known recurrences
Recovery
Whattoexpect
Typical recovery timeline and return-to-work guidance for most patients.
Typical recovery
Single-dose fluconazole: symptoms improve within 24-48 hours, full resolution in 3-7 days. Topical treatments: 3-7 days. Recurrent thrush may need 6 months of maintenance therapy.
Return to work
Thrush does not typically prevent work. Discomfort may be distracting but is manageable with treatment. If severe itching or pain is affecting concentration, a short period off may be warranted.
When to reassess
See a doctor if symptoms are not improving after treatment, if you have 4+ episodes per year, if symptoms are unusual for thrush (foul-smelling discharge, severe pain), or if you are pregnant.
Self-Care
ManagingThrush(Candidiasis)athome
Evidence-based tips to support your recovery alongside medical treatment.
Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight synthetic clothing - Candida thrives in warm, moist environments
Avoid scented soaps, bubble bath, and vaginal deodorants - these disrupt the natural pH balance
Take probiotics containing Lactobacillus (oral or vaginal) - evidence supports their role in preventing recurrences
If antibiotics trigger your thrush, ask your doctor about taking a single fluconazole at the end of the antibiotic course
Avoid douching - it disrupts the vaginal microbiome and increases thrush risk
Wipe front to back after using the toilet to reduce the spread of yeast from the bowel
FAQ
CommonquestionsaboutThrush(Candidiasis)
Answers to the most common questions from patients.
Yes. If you've had thrush before and recognise the symptoms, our doctors can prescribe fluconazole (oral tablet) or recommend appropriate over-the-counter treatment.
Common triggers include antibiotics, hormonal changes (periods, pregnancy, contraceptive pill), tight synthetic clothing, diabetes, and stress. Addressing triggers is key to preventing recurrence.
No. Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of yeast that naturally lives on your body. It is not sexually transmitted, though it can sometimes be triggered by sexual activity.
Yes. Male thrush (balanitis) causes redness, irritation, and itching on the penis. It is less common than vaginal thrush but can occur, especially in uncircumcised men.
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Australian-registered doctors review your request when available.
Full refund if the doctor declines.