Candida confession
Question
A friend of mine has got thrush, the thing is she's confided in me and has told me she's developed lumps in her vagina, is this a symptom of thrush or has she got a bigger problem?
Answer
Thrush is a common vaginal infection which is easily treated. Symptoms can include a thick vaginal discharge and a swollen vagina and vulva.
It is not clear whether your friend has had a full check-up to make sure that she doesn't have any other infections. As vaginal lumps can be the sign of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it's important for her to get this checked out. Most infections are easily treatable. Delaying treatment could mean that an infection gets worse and other problems could occur.
Your friend can get a full check-up at a genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic. Services are located attached to or within local hospitals, and are usually separate, discreet departments. GUM consultations are free and confidential.
Tests for infections vary. Some involve taking swabs from the cervix or tip of the penis. Others involve taking a urine or blood sample. Before being tested it is usual to see a health adviser who will discuss any concerns.
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