A: For a proper diagnosis you need to get examined by your family doctor or gynecologist. It does sound like Thrush, which can be triggered by swimming since if you don't shower and dry off immediately afterwards, the moisture may lead to infections. Thrush is an infection caused by a yeast called Candida. Thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection. Candida is a germ which commonly occurs on the skin and vagina and these are usually harmless. The immune system and the harmless bacteria that normally live on the skin and in the vagina usually stop Candida from thriving. However, when conditions are good for Candida, it multiplies and may invade the vagina and cause symptoms. The conditions Candida likes best are warm, moist, airless parts of the body - this is why the vagina is the most common site for Candida infection. Thrush is the second most common cause of a vaginal discharge (the most common cause of vaginal discharge is bacterial vaginosis). The discharge is usually creamy white, but is sometimes watery. It can cause itching, redness, discomfort or pain around the outside of the vagina. Sometimes symptoms are minor and clear up on their own. Often symptoms can be quite irritating and will not go without treatment. Tablets and topical treatments are effective. People with a poor immune system are also more likely to get thrush.

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