Accumulative experiences: navigating healthcare for recurrent vulvovaginal thrush from patient and clinician perspectives

Journal article

Background: Existing research on recurrent vulvovaginal thrush primarily frames experiences through the lens of acute, episodic, and one-off cases. Studies are lacking which investigate the implications of embedding recurrent cases into acute frameworks. This paper explores how a condition that is usually seen as one-off transitions into something for patients and healthcare professionals to think about and act on as needing longer-term care.
Aim: To understand patient and clinician perspectives on seeking and providing care for recurrent vulvovaginal thrush, and how these insights might improve healthcare experiences.
Design and Setting: Qualitative study of patient experiences with recurrent vulvovaginal thrush, and healthcare professional perspectives about providing care.
Method: Interviews with 32 patients and 25 healthcare professionals working in primary care and sexual health services in England. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Patient and public involvement informed study development and interpretation of results.
Results: Patients and healthcare professionals agreed that acute, transient, and one-off cases of thrush could be self-managed effectively through pharmacy care. When thrush returned, persisted, or evolved, care needed to transition to a different approach, plan, and/or pathway was needed, however, integrating acute episodes could be complex. The themes highlight areas where the needs of people with recurrent vulvovaginal thrush diverged from acute cases, in terms of: (1) navigating disjointed health services, (2) recognising and responding to recurrence, (3) building ongoing healthcare relationships.
Conclusion: Recurrent vulvovaginal thrush can be managed effectively in primary care, but requires approaches attentive to transitions, collaboration, and recognition of accumulative experiences.

Authors: Ford, T; Tonkin-Crine, S; Hayward, G; Ziebland, S; McNiven, A

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Royal College of General Practitioners
• Journal: British Journal of General Practice
• Publication date: 2026-01-27
• Acceptance date: 2026-01-08
• DOI: 10.3399/BJGP.2025.0531
• EISSN: 1478-5242
• ISSN: 0960-1643
• Language: English
• Keywords: recurrent thrush; general practice; sexual health; primary care; patient experience; recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis