The suspects have been dismissed and would soon be prosecuted.
The United Kingdom’s cultural organisation, British Council, has lost at least N43.75 million (£175,000) to fraudsters working in cohort with some its Nigerian employees, PREMIUM TIMES has learnt.
A British Council spokesperson told PREMIUM TIMES that two of its examination staff colluded with fraudsters from outside the organisation to falsify invoices for the hire of venues, furniture and cleaning services.
The serial fraudulent acts were undetected for seven years and the total bill presented could be as high as N93.75 million (£375,000), according to the U.K.’s Telegraph newspaper which first published details of the scam in a terse report on its online blog.
The Communication Manager of the British Council, Desmond Omovie, said the organisation has “strict management procedures in place” to guard against fraud but “the staff colluded to bypass our checks and abused the trust placed on them and therefore were able to perpetrate their fraud without being found out.”
In another case, an exam staff was caught charging fee for services that should have been offered for free and keeping the money for himself or herself.
“We are working to reimburse the victims, and will seek to recover any cost from our insurance,” Mr. Omovie wrote in the email.
The fraud is so entrenched that the British Council has budgeted N50 million (£200,000) this year alone to cover loses accrued from it. Though the total cost for the year may not be more than N7.5 million (£30,000).
Mr. Omovie said the fraud is at no loss to British taxpayers.
“The fraudulent activity took place in our financial commercial exams operation, which is separated by a financial firewall from our work funded by our government grant. Therefore no UK taxpayers’ money was lost through this fraud,” he said.
He said measures were already being taken to prevent future occurrence.
“We have consequently introduced further procedures to ensure that our fraud detection mechanisms are even more robust, and are carrying out further reviews of our financial controls,” he said.
PREMIUM TIMES learnt that the members of staff involved in the fraud have been dismissed and may soon be prosecuted.
Budget Cuts
Though huge amount may not have been lost in this particular scam, in view of recent budget cuts to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), its operations may come under severe pressure if the British Council continues to fall victim of fraud of this nature.
The FCO is the U.K. ministerial department in-charge of the British government’s foreign relations and the umbrella body for the British Council, the BBC and nine other agencies and public bodies.
According to the 2013 spending review, funding for the FCO dropped by £26 million from what was anticipated from the 2010 spending review. This year, £0.6 million was cut from British Council’s funding.
U.K. Foreign Secretary, William Hague, has ordered the British Council to become less reliant of taxpayers funding and direct its attention more towards funding generated from its commercial operations such as the teaching of English Language.
According to a report in the U.K.’s Daily Mail newspaper, except it gets its hands on additional funding, “cuts will damage the British Council and lead to the closure of historic embassy buildings around the world.”
Premium times
Tuesday, 30 July 2013
Pastor arrested for convincing followers to give him Oral s-x because his p-nis contained holy milk
Valdeci Sobrino Picanto, a Brazilian Evangelical Pastor, has been arrested after deceiving the faithful using the name of the “Holy Spirit”, by using these foolish lies.
This criminal pastor claimed that the Holy Spirit would secrete from his penis in the form of “sacred milk”.
This pastor said that his penis was blessed and that “the Lord had consecrated him with divine milk of the Holy Spirit” and, of course, he had to release it in order to “evangelize”.
According to one of his victims…
“He has convinced us that only God could come into our lives through our mouth and that’s why he would do what he did”. Often, after worship, pastor Valdeci would take us to the where the funds were kept at the back of the Church and asked us to have Oral sex with him until the Holy Spirit would come through ejaculation.”
Oh well!
daily star
This criminal pastor claimed that the Holy Spirit would secrete from his penis in the form of “sacred milk”.
This pastor said that his penis was blessed and that “the Lord had consecrated him with divine milk of the Holy Spirit” and, of course, he had to release it in order to “evangelize”.
According to one of his victims…
“He has convinced us that only God could come into our lives through our mouth and that’s why he would do what he did”. Often, after worship, pastor Valdeci would take us to the where the funds were kept at the back of the Church and asked us to have Oral sex with him until the Holy Spirit would come through ejaculation.”
Oh well!
daily star
Hezbollah: FG tenders $61,170 cash, arms against Lebanese
The Federal Government on Tuesday tendered $61,170 cash as well as various arms and ammunition as evidence in the trial of the co-owner of Amigo Supermarket, Mustapha Fawaz, and two other Lebanese accused of terrorism.
Fawaz and his co-accused persons, Abdallah Thanini and Talal Ahmad Roda, were arrested in connection with the armoury and Hezbollah terror cell uncovered in Bompai, Kano State.
They are currently facing 16 counts of terrorism before an Abuja Federal High Court presided over by Justice Adeniyi Ademola.
The Federal Government called six witnesses in the trial on Tuesday, including an armoury keeper with the State Security Service, who tendered the $61,170 cash and arms before the court.
The $61,170 cash was said to have been recovered from the second accused person, Thanini, when he was arrested at the Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano on May 11, 2013.
Thanini was accused of failing to declare the cash to officials of the Nigerian Customs Service at the airport when he wanted to leave the country, an offence punishable under section 2(5) of the Money Laundering (Prohibited) (Amendment) 2012.
The Federal Government also alleged that the $61,170 cash was used by the accused persons to finance terrorism.
Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Simon Egede, the armoury keeper said the cash was handed over to him by SSS investigators, who arrested and investigated Thanini.
The cash, which was wrapped in a brown paper, was unwrapped and displayed in the courtroom.
Punch
Fawaz and his co-accused persons, Abdallah Thanini and Talal Ahmad Roda, were arrested in connection with the armoury and Hezbollah terror cell uncovered in Bompai, Kano State.
They are currently facing 16 counts of terrorism before an Abuja Federal High Court presided over by Justice Adeniyi Ademola.
The Federal Government called six witnesses in the trial on Tuesday, including an armoury keeper with the State Security Service, who tendered the $61,170 cash and arms before the court.
The $61,170 cash was said to have been recovered from the second accused person, Thanini, when he was arrested at the Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano on May 11, 2013.
Thanini was accused of failing to declare the cash to officials of the Nigerian Customs Service at the airport when he wanted to leave the country, an offence punishable under section 2(5) of the Money Laundering (Prohibited) (Amendment) 2012.
The Federal Government also alleged that the $61,170 cash was used by the accused persons to finance terrorism.
Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Simon Egede, the armoury keeper said the cash was handed over to him by SSS investigators, who arrested and investigated Thanini.
The cash, which was wrapped in a brown paper, was unwrapped and displayed in the courtroom.
Punch
Visa bond: We will retaliate, FG insists
THE Federal Government on Tuesday insisted on retaliatory action against British citizens if their government went ahead with its plan to impose a £3, 000 visa bond on visitors from Nigeria and five other Commonwealth countries.
It expressed displeasure that Downing Street, which had already set November as the discriminatory policy's commencement time, had not deemed it neccessary to formally communicate to it on the next step of action.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, had at a meeting with the British High Commissioner, Andrew Pocock, conveyed the desire of Nigeria to retaliate the policy.
The spokesperson for the ministry , Ogbole Ode, said in a statement in Abuja, that the British authorities were already aware of the Federal Government's position on the matter.
The statement reads, "Media reports in Nigeria on Monday, July 29, 2013, indicated that the United Kingdom Government will begin to implement from November, 2013, the £3,000 cash bond for first-time visa applicants from Nigeria, and five other Commonwealth countries. The other countries are India, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. These media reports themselves were quoting the Financial Times of London.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to receive any official communication on the final decision of the UK government on this matter. The Federal Government has already conveyed its objection to the bond payment to the UK government. This was done when the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ashiru, summoned the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Andrew Pocock, to the Tafawa Balewa House, on June 25, 2013.
"If and when a communication to that effect is received, the Federal Government will take appropriate steps to reflect its national interest. "
When contacted, the spokesman for the British High Commission in Abuja, Rob Fitzpatrick, said, "No final decision has been made" on the controversial policy.
He said, "As British Prime Minister David Cameron has said, we want the brightest and the best to help create the jobs and growth that will enable Britain to compete in the global race. So, for example, if you are an overseas businessman seeking to invest and trade with world class businesses, one of the thousands of legitimate students keen to study at our first-class universities or a tourist visiting our world class attractions, be in no doubt: Britain is open for business."
It will be recalled that Ashiru, at the meeting with Pocock, warned that the government would retaliate the discriminatory policy.
On Monday the British government defended a campaign advising illegal immigrants to "go home or face arrest."
Two trucks, each displaying a large poster with a number for migrants to send text messages if they desired to return to their countries , were seen in six London boroughs for a week.
It was learnt that posters, leaflets and advertisements in newspapers would run for a month to further promote the campaign, a pilot scheme by the interior ministry.
A member of the Liberal Democrat Party, the junior partner in the coalition government with the Conservative Party and Business Secretary, Vince Cable, called the campaign "stupid and offensive."
The opposition Labour Party's home affairs spokeswoman, Yvette Cooper, also said the scheme was "ludicrous."
But Prime Minister David Cameron's spokesman defended the campaign, saying it was clear that it was "already working" as some illegal immigrants had voluntarily agreed to leave the UK.
Punch
It expressed displeasure that Downing Street, which had already set November as the discriminatory policy's commencement time, had not deemed it neccessary to formally communicate to it on the next step of action.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, had at a meeting with the British High Commissioner, Andrew Pocock, conveyed the desire of Nigeria to retaliate the policy.
The spokesperson for the ministry , Ogbole Ode, said in a statement in Abuja, that the British authorities were already aware of the Federal Government's position on the matter.
The statement reads, "Media reports in Nigeria on Monday, July 29, 2013, indicated that the United Kingdom Government will begin to implement from November, 2013, the £3,000 cash bond for first-time visa applicants from Nigeria, and five other Commonwealth countries. The other countries are India, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. These media reports themselves were quoting the Financial Times of London.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to receive any official communication on the final decision of the UK government on this matter. The Federal Government has already conveyed its objection to the bond payment to the UK government. This was done when the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ashiru, summoned the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Andrew Pocock, to the Tafawa Balewa House, on June 25, 2013.
"If and when a communication to that effect is received, the Federal Government will take appropriate steps to reflect its national interest. "
When contacted, the spokesman for the British High Commission in Abuja, Rob Fitzpatrick, said, "No final decision has been made" on the controversial policy.
He said, "As British Prime Minister David Cameron has said, we want the brightest and the best to help create the jobs and growth that will enable Britain to compete in the global race. So, for example, if you are an overseas businessman seeking to invest and trade with world class businesses, one of the thousands of legitimate students keen to study at our first-class universities or a tourist visiting our world class attractions, be in no doubt: Britain is open for business."
It will be recalled that Ashiru, at the meeting with Pocock, warned that the government would retaliate the discriminatory policy.
On Monday the British government defended a campaign advising illegal immigrants to "go home or face arrest."
Two trucks, each displaying a large poster with a number for migrants to send text messages if they desired to return to their countries , were seen in six London boroughs for a week.
It was learnt that posters, leaflets and advertisements in newspapers would run for a month to further promote the campaign, a pilot scheme by the interior ministry.
A member of the Liberal Democrat Party, the junior partner in the coalition government with the Conservative Party and Business Secretary, Vince Cable, called the campaign "stupid and offensive."
The opposition Labour Party's home affairs spokeswoman, Yvette Cooper, also said the scheme was "ludicrous."
But Prime Minister David Cameron's spokesman defended the campaign, saying it was clear that it was "already working" as some illegal immigrants had voluntarily agreed to leave the UK.
Punch
House wife pierces neighbour’s heart with knife during scuffle in Lagos
SATURDAY, June 22,2013, will for a long time remain indelible in the memory of Godwin Olah, 37, following an incident that claimed the life of his 28- year-old wife, Stella, during a row with a neighbour identified as Stella Omoigiafo Gilbert (31). The suspect, a mother of one, allegedly pierced the heart of the deceased, a mother of three aged between six and three, with a knife after a scuffle in their compound.
The grieving husband of the deceased who hails from Obudu local Government Area of Cross River State, Godwin, told Crime Alert at their number 59, Ojora Street, Ajegunle, Lagos residence that the suspect also inflicted severe injuries on his wife’s hand before piercing her heart resulting to her death. Amidst tears, he narrated his ordeal since the untimely death of his wife.
His story: ”It happened that on June 22, 2013, at about 6pm, one of my sisters came calling on us. I decided to carry one small bench at the front of a neighbour’s house for the visitor to sit inside our room. Immediately, Stella, our neighbour, rushed out of her room and accosted me, asking why I should carry the bench inside. The owner of the bench, on hearing our argument, came out and asked her to let us be, but she refused, instead she went inside, brought out hot water and poured on us. I reasoned that if I engage in a fight with her, it might result to some serious consequences, so, I went to the police station at Ajaromi and reported the case.
*Stella
“On getting back to the house, I saw my wife lying on the corridor in front of our room. I shook her but no response came from her, and the lady that engaged her in a fight was nowhere to be found. Hence, I went back to the station the second time to report of her death. The Police sent an officer to accompany me and see things for herself. The officer came, saw the lifeless body of my wife on the corridor and we went back to the station where she made her report.
The Police also requested that I get a report from the General Hospital here in Ajegunle. I took the body of my wife there and she was confirmed dead on arrival. There after, with the help of some good Samaritans around, I took her body to the Naval hospital mortuary, but she was rejected because we did not go with a police report. I brought her back and laid her on the floor in our room until the next morning.
Then, I went back to the police station and was given a police van to convey her to Lagos Island mortuary. She has been at the morgue for a month and three days now. Since then, our children have been sleeping at their aunt’s house, I go there every night to pass the night with them because they can’t sleep if I am not there with them.”
Crime Alert gathered from an eye witness that after the accused poured hot water on Godwin Olah and his visiting sister, his wife went to her room to accost her on why she should treat her husband and sister in-law in such manner, a fight ensued between both women and in the process, the accused tried to drag the deceased to the stove where she was cooking to burn her, but when she discovered she could not drag Stella Godwin (the deceased) to the fire, she brought out a knife and pierced through her right arm and her heart.
“Stella died as a result of the knife wound on her heart; the fight was so fierce that we all took off, returning only to see Stella Godwin lying in a pool of her blood on the corridor in front of their room,” the eye witness said.
Another neighbour also told Crime Alert on condition of anonymity that there have been a no- love -lost relationship between the two neighbours. “Before that incident, both neighbours had lived like cat and rat in this compound. They quarrelled at the slightest misunderstanding. I wish they listened to us, this would have been averted.”
Genesis: Tracing the genesis of the quarrel between his family and the suspect, the husband of the victim also said he fell out with the accused who also shared the same first name (Stella) with his deceased wife, after he prevented her from using a knife on her (the suspect) sister during a scuffle. “I have lived in this compound for 20 years now. I was here when she rented her room. We lived as good neighbours, she was best of friends with my wife. It wasl the day I stopped the lady from using a knife to inflict injuries on her sister during a fight that she saw me, my wife and our children as enemies, “ he stated.
It was gathered that the body of the deceased has been conveyed to her home town in Obudu- Akwa-Ibom state for burial; while the accused Stella Omoigiafo Gilbert was remanded in prison custody after she was arraigned at the magistrate court in Ebute Metta.*
vanguard
The grieving husband of the deceased who hails from Obudu local Government Area of Cross River State, Godwin, told Crime Alert at their number 59, Ojora Street, Ajegunle, Lagos residence that the suspect also inflicted severe injuries on his wife’s hand before piercing her heart resulting to her death. Amidst tears, he narrated his ordeal since the untimely death of his wife.
His story: ”It happened that on June 22, 2013, at about 6pm, one of my sisters came calling on us. I decided to carry one small bench at the front of a neighbour’s house for the visitor to sit inside our room. Immediately, Stella, our neighbour, rushed out of her room and accosted me, asking why I should carry the bench inside. The owner of the bench, on hearing our argument, came out and asked her to let us be, but she refused, instead she went inside, brought out hot water and poured on us. I reasoned that if I engage in a fight with her, it might result to some serious consequences, so, I went to the police station at Ajaromi and reported the case.
*Stella
“On getting back to the house, I saw my wife lying on the corridor in front of our room. I shook her but no response came from her, and the lady that engaged her in a fight was nowhere to be found. Hence, I went back to the station the second time to report of her death. The Police sent an officer to accompany me and see things for herself. The officer came, saw the lifeless body of my wife on the corridor and we went back to the station where she made her report.
The Police also requested that I get a report from the General Hospital here in Ajegunle. I took the body of my wife there and she was confirmed dead on arrival. There after, with the help of some good Samaritans around, I took her body to the Naval hospital mortuary, but she was rejected because we did not go with a police report. I brought her back and laid her on the floor in our room until the next morning.
Then, I went back to the police station and was given a police van to convey her to Lagos Island mortuary. She has been at the morgue for a month and three days now. Since then, our children have been sleeping at their aunt’s house, I go there every night to pass the night with them because they can’t sleep if I am not there with them.”
Crime Alert gathered from an eye witness that after the accused poured hot water on Godwin Olah and his visiting sister, his wife went to her room to accost her on why she should treat her husband and sister in-law in such manner, a fight ensued between both women and in the process, the accused tried to drag the deceased to the stove where she was cooking to burn her, but when she discovered she could not drag Stella Godwin (the deceased) to the fire, she brought out a knife and pierced through her right arm and her heart.
“Stella died as a result of the knife wound on her heart; the fight was so fierce that we all took off, returning only to see Stella Godwin lying in a pool of her blood on the corridor in front of their room,” the eye witness said.
Another neighbour also told Crime Alert on condition of anonymity that there have been a no- love -lost relationship between the two neighbours. “Before that incident, both neighbours had lived like cat and rat in this compound. They quarrelled at the slightest misunderstanding. I wish they listened to us, this would have been averted.”
Genesis: Tracing the genesis of the quarrel between his family and the suspect, the husband of the victim also said he fell out with the accused who also shared the same first name (Stella) with his deceased wife, after he prevented her from using a knife on her (the suspect) sister during a scuffle. “I have lived in this compound for 20 years now. I was here when she rented her room. We lived as good neighbours, she was best of friends with my wife. It wasl the day I stopped the lady from using a knife to inflict injuries on her sister during a fight that she saw me, my wife and our children as enemies, “ he stated.
It was gathered that the body of the deceased has been conveyed to her home town in Obudu- Akwa-Ibom state for burial; while the accused Stella Omoigiafo Gilbert was remanded in prison custody after she was arraigned at the magistrate court in Ebute Metta.*
vanguard
Senate uncovers abuse of expatriate, labour laws
THE Senate has summoned Halliburton, Shell exploration, Mobil, the multinationals, construction companies and other oil giants operating in the country to appear before its Committee on Labour following the discovery large scale abuse of the expatriate and labour laws.
According to the senate, the action has become imperative following what it termed lack of labour laws, employment policies by these companies and alleged large scale abuse of expatriate regulations and other labour laws.
In a statement yesterday in Abuja, Chairman, Senate Committee on Employment, Labour and Productivity, Senator Wilson Ake who noted that over 60 percent of the major construction companies and oil giants have refused to comply with such labour laws, stressed that erring companies were expected to give details of their compliance to expatriate and labour laws .
According to Ake, the Committee at the weekend uncovered what he termed large scale abuse of the expatriate and labour laws in the country, and that no such companies found guilty at the end of the day would go scot-free.
The Committee alleged that some of the companies had failed to appear before the Committee with evidences of their compliance, adding that the Committee and by extension the entire Senate would no longer accept excuses from these companies.
He said that the action of these companies was contributing to the high unemployment rate in the country.
Senator Ake said, ” the Committee had received several complains and petitions from the general public and the civil society organizations concerning the operations of some oil and construction companies in Nigeria, especially on gross violation of vital Labour laws and employment policies.
” Some of these companies were invited to furnish the Committee with some information and also appeared before it.
“Some of those companies that appeared before the Committee were investigated based on their submissions. During the investigation, it was discovered that virtually all the companies have been operating with little or no regards to Labour laws, employment programmes and policies.
“Some have hidden behind the expatriate quotas to undermine the employment of Nigerians in areas they better are qualified and suitable.”
The Committee Chairman who noted that members equally frowned at those companies that have failed to respond to the invitation, however advised them to avail themselves the opportunity of doing so immediately as the Committee Secretariat will remain open even during the break period.
vanguard
According to the senate, the action has become imperative following what it termed lack of labour laws, employment policies by these companies and alleged large scale abuse of expatriate regulations and other labour laws.
In a statement yesterday in Abuja, Chairman, Senate Committee on Employment, Labour and Productivity, Senator Wilson Ake who noted that over 60 percent of the major construction companies and oil giants have refused to comply with such labour laws, stressed that erring companies were expected to give details of their compliance to expatriate and labour laws .
According to Ake, the Committee at the weekend uncovered what he termed large scale abuse of the expatriate and labour laws in the country, and that no such companies found guilty at the end of the day would go scot-free.
The Committee alleged that some of the companies had failed to appear before the Committee with evidences of their compliance, adding that the Committee and by extension the entire Senate would no longer accept excuses from these companies.
He said that the action of these companies was contributing to the high unemployment rate in the country.
Senator Ake said, ” the Committee had received several complains and petitions from the general public and the civil society organizations concerning the operations of some oil and construction companies in Nigeria, especially on gross violation of vital Labour laws and employment policies.
” Some of these companies were invited to furnish the Committee with some information and also appeared before it.
“Some of those companies that appeared before the Committee were investigated based on their submissions. During the investigation, it was discovered that virtually all the companies have been operating with little or no regards to Labour laws, employment programmes and policies.
“Some have hidden behind the expatriate quotas to undermine the employment of Nigerians in areas they better are qualified and suitable.”
The Committee Chairman who noted that members equally frowned at those companies that have failed to respond to the invitation, however advised them to avail themselves the opportunity of doing so immediately as the Committee Secretariat will remain open even during the break period.
vanguard
WHAT IS VAGINAL THRUSH?
I always have a whitish thick discharge and I am told it is a thrush. Please shed light on that.
B B
Vaginal thrush is a common condition caused by a yeast infection in the vagina and surrounding area. The infection is usually Candida albicans, but is also known as candida or vulvovaginal candidiasis. Candida lives harmlessly on the skin, in the mouth, gut and vagina and is normally kept under control by harmless bacteria.
But sometimes conditions change and the yeast increases rapidly, causing symptoms of discharge and irritation.
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:
1. Wearing tight clothing - this prevents natural ventilation
2. Taking antibiotics - about 30 per cent of women will have thrush because of this
3. Using products that irritate the vagina, such as vaginal douches or bubble bath
4. Having chemotherapy.
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.
What are the symptoms of thrush?
Some women with thrush will not have any signs or symptoms, and be completely unaware they have thrush. It may only be picked up by chance when you go for a cervical smear test.
In women, typical symptoms include:
1. Vaginal itching, soreness and irritation
2. Redness of the vagina and vulva
3. Vaginal discharge, often white (like cottage cheese) and this can be thick or thin but is usually odourless
4. Pain or discomfort during sex or when passing urine.
How is thrush diagnosed?
1. This is a simple and painless procedure and involves using a cotton swab to take a sample of cells from the vagina. The swab is then sent to the local laboratory for analysis.
2. Most doctors will treat thrush without testing because the symptoms of thrush are usually obvious.
How is thrush treated?
If symptoms are mild, your doctor will usually recommend a short course of antifungal medicine, usually for one to three days. If the symptoms are more severe; the treatment course will be longer. A variety of treatment options are available which include taking tablets orally, inserting them into your vagina (pessaries) or using a cream. Tablets and pessaries work equally well.
When should I go back and see my doctor?
Don’t use the products you can buy over-the-counter without seeking medical advice. If symptoms do not improve within 14 days, go back and see your doctor.
Always go back if:
1. Symptoms come back
2. You are a teenager or over 60
3. You are pregnant
4. You have previously suffered from a sexually transmitted infection.
Symptoms that should always be checked out without delay include abnormal menstrual bleeding, lower abdominal pain, a bloodstained discharge and vaginal ulcers or blisters.
What can I do to prevent thrush?
As well as using antifungal medicines, there are a number of things you can do to help ease thrush.
1. Wash your vaginal area with non-perfumed soap and water, or water alone. Avoid using highly-scented soaps, shower gels, vaginal deodorants or douches.
2. Avoid using latex condoms, spermicidal creams and lubricants if they cause irritation. Instead, try using non-allergenic condoms.
3. Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes made of artificial fibres such as nylon.
4. Whenever possible, wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes rather than tight ones.
daily trust
B B
Vaginal thrush is a common condition caused by a yeast infection in the vagina and surrounding area. The infection is usually Candida albicans, but is also known as candida or vulvovaginal candidiasis. Candida lives harmlessly on the skin, in the mouth, gut and vagina and is normally kept under control by harmless bacteria.
But sometimes conditions change and the yeast increases rapidly, causing symptoms of discharge and irritation.
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:
1. Wearing tight clothing - this prevents natural ventilation
2. Taking antibiotics - about 30 per cent of women will have thrush because of this
3. Using products that irritate the vagina, such as vaginal douches or bubble bath
4. Having chemotherapy.
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.
What are the symptoms of thrush?
Some women with thrush will not have any signs or symptoms, and be completely unaware they have thrush. It may only be picked up by chance when you go for a cervical smear test.
In women, typical symptoms include:
1. Vaginal itching, soreness and irritation
2. Redness of the vagina and vulva
3. Vaginal discharge, often white (like cottage cheese) and this can be thick or thin but is usually odourless
4. Pain or discomfort during sex or when passing urine.
How is thrush diagnosed?
1. This is a simple and painless procedure and involves using a cotton swab to take a sample of cells from the vagina. The swab is then sent to the local laboratory for analysis.
2. Most doctors will treat thrush without testing because the symptoms of thrush are usually obvious.
How is thrush treated?
If symptoms are mild, your doctor will usually recommend a short course of antifungal medicine, usually for one to three days. If the symptoms are more severe; the treatment course will be longer. A variety of treatment options are available which include taking tablets orally, inserting them into your vagina (pessaries) or using a cream. Tablets and pessaries work equally well.
When should I go back and see my doctor?
Don’t use the products you can buy over-the-counter without seeking medical advice. If symptoms do not improve within 14 days, go back and see your doctor.
Always go back if:
1. Symptoms come back
2. You are a teenager or over 60
3. You are pregnant
4. You have previously suffered from a sexually transmitted infection.
Symptoms that should always be checked out without delay include abnormal menstrual bleeding, lower abdominal pain, a bloodstained discharge and vaginal ulcers or blisters.
What can I do to prevent thrush?
As well as using antifungal medicines, there are a number of things you can do to help ease thrush.
1. Wash your vaginal area with non-perfumed soap and water, or water alone. Avoid using highly-scented soaps, shower gels, vaginal deodorants or douches.
2. Avoid using latex condoms, spermicidal creams and lubricants if they cause irritation. Instead, try using non-allergenic condoms.
3. Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes made of artificial fibres such as nylon.
4. Whenever possible, wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes rather than tight ones.
daily trust
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