Frequently Asked Questions for Canesten
Frequently Asked Questions about Vaginal Yeast Infections (VYI)
Do I have a vaginal yeast infection?
Itchiness and cottage cheese-like white discharge are common symptoms of a yeast infection, so you might be right. Take a look at our symptoms page to see if you have any of the other common symptoms.
How do I to prevent a yeast infection?
If you get a yeast infection once, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll get it again. However, to help prevent recurrence you may need to make some simple changes to your lifestyle. For example, you should avoid using deodorants and heavily perfumed products around your intimate area and make sure to change your underwear after working out. Click here for more top tips on preventing a vaginal yeast infection.
How do I treat a vaginal yeast infection?
You can easily and effectively treat a vaginal yeast infection at home with Canesten® treatments, available without a prescription. You can also try a combination treatment to cure the internal infection and relieve the external symptoms.
Can I get a yeast infection from having sex?
A VYI is not a sexually transmitted infection; however if you are having sex with the same person (male or female) you can pass it back and forth as men can get a yeast infection too. If your male partner has a yeast infection he should see a doctor for treatment.
Will I get a vaginal yeast infection if I take a course of antibiotics?
Not necessarily. Everyone is different, so it varies from person to person; however, about one in three women who take antibiotics get a VYI. Antibiotics lower the levels of the good bacteria in your vagina which provides an opportunity for the fungus Candida albicans to increase, which can then develop into a vaginal yeast infection.
What is the preferred method of treating a vaginal yeast infection?
All of our VYI treatments are effective at treating your infection. As some people prefer different types of applications, however, we’ve developed a range of applications ranging from a pill you swallow to an internal ComforTab® to an internal cream so everyone can find a treatment they’re comfortable with. Click here to see our full range of products.
What is a yeast infection?
The common vaginal yeast infection is a type of vaginosis — an inflammation of your vagina. Both fungus and bacteria naturally live in your vagina, but when the fungus Candida albicans increases, it can cause an infection. This fungus may increase when your immune system is weak or when good bacteria (called lactobacilli) can’t keep the fungus under control. Learn more here.
Where can I buy Canesten® VYI products?
Canesten® VYI products are available wherever over-the-counter women's health products are sold.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
What is bacterial vaginosis (BV)?
BV is actually the most common cause of vaginal infections in women of reproductive age. It’s generally caused by an imbalance in the pH of your vagina. If you think you have BV and you are pregnant, talk to your doctor about treatment. Click here to find out more about BV.
What are the symptoms of BV?
Symptoms vary from woman to woman, but some common symptoms to look out for include a fishy or unpleasant odour and watery, greyish-white discharge. Click here to learn about other symptoms of BV.
I’ve noticed a really bad smell ‘down there’ and washing hasn’t gotten rid of it — help!
A fishy odour is a common symptom of BV, but unfortunately washing can actually contribute to the smell rather than get rid of it. This is because washing with regular soaps or shower gels and vaginal douching can change the pH balance of your vagina, leading to a BV infection and the odour.
How do I treat BV?
If you've been diagnosed by your doctor and you know you have BV, you can use an internal lactic acid product such as CanesBalance® to help relieve the symptoms of your infection. CanesBalance® comes in a seven-day treatment that helps regulate the pH balance of your vagina in order to treat the symptoms of your infection. Find out more about CanesBalance® Treatment available in Vaginal Gel or Soft Vaginal Tablets.
Where can I buy CanesBalance® Vaginal Gel?
CanesBalance® Vaginal Gel products are available wherever over-the-counter women's health products are sold.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cystitis
I feel a burning sensation when I urinate — is it cystitis?
A burning or stinging sensation when you urinate can be a symptom of cystitis, but there are other symptoms you should look for too, like a frequent need to urinate or feeling that you can’t fully empty your bladder. However, if you have dark, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, or if there is blood in your urine, it could be a sign of a more severe infection. Visit your doctor if you’re unsure about whether you have cystitis or not. Click here to learn about other cystitis symptoms.
Are urinary tract infections (UTIs) and cystitis the same thing?
The terms UTI and cystitis are often used interchangeably; however, they’re not the same thing — UTIs are a type of cystitis but you can get cystitis that is not specifically a UTI. This is because cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder, including both bacterial cystitis and non-infectious cystitis. Non-infectious or non-bacterial cystitis can be caused by damage or irritation to your bladder, which can be due to vigorous sexual intercourse, chemicals or perfumed soaps, hormonal changes, dehydration, diabetes or using a catheter. As the name suggests, UTIs are bacterial infections and only fall under the category of bacterial cystitis.
How do I treat cystitis?
If this is the first time you have had cystitis, you should visit a doctor to seek the appropriate treatment for your infection. The doctor might recommend a short course of antibiotics to treat the condition, but the cystitis may improve without the need for antibiotics. Products containing sodium citrate help reduce the acidity of your urine, making urination more comfortable so your body can deal with the irritation or infection.
How can I prevent cystitis in the future?
One of the things you can do is drink plenty of liquids, especially water. Click here for more tips on prevention.
Can I have sex when I have cystitis?
It’s best to avoid having sex until your cystitis clears up. However, if you are having sex, make sure you empty your bladder fully after intercourse.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vaginal Dryness
What is the link between menopause and vaginal dryness?
With less estrogen in your body due to menopause, you’re more likely to experience vaginal dryness. That’s because a decrease in estrogen causes your vaginal walls to become thinner and means you’ll naturally produce less lubricant in your cervix. Learn more about menopause here.
I haven’t started menopause, but I am still experiencing vaginal dryness. Is that normal?
Yes, vaginal dryness occurs in women at any age, including before menopause. This may be because of different medications you’re taking or because you’re not aroused or having enough foreplay before sex (though vaginal dryness can affect you during your day-to-day life, not just during sex). You can learn more about other causes here.
Can I use any type of lubricant to help deal with my vaginal dryness?
It’s best to use a product designed specifically for vaginal dryness, as it moisturizes and helps to protect your vagina for longer than regular lubricant.
How can I prevent vaginal dryness?
Vaginal dryness doesn’t have to hinder your daily life at any age, and there are steps you can take to help prevent it. Avoid using deodorants and heavily perfumed products in and around your intimate area, and use lubricant during sex. Click here for more top tips on prevention.