Vaginal Yeast Infection
The common vaginal yeast infection (VYI) 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.
Factors That Can Make You More Prone to a Yeast Infection:
- Illness
- Use of antibiotics
- Changes in hormone levels
- Pregnancy
- Use of oral contraceptive pills
- Just before a woman's period
- Diabetes
- Hot, humid weather
- Continuous use of panty liners
- Tight, non-breathing clothing
- Nylon underwear, pantyhose, wet bathing suits or damp workout wear
- Heavily perfumed soaps, bubble baths or douching may cause vaginal irritation and upset the normal balance
Having a VYI is normal. About 75% of women will experience it at least once in their lives, while many women may suffer from recurrent VYIs.
If you've never had a VYI before and you think you may have one, visit your doctor. Once you recognize your symptoms and you know they’re not serious, we’ll help you to deal with the vaginal yeast infection independently at home. A VYI doesn’t take long to clear up once you’ve started treatment.
Just so you know, a VYI is not a sexually transmitted infection. It can be really uncomfortable, but in the majority of cases it’s simple to treat.
What Are the Symptoms of a Vaginal Yeast Infection?
How to Treat a Vaginal Yeast Infection
Treatment can be quite straightforward.
To treat the infection, you can use an internal product that contains the active ingredient clotrimazole or an oral treatment containing fluconazole. These products all treat your infection, but different people prefer different treatment options. External creams will help to soothe your external symptoms such as itchiness and burning. You can buy our products separately or you can purchase a combi pack for both the internal and external treatments.
See our full range of products.
If you need further help, a pharmacist or your doctor can help you decide the best option for you.
Information for First-time VYI Sufferers
Visit your doctor the first time you have a vaginal yeast infection. That way you’ll get the correct diagnosis and you’ll be able to recognise your symptoms in the future. If it is a yeast infection, you’ll be able to treat it independently at home.
How to Prevent Vaginal Yeast Infections
If you suffer from recurrent VYIs, there are a few changes you can make to improve your lifestyle, which can help prevent it from coming back.
Top tips for avoiding vaginal yeast infections:
Sex and Yeast Infections
Remember: A VYI is not a sexually transmitted infection. However, if you are having sex with the same person (male or female), you can pass the yeast infection back and forth. That’s because men as well as women can get infected too. Talk to your partner to see if they have any symptoms of a yeast infection. Men should see a doctor for treatment of a yeast infection.
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When to talk to your doctor or pharmacist
Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before selecting an over the counter treatment if you:
- Are at increased risk for sexually transmitted diseases (e.g. HIV-AIDS),
- Have multiple sexual partners
- Change partners often
- Have diabetes
- Have heart disease
- Have frequent vaginal infections or if your yeast infection returns in less than 2 months
- Have never had a yeast infection before
- Are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have any of the following symptoms, which may be signs of a serious condition:
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- Abdominal, back or shoulder pain.
- Fever or chills.
- Nausea, diarrhoea or vomiting.
- Vaginal haemorrhaging or foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
Stop using your treatment and ask a doctor if:
- There is no improvement in three days or if symptoms have not disappeared within seven days
- You have abdominal pain, fever or foul-smelling discharge during use of this medication
- Skin rash or new irritation occurs
Can I Get Pregnant If I Have a Yeast Infection?
A vaginal yeast infection will not stop you from getting pregnant. However, some of the symptoms may make having sex uncomfortable.
If you’re pregnant, it’s completely natural for your hormones to change and affect your body — so your chance of getting a yeast infection does increase.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding and you have a yeast infection, do not take any treatments unless advised by your doctor.
Learn More about Women's Intimate Health
What Is a Vaginal Yeast Infection?
Learn what a vaginal yeast infection is and what common symptoms can help identify it. You can also find out how you can treat a yeast infection and how you can help prevent it from recurring.
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Learn what BV is and what bacterial vaginosis symptoms are. You can find out who is more prone to getting this infection and what the differences between a vaginal yeast infection and BV are.
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What Is Cystitis?
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What Is Vaginal Dryness?
Learn what vaginal dryness is, including symptoms and prevention.
How to Properly Clean Your Intimate Area
Learn about hygiene in your intimate area.