What is a vaginal yeast infection?
A vaginal yeast infection is a common fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina.
Yeast is a form of fungus that naturally exists in small amounts within the vagina, alongside various other species of microbial organisms, like bacteria.
Under healthy conditions, these microorganisms live in a natural and delicate balance. However, when this balance is thrown off, a fungus that already lives in small amounts within the vagina called Candida can grow out of control and cause a yeast infection. This may also be referred to as vaginal candidiasis, candida vulvovaginitis or genital thrush.
While the vast majority of vaginal yeast infections are caused by a fungus called Candida albicans, other forms of yeast, including C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. krusei, C. kefyr. C. guilliermondii and Saccharomyces cerevisiaea, can all also be responsible.
What are the symptoms of vaginal yeast infections?
Living with a vaginal yeast infection can be an uncomfortable experience and lead to several symptoms.
However, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone – almost three in four women experience a vaginal yeast infection at least once in their life.
Some of the most commonly associated symptoms include:
A white, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge
Itching and irritation around your vagina and vulva
Soreness and pain when having sex or weeing
Redness and swelling of the vagina and vulva
Unlike other forms of vaginal infections, like bacterial vaginosis, the discharge associated with yeast infections doesn’t normally smell – so this can be a good way of determining which type of infection you might have.
However, if you’re still not absolutely sure, talk to your doctor. They’ll be able to talk through your symptoms and determine whether you have a vaginal yeast infection or not.
Alternatively, why not try the Canestest® Self-Test for Vaginal Infections? This can offer a great way of distinguishing between bacterial and yeast-based vaginal infections, by measuring the pH level of your vagina with over 90% accuracy.
Still unsure about your symptoms?
By clicking this link you will leave the Canesten website and enter the Ada symptom assessment tool.
This AI-powered symptom checker can help match possible conditions with your symptoms. Simply answer a few symptom-related questions and receive a personal symptom assessment† report.
What risk factors are associated with vaginal yeast infections?
Vaginal yeast infections can be caused in a number of ways.
Whether it’s a pre-existing medical condition or a specific form of medication, certain things can disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria and yeast in your vagina, leaving you more prone to thrush.
Some of these risk factors include:
Antibiotic use: While you may associate antibiotics with helping you to feel better, taking them can also disrupt the natural balance of your vaginal flora.
Bathing products: Using certain soaps, shampoos or shower gels can potentially lead to the overgrowth of Candida fungus and worsen symptoms.
Uncontrolled diabetes: People with diabetes have weaker immune systems, leaving them more susceptible to developing infections like thrush.
Weakened immune system: People with weakened immune systems, due to HIV or medicines like steroids, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, may get vaginal yeast infections more often.
Contraception: Taking certain forms of contraception, like the combined contraceptive pill, may alter the balance of vaginal bacteria and allow Candida to thrive. However, evidence for this is mixed and inconclusive.
Hormone replacement therapy: Increased oestrogen levels caused due to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may increase the likelihood of overgrowth and infection.
Pregnancy: Candida infections are more common during pregnancy.
Sex: While vaginal yeast infections aren’t classed as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), they can be passed from partner to partner during sex.
Each of these risk factors can leave you more vulnerable to yeast infections, increasing your likelihood of experiencing some – or all – of the symptoms mentioned above.
Vaginal yeast infections: treatment and relief
In most cases, treating vaginal yeast infections is pretty straightforward when using an antifungal medicine.
These medicines will often contain one of the active ingredients fluconazole or clotrimazole and, following your treatment, should start to improve your symptoms after two to three days, respectively. If you notice that your symptoms haven’t improved after seven days, however, speak to your doctor.
These forms of antifungal medicines are also available in various formats, allowing you to choose which type of treatment is most comfortable for you. Whether you prefer swallowing a tablet or inserting a pessary into your vagina (a vaginal tablet), alongside applying a cream to relieve your internal or external symptoms, there are plenty of options to choose between.
Canesten® Thrush Combi Vaginal Pessary & External Cream, for instance, is a combined treatment that can treat both the cause and symptoms of thrush, helping you feel comfortable again so you can get on with your life.
Key considerations
It’s important to note that if you carry on having sex during your treatment, antifungal creams can damage condoms and diaphragms. This means that your choice of contraception might not work as effectively as it should. So, the NHS recommends avoiding having sex until your thrush has cleared up.
If you have any other concerns or further questions, speak to your local pharmacist or doctor for their tailored advice.
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How to manage a vaginal yeast infection
When it comes to keeping vaginal yeast infections at bay, a few simple steps can make a big difference. Here’s what you can do:
Avoid using soaps entirely when washing your vaginal area or swap them out for a gentle soap substitute (emollient)
Make sure you dry thoroughly after washing
Steer clear of irritants like scented soaps, shampoos, bubble baths and wipes, as well as 'feminine hygiene' pads
Avoid vaginal douching
Choose breathable, absorbent clothing that reduces irritation (like cotton underwear)
Avoid complementary therapies like applying yoghurt or using essential oils
Steer clear of tight underwear or tights
If you get a vaginal yeast infection while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor. Likewise, if you have a weakened immune system or are experiencing symptoms for the first time, consult your doctor for further advice and support.
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