Vaginal yeast infections (thrush, or vaginal candidiasis) are very common: most women get at least one in their lifetime. They’re caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a yeast that normally lives in the body in small amounts. They aren’t usually serious and respond well to treatment, but other conditions can look similar.
Common symptoms
- Itching and irritation in and around the vagina
- Burning, especially when urinating or during sex
- Redness and swelling of the vulva
- Thick, white, “cottage cheese” discharge, usually without a strong smell
What raises your risk
- Recent antibiotics, which reduce the “good” bacteria that keep yeast in check
- Pregnancy and hormonal changes
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- A weakened immune system
- Tight, non-breathable clothing and staying in damp clothes
Is it a yeast infection or something else?
Several conditions cause similar symptoms but need different treatment:
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV): thin, grey-white discharge with a strong fishy smell, especially after sex. Usually less itchy.
- Trichomoniasis: a sexually transmitted infection with frothy, yellow-green discharge and a bad smell.
- Urinary tract infection: burning, frequent urge to urinate, and cloudy urine, usually without itching.
Antifungal treatment won’t help these, so if you’re not sure, see a doctor or sexual health clinic.
Treatment
If you’ve had a yeast infection diagnosed by a doctor before and recognise the same symptoms, an over-the-counter antifungal can treat it. Clotrimazole vaginal tablets (Femcare) are inserted at bedtime for 7 nights in a row.
- Finish the full course, even if symptoms improve sooner.
- Avoid sex, tampons and douches during treatment.
- Clotrimazole can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms.
- Symptoms usually improve within 3 days. See a doctor if they don’t, or if they last more than 7 days.
See a doctor if
- It’s your first yeast infection, or you’re not sure that’s what it is
- You’re pregnant
- You have a fever, lower abdominal pain, or a foul-smelling discharge
- You get 4 or more infections a year, or it comes back within 2 months
- You have diabetes or a weakened immune system
- You’re under 12 or the person affected is a child
Prevention tips
- Wear breathable cotton underwear and change out of wet swimwear or sweaty clothes quickly.
- Avoid perfumed soaps, bubble baths, douches and vaginal deodorants.
- Wipe from front to back.
- If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar well controlled.
More in our Skin and Fungal Infections guide: all our articles and products on this topic in one place.
This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Always read the label before using any medicine.
