Yeast Infection

Yeast infections - also known as "vaginal thrush" or "candidiasis" - are common in some women. The condition is caused by a Candida albicans, a yeast-like fungus that normally lives in the vagina without causing symptoms.

When the natural balance between microorganisms in the vagina is lost, and the Candida population is relatively high, yeast infection symptoms may occur. Such an imbalance arises when environmental factors favor Candida growth; yeast infections are common in women after a course of antibiotics (particularly tetracycline), in women taking birth control pills containing estrogen, and among pregnant women, because of increased estrogen levels.

Yeast infections may be caused by wearing tight or synthetic pants. They may also arise in relation to diabetes and conditions that affect the immune system, such as HIV or AIDS.

Although yeast infections are not considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD), approximately 12-15% of men develop itching and/or rash on the penis after sexual contact with someone who is infected.

Signs, Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms of candidiasis or yeast infection include itching, redness and/or inflammation around the vagina and/or labia, painful urination, abnormal vaginal discharge (from white and watery to white and thick), a bad odor and/or pain on intercourse.

To diagnose a yeast infection, a doctor may conduct a an internal and external pelvic examination that includes the vulva, the vagina and the cervix.

How to Treat Yeast Infections

If this is your first yeast infection, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. If you have previously had a yeast infection and are sure that you have yeast infection symptoms, you can treat the infection using over-the-counter antifungal treatments, such as clotrimazole (Canestan Cream, Canestan 6-day cream, or Canestan single-dose) or fluconazole (Diflucan). If symptoms persist, consult your primary care doctor or gynecologist. Note: Do not use oral preparations, such as Diflucan, if you are or could be pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.

Some women also find that drinking cranberry juice and/or eating Lactobacillus yogurt (or tablets) helps to ease yeast infection symptoms.

Acidophilus preparations available from netpharmacy are:

Solgar Advanced Acidophilus Plus 60

Natures Way Primadophilus Reuteri

Blackmores Acidophilus Bifidus

Solgar A B C Dophilus Powder

Thompsons Ultradophilus

Solgar Advanced Acidophilus Plus

Clinicians Antibiotic Support

Solgar Advanced Multibillion Dophilus

Solgar Multiacidophilus Powder

Solgar Advanced 40 Plus Acidophilus

Clinicians Multi Flora

Wagner Kyo-dophilus

To prevent recurrence of symptoms, wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear, avoid perfumed soaps and bubble baths and wash and dry the genital area well every day.

Soap alternatives available from netpharmacy are: 

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (125 ml)

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (250 ml)

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (500 ml Pump)

Pinetarsol Solution (200 ml)

Pinetarsol Solution (500 ml)

Pinetarsol Solution Spray (200 ml)

Pinetarsol Soap

Antifungal treatments available from netpharmacy are:

Diflucan (150 mg tablet)

Micreme H (2% Cream)

Canesten 6 Day Cream Treatment 35g

Canesten 3 Day Cream Treatment

Canesten Cream

Canesten 1 Dose Pessary

Nutralife Oliviral (Herbal capsules)

Malcolm Harker Organ And System Regenerate 979 (Herbal Oral Suspension)

See Your Doctor

See your doctor if:

- you have symptoms of a yeast infection for the first time;

- over-the-counter treatments have not relieved your symptoms;

- you have had more than two such infections in six months;

- your vaginal discharge changes in color or has a bad odor;

- you develop sores in the genital area;

- you experience pain or fever, or feel unwell.

Helpful Links

Candidiasis - National Center for Health Statistics

Getting Rid of Yeast Infections - US Food & Drug Administration

Vaginal Yeast Infection - Drugs.com