Vaginal Yeast Infection: How to Prevent and Treat It
Yeast and bacteria are naturally present in your vagina. A vaginal yeast infection occurs when the level of Candida albicans increases. It is also normal and very common — 3 in 4 women suffer from it at least once during their lifetime and it’s not caused by a lack of hygiene. A yeast infection is not an STI and is usually not a serious condition, and in most cases it can be treated easily and effectively.
Common Symptoms
A complete treatment for a vaginal yeast infection addresses its six main symptoms:
- Itching
- Swelling
- Redness
- Unusual discharge
- Burning
- Soreness
A vaginal yeast infection doesn’t usually change the pH level and has no odour, but you might feel pain during sex or urination.
Risk Factors in Pregnancy and Health
There are times when you're more prone to a vaginal yeast infection: in pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. Other risk factors include medical conditions such as diabetes or HIV and when undergoing chemotherapy.
Treatment Options and Comparisons
Choose a Canesten or CanesOral product that suits your needs. Different dosages are available to suit your preference: 1-day, 3-day, and 6-day treatments. Canesten is Canada’s #1-selling VYI treatment brand and is clinically proven to work. The following table summarizes the differences between common over-the-counter options:
| Product | Active Ingredient | Treatment Duration | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canesten 6-Day Internal Cream | Clotrimazole (1%) | 6 consecutive days | Internal cream with 6 applicators |
| Canesten 3-Day Internal Cream | Clotrimazole (2%) | 3 consecutive days | Internal cream with 3 applicators |
| Vagistat 3-Day Treatment | Miconazole Nitrate (200mg) | 3 days | Vaginal suppositories |
How to Use Internal Treatments
Wash your hands thoroughly before and after using the medication. The internal cream should be inserted as high as possible into the vagina with the help of the applicator, as indicated in the product insert, preferably before going to sleep at night for convenient and comfortable treatment. The symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection should start disappearing within a few hours or days. If there is no improvement in your symptoms in three days or if they have not disappeared within seven days, discontinue treatment and contact your physician.
Prevention and Protective Care
If you're worried that a vaginal yeast infection will come back or you suffer from recurring symptoms, there are a few things you can try:
- Wear cotton underwear and change regularly, especially after exercise.
- Avoid stress and maintain a healthy diet free of high-sugar food.
- Avoid heavily perfumed products in and around your intimate area.
- Wipe from front to back after going to the toilet.
Additionally, the optimal pH of the vulvar area is acidic. Cleansing with a gentle, pH balanced external wash or wipe instead of a basic soap or bodywash can help maintain optimal pH.