Yeast infection (vulvovaginal candidiasis)
A vaginal yeast infection is an overgrowth of Candida, a yeast that normally lives in small amounts in the body. It causes itching and burning in and around the vagina and vulva, often with a thick, white, cottage-cheese-like discharge, and sometimes swelling or discomfort during sex or urination. It’s very common and usually not serious. Triggers include antibiotics, pregnancy, diabetes, hormonal changes, and moisture or irritation. The catch is that these symptoms overlap with other conditions — including some sexually transmitted infections — so confirming it’s actually a yeast infection is an important first step.
Self-care products available in our shop
- Vaginal antifungal creams and ovules (e.g., Canesten, Monistat) — 1-, 3-, or 7-day courses
- External antifungal cream for relief of vulvar itching
- Cotton underwear and breathable clothing to reduce moisture
- Tips: insert vaginal products at bedtime so they stay in place, finish the full course even if symptoms ease or your period starts (use pads, not tampons), and know that these products can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms during use and for ~3 days after. If it’s your first-ever infection, see a health-care provider before self-treating.
Treatments our pharmacist can prescribe
For your information only: in Ontario, our pharmacist can assess this condition and, when appropriate, prescribe from the medications listed below. This information is provided for educational purposes — it is not an offer to sell. These are treatments that require a pharmacist assessment, and the right option is chosen for you.
Antifungals: Clotrimazole (Canesten), Fluconazole (Diflucan — oral single dose), Miconazole (Monistat), Terconazole (Terazol)
When to seek further care: See a health-care provider rather than self-treating if this is your first-ever suspected yeast infection; you’re pregnant; you have diabetes or a weakened immune system; you’re not sure it’s a yeast infection; you have fever, pelvic or lower-back pain, or a foul-smelling or coloured discharge; or symptoms persist after 7 days of treatment or recur 4+ times a year.