Vaginal Thrush - How to treat?

There are a few reasons why you will need to see your doctor before instead of treating with over-the-counter treatments, even though you may have symptoms. They are as follows:

• firstly, if you've never had thrush before and think you may have it.
• once the doctor diagnoses it, then you will know the symptoms and will be able to self-treat if reoccurrence does occur
• if you have diabetes, the doctor will have to check your blood sugar levels are controlled.
• if under 16, the doctors must check it is thrush.
• if you are over the age of 60, then the doctors may require a quick checkup, as you are more prone to other types of infections.
• also, if you have had two infections in the last six months, ensure stronger treatment isn't required.

Although it can be uncomfortable, the good news is that mild and moderate thrush can be easily treated with over-the-counter medication. Two main areas may require treatment: the internal regions of the vagina and the external areas around the vagina. Treating the infection in the fastest and most effective way internally should be using a pessary or tablet.

The pessary would require treating overnight. The tablet is a great on-the-go treatment possibility, which has also been shown to help treat external regions. The infection in the outer regions can only be treated with an external cream

Now, combination packs will contain an external cream and either a tablet or pessary, allowing you to treat both regions.

If you are suffering from an itch around the vaginal region, then the best thing to treat it would be the external cream. The most effective external cream specifically made to target external thrush symptoms is the Canesten 2% (Clotrimazole external thrush cream. It is double the strength of regular thrush or antifungal treatment creams. This will help with the day-to-day itchiness and soreness and treat the external regions; however, it is not intended for internal use and will not treat the internal areas.

There are now combination packs that will contain an external cream and either a tablet or pessary, which allows you to treat both regions and reduce the itchiness and soreness.

These are some key tips to avoid reinfection:

• Avoid using deodorants or scented products around the lower regions.
• Try to reduce stress and maintain a healthy lifestyle to boost your immune system
• Avoid high-sugar foods, as high amounts of sugar in the urine, increases the risk of infections
• Change menstrual products frequently
• Ensure you wipe from front to back after going to the toilet. This will reduce the risk of infection by avoiding the spread of microorganisms to the area of the thrush.
• Change your underwear after swimming and working out, as microorganisms prefer areas with moisture

There are also probiotics, which can contribute to maintaining the natural levels of good bacteria in the vagina, helping to prevent recurrent thrush and bacterial vaginosis. Canesflor delivers probiotics right to the source of your vaginal yeast infections through a convenient vaginal capsule.