Candida, or yeast infection, can go away on its own and is only treated when it causes symptoms. The usual symptoms are itching and soreness of the skin outside the vaginal opening and in the vagina, often combined with discharge that is "grainy". The discharge is usually white and there is no strong smell.
Some people have recurrent symptoms. It is then important to know the following:
When treating a yeast infection, it is wise to start with local treatment. Buy Canesten or Pevaryl, available without prescription at pharmacies. Use a combination treatment with vaginal suppositories for one or more evenings, together with cream. Apply the cream morning and evening until symptoms have been gone for 3 days, over the whole genital area, from in front of the clitoris to behind the anus, and in all "nooks and crannies". Apply thinly.
If symptoms return quickly and you are sure it is a yeast infection, you can contact your GP for a prescription for a single-dose Fluconazole tablet. When taking Fluconazole, there is little effect during the first 1-2 days; improvement is usually noticed on days 3-5. If symptoms return quickly again, you may need a longer course. In that case, it should be confirmed that the symptoms are truly caused by yeast and that the yeast is sensitive to the medicines we most often use.
To prevent a new infection, the following is useful:
Put away all soap and buy peanut oil or ACO Cleansing Oil at the pharmacy, or almond oil or wheat germ oil at a health food store. Use a few drops of oil when washing the genital area, in the same way you would use soap. We have good documentation that yeast thrives and grows less well in the thin oil film that remains on the skin.
Use cotton underwear and wash it at 60 degrees; yeast survives up to 60 degrees.
Avoid unnecessary use of panty liners.
If you have recurrent symptoms, it is useful to drink a little kefir every evening. Over time, this will change the composition of lactic acid bacteria in the vagina in a way that is favorable for preventing recurrent yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. But it takes time; you cannot assess the effect until you have continued for at least 6 months.
For some, it can also help to use EkoVag, Vivag, or Lactal lactic acid vaginal suppositories for 2-3 evenings in a row just after menstruation, or after intercourse, if these are situations where you know you easily get symptoms.
It is wise not to use Canesten "all the time". It is a medication, it can irritate the genital area, and you get the best effect by completing a full course if you are going to use it, rather than applying a little now and then.