Vaginal thrush is a concern for many women. This article goes over 3 common concerns and questions surrounding yeast infection problems.

Can I use complementary therapies to treat vaginal thrush?

Some women like to choose complementary therapies to treat their vaginal thrush. One treatment that is popular is natural live yoghurt. Many women believe that yoghurt that contains live bacteria can help restore the balance of bacteria in the vagina, in this way overcoming the yeast problem. Research however has shown that although this is a great way to help relieve symptoms of thrush, it is not an effective treatment overall.

If you want to use yoghurt to ease your symptoms the best way to do this is to eat it or apply it directly. You can cover a tampon and insert this or you can use a plastic syringe and squirt the yoghurt high up into the vagina.

Other things that also get used are things such as tea tree oil and garlic to name a few. These have been shown not to work and may do more harm than good. Both garlic and tea tree oil, for example, can both cause skin irritation. These should be avoided when it comes to treating yeast infection.

If I have a yeast infection should my partner be treated too?

Despite what many people believe, your partner will only need to have treatment if they show any signs themselves of having one. A yeast infection in a man is called balanitis (caused by Candida albicans).

Symptoms of this include:

  • Irritation
  • Soreness
  • Swelling around the head of the penis
  • Redness around the head of the penis
  • Thick lumpy discharge from under the foreskin
  • Pain when peeing

If your partner shows no signs then there is no reason they should be treated as there is no evidence to suggest this will prevent recurring vaginal thrush.

If I get thrush while pregnant can or will it harm my baby?
Although thrush is a common problem among pregnant women, there is no evidence to suggest it will harm your baby. However it is important you contact your Doctor if you do develop one so that you can be given treatment that is safe to use during pregnancy. Over-the-counter medication may not be safe.

Despite this, there may also be a small change that your baby contracts a yeast infection one delivery but this can be easily treated and you shouldn’t worry too much about this if you get one while pregnant.