What should you know about vaginal yeast infection medicine?

Antifungal treatment is available as medicine placed in the vagina or as a medicine taken by mouth. It is intended for thrush symptoms such as vulval irritation, itching, soreness, or a thick discharge. These symptoms can also occur with other vaginal conditions, so a first episode, an unusual change, or symptoms that do not improve should be assessed rather than repeatedly self-treated.

Tell a clinician if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, breastfeeding, taking regular medicines, or have a condition that affects immunity. Some products are unsuitable in pregnancy, and oral treatment may interact with other medicines.

Follow the product instructions or prescription exactly, including how long to use it. Avoid using several thrush products together unless a clinician has advised this. Vaginal creams and pessaries can weaken some condoms or diaphragms while they are being used, so check the product information for precautions.

Keep the area gently clean and dry, avoid scented washes and douching, and choose breathable underwear. Do not use leftover antibiotics or someone else’s medicine; antibiotics can disturb the normal vaginal balance and will not treat yeast.

Arrange medical advice if this is your first suspected infection, symptoms keep returning, treatment does not help, or you have marked swelling, cracks, bleeding, fever, lower abdominal pain, or a strong-smelling discharge. Seek prompt care if you feel very unwell or are pregnant and have new vaginal symptoms.

Ask whether your symptoms fit thrush, which formulation is suitable for you, how to use it, and what to do if symptoms return. You can also ask whether testing is needed to check for another cause.