Yeast infections
Recurring or occasional yeast infections: understand the role of the flora and prevent recurrences.
Understanding yeast infections
A vulvovaginal yeast infection (candidiasis) is an overgrowth of the fungus Candida, most often Candida albicans, normally present in small amounts. It causes intense itching, thick white discharge ‘like cottage cheese’, burning, and usually no marked odour.
It is extremely common, and it is not about hygiene:
- About 75% of women have at least one episode in their lifetime.
- Some have recurrent forms (≥ 4 per year), which are harder to manage.
- Risk factors: antibiotics, pregnancy, diabetes, estrogen, over-washing.
Why yeast infections happen
A flora dominated by lactobacilli and an acidic pH keep Candida in check. When that balance breaks, the fungus overgrows and causes inflammation.
What destabilises the flora and opens the door to yeast:
- Antibiotics, which also destroy the good bacteria.
- Hormonal shifts: pregnancy, the pill, the premenstrual phase.
- Poorly controlled diabetes, excess sugar, immune fatigue.
- Over-washing, scented soaps, synthetic underwear.
“An acute yeast infection is treated with an antifungal: that is the standard of care. But the real issue, especially with recurrence, is the terrain. Restoring a strong flora and an acidic pH is what lowers the risk of it coming back. Botanical care is a preventive complement, not a substitute for treatment.”
What to do day to day
Treat the episode, then strengthen the terrain against recurrence.
1. Treat the yeast infection
A confirmed yeast infection is treated with an antifungal (pessary, cream or oral). If in doubt or for a first episode, get confirmation from a professional.
2. Do not over-wash
Over-washing and scented soaps make it worse. Gentle cleansing with water or a physiological-pH product, once a day.
3. Cotton and dry
Cotton underwear, avoid tight synthetics, and do not stay in a damp swimsuit or sportswear.
4. Limit triggers
Antibiotics only when needed, balanced sugar/diabetes, managing fatigue.
5. Support the flora
Between episodes, a targeted botanical care helps maintain a protective acidic pH and limit recurrence.
What to expect
An indicative guide: every body responds at its own pace.
Days 1-3
Treatment kicks in
On an antifungal, itching and burning start to subside.
Days 1-3
Treatment kicks in
On an antifungal, itching and burning start to subside.
Days 3-7
Symptoms resolve
Discharge and discomfort clear as the inflammation settles.
Days 3-7
Symptoms resolve
Discharge and discomfort clear as the inflammation settles.
2-4 weeks
Strengthen the terrain
By supporting the flora, the pH stabilises and the lining becomes resilient again.
2-4 weeks
Strengthen the terrain
By supporting the flora, the pH stabilises and the lining becomes resilient again.
Prevention
Limit recurrence
A gentle routine and supported flora reduce the risk of a new episode.
Prevention
Limit recurrence
A gentle routine and supported flora reduce the risk of a new episode.
Why act, and when to see a doctor
Yeast responds well to treatment; recurrence needs a real terrain strategy.
Calm the episode
Itching, burning and discharge: proper treatment relieves within a few days.
Break the recurrence
Supporting the flora between episodes is key to reducing recurrent yeast.
Regain peace of mind
Fewer episodes means fewer treatments and a calmer intimate life.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for a first episode, if symptoms resist treatment, or for recurrence (≥ 4 per year).
Your questions about yeast infections
No, often the opposite: over-washing and scented soaps unbalance the flora and promote yeast. It is not about cleanliness.
No. Candidiasis is not a sexually transmitted infection. It comes from a flora imbalance, not from contamination.
Antibiotics, hormones, diabetes, over-washing or a fragile flora sustain recurrence. Beyond 4 episodes a year, medical advice and a terrain strategy are needed.
For an established infection, the antifungal remains the standard treatment. Botanical care works as a complement, mainly to prevent recurrence between episodes.
See a doctor for a first episode, if symptoms resist, or for recurrence (CDC 2021 recommendations).
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