What is a yeast infection?
A vaginal yeast infection happens when Candida, a yeast that normally lives in the vagina in small amounts, overgrows. It’s very common: most women have at least one in their lifetime.
Common triggers include antibiotics, pregnancy, hormonal changes, diabetes and tight or damp clothing. Yeast infections aren’t considered a sexually transmitted infection.
Listed in Ontario’s minor ailments program as: Vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Common symptoms
- Itching and irritation in and around the vagina
- Thick, white discharge that looks a bit like cottage cheese, usually without a strong smell
- Redness, swelling or soreness
- Burning when you pee or during sex
How a Kennedy pharmacist can help
Your assessment is private and happens in our counselling room. The pharmacist will ask about your symptoms, any past infections, and your health, to make sure it sounds like yeast and not something that needs testing.
If it’s a yeast infection, they may prescribe or recommend an antifungal pill or a vaginal cream or suppository, and explain the pros and cons of each. If you’re pregnant, we’ll go over the options that are safe for you.
If we think you’d be better served by a doctor, we’ll tell you, and help you figure out where to go.
Medicines a pharmacist may consider
- Fluconazole 150 mg (Diflucan One, Canesoral)a single antifungal pill (not used in pregnancy)
- Clotrimazole (Canesten, including combination packs)vaginal cream or tablet, with an external cream for itching
- Miconazole (Monistat)vaginal cream or suppository, 3 or 7 days
- Terconazolevaginal cream
Your pharmacist chooses based on your symptoms, age, pregnancy, allergies and other medications, so not every option is right for everyone. Brand names are examples. We often use the generic version, which works the same and usually costs less.
What it costs
The assessment is free with a valid Ontario health card. It’s paid for by the province, just like a visit to your doctor.
If you’re prescribed something, the medicine is paid for like any other prescription: through your drug plan, the Ontario Drug Benefit (65+ and other eligible people), OHIP+ (under 25 without a private plan), or out of pocket.
Good to know: Some drug plans cover yeast infection treatment when it’s prescribed, even though you can also buy it off the shelf. We’ll check yours.
No Ontario health card? Text or call us first and we’ll tell you the fee before we start.
When to see a doctor instead
See your family doctor, a walk-in clinic or a nurse practitioner if:
- It’s your first yeast infection, or you’re not sure that’s what it is
- You have a fishy smell, grey or green discharge, or sores (it may be something else)
- You might have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection
- You’ve had 4 or more yeast infections in a year
- You have a fever, or pain in your lower belly
- It hasn’t cleared up a week after treatment
Not sure? Call Health811 (dial 811) any time to speak with a registered nurse, free.