Yeast Infections from A to Z

Basic Facts About Yeast Infections

What is a vaginal yeast infection (VYI)?

A vaginal yeast infection is a very common infection caused by yeast called Candida albicans. Normally, Candida organisms live harmlessly in your stomach. In one in five women, they also live in the vagina. They usually coexist quite happily with other normal organisms in your body, kept in check by your immune system and “good” bacteria.

The pH levels in a healthy vagina also play a part in preventing yeast from causing a problem.

As with the rest of your body, sometimes it doesn’t take much for finely-tuned systems to get a little bit out of balance. If the conditions in your vagina change in favour of Candida organisms, the yeast will proliferate quickly and potentially cause a vaginal yeast infection.

Vaginal yeast infections happen to most women.

In fact, 75%^‡ of women get a VYI at some point in their lives, so you’re in good company. And since the problem is so common, it can be diagnosed, treated, and cured. The most important thing is not to worry – other women, just like you, have had a yeast infection, and have gotten through it just fine with the help of products like Canesten^® and a little common sense.

Have no fear – we’re here to help answer your questions and address your concerns about VYIs: how to treat them, and how to avoid getting one again.