Itching and burning in the intimate area

Itching and burning in the intimate area – is it vaginal yeast (candida)?

Updated blog post: This article was originally published as a PDF under the title “Kløe og svie – så er det nok svamp”. The content has now been moved to the blog module to make it easier to read and search.

Two common conditions in the intimate area

There are two major – and many minor – conditions that can cause recurrent intimate discomfort. Discharge with an unpleasant smell (bacterial vaginosis) is one of them and usually does not cause pain or itching. If urination stings and the itching is intense, it is often vaginal yeast infection.

Itching and burning from yeast (Candida)

Common names include yeast, thrush. The cause is usually a mycelium-forming yeast, Candida albicans or a related species. As with bacterial vaginosis, this is best viewed as a syndrome rather than a simple infection. The yeast is almost always present; symptoms appear when the vaginal environment changes in ways that favor overgrowth.

Triggering factors for recurrent yeast

• Stress
• Antibiotics (e.g., prescribed for bacterial vaginosis)
• Other medications
• Diabetes
• Sexual intercourse
• Chemical or mechanical irritation

Treatment of vaginal yeast

A few applications of an antifungal cream (e.g., clotrimazole) often resolve symptoms. Oral tablets can be at least as effective. In recurrent yeast infections, a longer treatment course may be needed as advised by a clinician.

LadyBalance and yeast – experience

LadyBalance was developed to help with malodorous discharge, but it may have an indirect effect in yeast problems. The approach is to support the natural lactic acid bacteria in the vagina so they become more numerous and produce substances that yeasts do not thrive on. When a healthy bacterial flora covers the mucosa, there is less room for yeast. The bacteria also form mucous substances that may make the mucosa less sensitive to chemical and mechanical irritation.

This potential effect takes time – often several weeks of use to establish a stable population of beneficial bacteria. We have received user feedback reporting reduced need for repeated antifungal treatment. A gynecologist in Silkeborg has stated that she recommends the product for recurrent yeast problems. One test user, who used LadyBalance specifically for this purpose, reported no effect after four weeks. There is no harm in trying.

Read more about LadyBalance intimtabletter (intimate tablets).

Short summary: when itching and burning suggest yeast

• Itching and burning often point to yeast (candida)
• The condition is a syndrome where the vaginal environment favors overgrowth
• Triggers include stress, antibiotics, diabetes, intercourse and irritation
• Topical creams or oral tablets often help; recurrent cases may need longer courses
• Strengthening natural lactic acid bacteria may support balance in the vaginal microbiome