Preventing vaginal thrush

If you’re prone to getting thrush, there are a number of self-help techniques you can try to help prevent it coming back.

To reduce your risk of developing vaginal thrush:

  • wash your vaginal area with water and avoid using perfumed soaps, shower gels, vaginal deodorants or douches
  • avoid using latex condoms, spermicidal creams or lubricants if they irritate your genital area
  • avoid wearing tight-fitting underwear or tights
  • wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting trousers and skirts

Some women eat plain live yoghurt or take probiotic supplements to try to prevent getting vaginal thrush. However, there’s no firm evidence to suggest that this works.