There has long been a myth that plain or bio-live yoghurt can treat thrush and relieve symptoms. Whilst it will do no harm there is no clinical evidence to support its effectiveness. However, some women will still want to try this method therefore you should recommend that they use it in conjunction with an oral treatment. The yoghurt can be applied to the vulva and surrounding area to relieve any itching or soreness. It can also be applied inside the vagina, the best way of doing this is using an applicator tampon. Push the tampon back into the applicator and add approximately one tea spoon of yoghurt into the space between the top of the applicator and the tampon. Then insert the tampon as usual removing it one hour later.

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts, often known as 'friendly' or 'good' bacteria that can be added to food or taken as supplements to restore the body's natural balance or microflora. There is a clinically proven probiotic available over the counter which can be placed directly into the vagina called Canesflor Probiotics for Vaginal Use, this product helps to restore the natural environment and prevent future infections by creating a protective barrier over the walls of the vagina. Also if a woman is prescribed antibiotics and she has had thrush before she could be advised that the use of a probiotic may help prevent the development of thrush as a side effect. There is no evidence to support the addition of tea tree oil, vinegar or bicarbonate of soda to bath water to alter the acidity of the water. Customers should be warned not to use excessive amounts of these "additives" as they can cause irritation. Whilst there is no evidence to suggest that the use of fragranced bathing products can trigger thrush it is not recommended as they can irritate the skin around the vagina. There are a variety of products available that are designed to wash the delicate vaginal area.