The Canesten pessary contains clotrimazole, an antifungal medicine used to treat internal vaginal thrush. It works by reducing the growth of Candida yeast inside the vagina. The treatment is inserted at night so it can dissolve and deliver medication directly to the source of infection.

The pessary should be placed high into the vagina using the applicator provided, ideally at bedtime. Lying down helps the medicine stay in place as it dissolves. Wash hands before and after use and avoid sexual activity during treatment to prevent discomfort or reduced effectiveness.

Many women feel relief within a day, but full improvement can take up to three days while the infection clears. If symptoms have not improved after seven days, reassessment is recommended. Persistent symptoms may require an alternative antifungal such as fluconazole.

Yes, if you have external itching or soreness, using a clotrimazole cream alongside the pessary provides more complete relief. The pessary targets the internal infection, while the cream helps soothe external skin irritation.

The pessary should not be used if you are allergic to clotrimazole, have unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, fever, or if this is your first episode of vaginal symptoms. Pregnant women require clinician advice before using internal thrush treatments.

Some women may experience mild burning, stinging, swelling or increased discharge as the pessary dissolves. These reactions are usually temporary. Severe irritation, worsening symptoms or any signs of allergy warrant stopping treatment and seeking medical advice.

The pessary can help clear individual episodes, but women with repeated infections might need longer courses or oral treatments. Recurrent thrush should be reviewed to rule out triggers such as antibiotics, diabetes or misdiagnosis of another condition.

Yes, but antibiotics can make thrush more likely and may delay recovery. If symptoms become more severe while on antibiotics, pairing the pessary with an external cream may help. Recurrence after antibiotics is common and may require follow-up treatment.

Most hormonal contraceptive methods are unaffected by the Canesten pessary. However, clotrimazole can weaken latex condoms for several days, so use non-latex condoms if needed during this period.

Avoid fragranced soaps, vaginal washes or douching, as these can irritate the area and worsen symptoms. Gentle washing with warm water only is usually best during treatment. Harsh products can disrupt the natural balance of the vagina.

The pessary does not affect fertility, but sexual intercourse should be avoided during treatment. If you are trying to conceive, treat thrush promptly and avoid using the pessary immediately before intercourse due to leakage and reduced comfort.

No. Tampons can absorb the medication and make treatment less effective. Wait until treatment is complete and symptoms have settled before using tampons again. Pads or panty liners are preferred during treatment.

If the pessary falls out before dissolving or you notice unusually rapid leakage, insert a new dose. This may happen if inserted too shallowly. Using the applicator and lying down afterwards usually prevents this.

No. The pessary only treats internal yeast infection. If you have mainly external itching, a clotrimazole cream is more suitable. Many women use both for complete relief of both internal and external symptoms.

Increased discharge is usually just the medication dissolving and exiting the vagina. This is expected and does not mean the treatment has failed. Wearing a pad overnight helps manage this comfortably. If discharge becomes foul-smelling or coloured, another condition may be present.