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Old wives' tale, home remedy: but does it actually work?

​By Lauren Gibbons

 

It's a popular home remedy, but is there actually any science behind it?

 

The logic:

Some yoghurts contain Lactobacillus bacteria - the same good bacteria responsible for keeping the vaginal microbiome healthy.  

Certain Lactobacillus bacteria species help maintain an acidic vaginal environment, which can limit the growth of harmful microorganisms that can lead to infections. 
 

So why is using yoghurt to treat thrush not recommended?

• Yoghurt contains sugars, which can actually fuel the growth of yeast and make the infection worse. Even unsweetened yoghurt has natural sugars, which can likewise fuel yeast growth. *1

• Yoghurt isn't designed for vaginal use. Introducing it into the vagina may cause irritation or discomfort, particularly when the tissue is already inflamed.

• Ultimately, there's insufficient evidence that the bacteria in yoghurt can establish themselves in the vagina or effectively treat yeast overgrowth.

 

Anti-fungal treatments are more reliable than home remedies

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Unlike yoghurt, antifungal medications such as fluconazole have been clinically tested and shown to effectively treat vaginal thrush.

 

External creams that contain the active ingredient clotrimazole can also be used to soothe external itching on the vulva. In some cases, if inflammation is severe, Lotriderm can be used to calm inflammation, which is a steroid antifungal blend.

 

If you have sensitive skin, frequent use of certain creams and ointments may cause inflammation of delicate vulval tissue, potentially aggravating nerve sensitivity and pain associated with vulvodynia.

 

Secondary vulvodynia can develop following vulval inflammation, which may be triggered by thrush or the overuse of topical and vaginal anti-thrush treatments.*2

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Bottom line: Keep yoghurt out of your vagina

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Although vaginal bacteria play an important role in preventing infections, there's not enough evidence that inserting yoghurt can treat thrush. If symptoms persist or recur, seek medical advice.

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References:
*1 Source: Cleveland Clinic (2025) ‘Do Home Remedies Actually Work for Yeast Infections?’, Cleveland Clinic, 27 May. Available at: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/do-home-remedies-actually-work-for-yeast-infections (Accessed: 1 November 2026).

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*2 Source: British Association of Dermatologists (2024) ‘Vulvodynia and vestibulodynia’. Available at: https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/vulvodynia-and-vestibulodynia (Accessed: 
1 November 2026).

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