If you have vaginal burning, itching, and an abnormal discharge, you may have a vaginal yeast infection.
They're caused by a fungus called Candida — a yeast normally present in small numbers in the vagina. But when the balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina is altered, the yeast may overgrow.
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What Is a Vaginal Yeast Infection?
A vaginal yeast infection is an overgrowth of Candida in the vagina. Candida is a type of fungus found on the skin and inside the body in places such as the intestinal tract, mouth, throat, and vagina.
Normally, Candida doesn’t cause problems. But when something changes that encourages its growth, Candida can multiply and cause symptoms.
Other names for a vaginal yeast infection include:
- Candidal vaginitis
- Vaginal candidiasis
- Vulvovaginal candidiasis
How common is a vaginal yeast infection?
Vaginal candidiasis is very common. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 75% of women will have at least one yeast infection in their lifetime, and 40% to 45% will have two or more.
If you have four or more yeast infections in a single year, it's considered chronic, or recurrent. This happens to about 1 in 10 women, and there often is no underlying cause.
What causes a vaginal yeast infection?
In most cases of a vaginal yeast infection, the exact cause isn't known. But certain conditions can encourage an overgrowth of yeast.
These include:
- Diabetes — Especially with poorly controlled glycemic levels or if taking SGLT2 inhibitors used to treat diabetes.
- Hormonal fluctuations — Hormonal changes when your period is about to begin.
- Medications — Antibiotics may kill normal vaginal bacteria that keep yeast in check, enabling yeast to overgrow.
- Pregnancy — Decreased immunity during pregnancy may increase the chance of developing yeast infections.
- Products — Douches, feminine washes, spermicides, soaps, powders, and deodorants can change the vaginal pH, changing the balance of normal bacteria and yeast, increasing the risk for yeast infection.
- Weakened immune system — Yeast can overgrow if the immune system isn’t working properly.
- Tight-fitting clothing and synthetic material — Trapping heat and moisture in the genital region gives yeast the perfect environment to grow quickly.
People who are sexually active are more likely to get yeast infections. It is important to know that yeast infections are not sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you have a vaginal yeast infection, your partner didn't give it to you, and your partner doesn't need treatment.
Vaginal yeast infections risk factors
Risk factors include:
- Antibiotic use.
- Diabetes.
- Pregnancy.
- Weakened immune system.
Complications of vaginal yeast infections
If left untreated, candidiasis can cause complications, including:
- Skin cracks or sores.
- During childbirth, a yeast infection may cause thrush, a mild overgrowth of yeast in the mouth, in the baby. This can easily be treated.
How can I prevent a vaginal yeast infection?
Ways to reduce your risk of a vaginal yeast infection include:
- Cleanse your vulva area gently with warm water.
- Eat more yogurt to boost healthy bacteria levels in your gut. Look for yogurt that contains live and active cultures.
- Keep your vulva area dry by avoiding prolonged wearing of wet clothing. Towel dry after bathing or showering.
- Douching is not recommended as it can change the healthy balance of organisms in your vagina, enabling bacteria and fungi to grow.
- Wash reusable applicators, cervical caps, diaphragms, menstrual cups, and anything inserted into the vagina in warm soapy water after every use.
- Wear all-cotton underwear. Cotton is more breathable than synthetic fabrics.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Vaginal Yeast Infection?
The most common symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are itching and burning of the vulva — the outside visible part of your genitals, including the labia (lips), clitoris, vaginal opening, and the urethral opening (where urine comes out). The vulva may be red and swollen, and the burning may be worse when you pee or have sex.
Yeast infections can also cause an increase or change in vaginal discharge. Discharge may be white and lumpy, like cottage cheese, and is typically odorless. Sometimes, though, yeast infections cause no change to your discharge.
Symptoms of vaginal yeast infection are usually mild. However, some people get severe infections that cause redness, swelling, and cracks in the wall of the vagina.
When should I see a doctor about my vaginal yeast infection symptoms?
Tell your medical provider if you notice a change in your discharge or have other symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection.
If you've had a yeast infection in the past and are having the same symptoms, try using an over-the-counter (OTC) medication to treat it. If your symptoms do not improve, contact your health care provider.
If this is the first time you've had vaginal yeast infection symptoms, you should see your health care provider.
How Do You Diagnose a Vaginal Yeast Infection?
Your doctor will ask about your yeast infection symptoms, including:
- What does the discharge look like?
- Does it have a smell to it?
- Do you have any itching?
- How long has it been going on?
They may also do a pelvic exam and test a sample of the vaginal discharge. The sample will be examined under a microscope in the office or sent to a pathology lab for a fungal culture.
Tests to diagnose a vaginal yeast infection
A physical exam and lab testing of the vaginal discharge can help diagnose a vaginal yeast infection.
How Do You Treat a Vaginal Yeast Infection?
The usual treatment for a vaginal yeast infection is an OTC antifungal medication. OTC yeast infection treatments are safe and often effective when you're sure you have a yeast infection.
OTC treatments are creams, tablets, or suppositories that you insert into your vagina for one to seven days — depending on the product. Your provider will tell you which will work best for your condition.
Your provider may also prescribe fluconazole, an antifungal medication that's taken as a pill by mouth.
How effective is treatment?
Treatment for vaginal yeast infections is generally effective. If the treatment isn't effective, you should contact your provider for further care.
How long does it take to recover from treatment for vaginal yeast infections?
The recovery time depends on the type of treatment you're using. OTC treatments can last for one to seven days. If your yeast infection doesn't go away or you have chronic yeast infections, you may need treatment with a longer recovery time.
What if my yeast infection does not go away?
Call your provider if your vaginal yeast infection:
- Doesn’t clear up after using an OTC medication or fluconazole.
- Gets worse.
- Keeps coming back after clearing up.
You may need additional treatment, or you may have a different type of infection that needs another kind of treatment.
