Vaginal Yeast Infection

If you have 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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On this page:  

• What Is a Vaginal Yeast Infection?  
• What Are the Symptoms of a Vaginal Yeast Infection?  
• How Do You Diagnose a Vaginal Yeast Infection? 
• How Do You Treat a Vaginal Yeast Infection?  

What Is a Vaginal Yeast Infection?  

Doctors define a vaginal yeast infection as an infection in the vagina caused by a yeast called candida. 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 an infection.

Other names for a vaginal yeast infection are candidal vaginitis, vaginal candidiasis, and 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.

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.
• Hormones — Hormonal contraceptives or an imbalance when you're period is about to begin.
• Medications — Antibiotics often kill normal vaginal bacteria that keep yeast in check, enabling yeast to overgrow.
• Pregnancy — Pregnancy hormones increase the risk of yeast infections.
• Certain products — Douches, feminine washes, spermicides, soaps, powders, and deodorants can all cause irritation.
• Weakened immune system — Yeast can overgrow if the immune system isn’t working properly. In people with HIV, yeast infections may be severe and recur despite treatment.
• Wearing 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 because sex introduces new bacteria into the vagina. However, yeast infections are not sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you have a vaginal yeast infection, your partner didn't give it to you and doesn't need to be treated for it.

What are yeast infection risk factors and complications?  

Risk factors for yeast infection

You're more likely to get a vaginal yeast infection if you:

• Are pregnant.
• Are taking or have recently taken an antibiotic.
• Have a weakened immune system.
• Have diabetes.
• Take certain medicines, such as steroids or chemotherapy.
• Take the birth control pill or other hormonal contraceptives.

Complications of vaginal yeast infection  

If left untreated, candidiasis can cause complications, including:

• Infertility.
• Painful sores.
• Skin infections, such as cracks or open sores.
• Premature birth or miscarriage in pregnant women.
• Transmission of the yeast infection to a baby during childbirth.
• Sepsis, a systemic infection that involves other organs and can be deadly.

How can I prevent vaginal yeast infection?

The best way to prevent vaginal yeast infections is to preserve the delicate balance of organisms in your vagina.

Ways to reduce your risk of a vaginal yeast infection include:

• Cleanse your vulva area gently with warm water. Mild soap is OK, but not necessary, and should never be used in your vagina.
• Eat more yogurt or take a probiotic to boost healthy bacteria levels in your gut. Look for yogurt that contains live and active cultures.
• Keep your vulva area dry. Change out of wet clothes quickly after swimming or working out. Towel-dry completely after you bathe or shower.
• Stop douching, or don’t start. The vagina is a self-cleaning organ. Douches can upset the healthy balance of organisms in your vagina, enabling bacteria and fungi to grow.
• Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed. Finish the full course of the prescription even if your symptoms clear up quickly or if the medication doesn’t seem to be working right away.
• Use condoms during sex to prevent new organisms from entering your vagina.
• Wash reusable applicators, cervical caps, diaphragms, menstrual cups, and anything inserted into the vagina in warm soapy water after every use.
• Wear all-cotton or cotton-crotch underwear. Cotton is more breathable than synthetic fabrics.

However, despite your best efforts, you may still get a yeast infection. Most yeast infections happen on their own, not due to hygiene or other personal habits.

Yeast infections from antibiotics

Some people tend to get yeast infections every time they take an antibiotic for other types of infections. If you’re one of them, talk to your ob-gyn or women's health provider about treating a yeast infection preventively next time you’re prescribed an antibiotic. Antifungal medication can counter the effects of the antibiotic on your vaginal organisms.

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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 have no odor. 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?

If you notice a change in your discharge or have other symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection, tell your doctor.

Even if you've had a yeast infection before, it may be a good idea to let your ob-gyn know before using an over-the-counter OTC medication. Yeast infection symptoms are similar to those of other types of vaginal infections, and you might have a different type of infection that won't respond to medication for candidiasis.

If this is the first time you've had vaginal yeast infection symptoms, you should see your health care provider.

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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.

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How Do You Treat a Vaginal Yeast Infection?  

The usual treatment for a vaginal yeast infection is an over-the-counter (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 doctor will tell you which will work best for your condition.

Your doctor may also prescribe a single dose of fluconazole, an antifungal medication that's taken as a pill by mouth.

What if my yeast infection does not go away?

Call your doctor if your vaginal yeast infection:

• Doesn’t clear up after using an OTC medication or dose of fluconazole.
• Gets worse.
• Keeps coming back after clearing up.

You may need additional treatment, like more doses of oral fluconazole or other medicines applied inside the vagina, such as boric acid, flucytosine, and nystatin.

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By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2024-09-05.