Yeast Infections: 101

Get the Facts About Vaginal Yeast Infection Symptoms and Treatment

Of all the “down there” drama a woman has to endure, vaginal yeast infections (candidiasis) rank high on the scale.

And chances are you’ve had to deal with one yourself: Three out of every four women will have at least one yeast infection during their lifetime, and about 45 percent of women will have two or more infections. In fact, yeast infections are one of the most prevalent types of infections that strike women. Yet, despite being so common, yeast infections are still largely misunderstood. Learn more about what causes a vaginal yeast infection, signs you may have one and how to treat it.

What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?

Yeast infections are a type of vaginitis or inflammation of the vagina and vulva (the area surrounding the vagina). These infections are rarely a serious health issue, but they can cause bothersome symptoms such as:

Vaginal itching
Burning or soreness inside or around the vagina
Redness and swelling of the vulva
Thick, whitish, clumpy vaginal discharge that may resemble cottage cheese
Pain when urinating or during sex
A rash on the vulva

What causes a yeast infection?

Yeast is a type of fungus (called Candida albicans) that’s always present in small amounts in the body. It lives in the mouth, gastrointestinal tract and vagina, usually without causing any symptoms. Bacteria are also present in the vagina (and throughout the body). Acid produced by the bacteria helps keep the yeast from overgrowing. However, many different things can throw off this healthy balance. When an overgrowth of yeast cells occurs, an infection forms.

“Any woman can develop a yeast infection,” says Ingrid Rodi, MD, associate clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. And sex is rarely the culprit. Most yeast infections are caused by a weakened immune system, she explains.

Other factors can also throw off the balance of bacteria in the vagina—such as a change in the normal acidity (pH) level of the vagina or hormonal fluctuations—and bring on a yeast infection, including:

Using antibiotics, birth control pills or steroids
Menstruation
Pregnancy
Stress
Sleep deprivation
Illness
Using douches or feminine hygiene sprays
Wearing tight, poorly ventilated, synthetic underwear or pants

“Some serious medical conditions put certain women at a higher risk for infection,” adds Rodi. “The most common of these is diabetes.” High sugar levels, such as those associated with diabetes, encourages the yeast to grow.

Though not as common a culprit, bad eating habits, including eating extreme amounts of sugar, can also fuel a yeast infection.

Can I get a yeast infection from having sex, or give one to my partner?

Yeast infections are not considered a type of sexually transmitted infection (STI). (This is because yeast infections can happen in women who aren't sexually active and the candida fungus is naturally present in the vagina, along with other places in the body.)

Though it is less common, “it is possible to transmit a yeast infection through sexual contact, whether oral or genital,” cautions Ronald Woodward, MD, an ob-gyn practicing in Glendale, California, with more than 20 years of experience treating patients. In fact, 12 to 15 percent of men get an itchy rash on the tip of their penis after having unprotected sex with an infected partner, and some research shows that lesbians may have a higher risk for infection.

If I think I have a yeast infection, what should I do?

If you have symptoms of a yeast infection, call your doctor to make an appointment. Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are similar to those of some STIs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, two types of STIs that can have serious health consequences if left untreated, so getting an accurate diagnosis is key.

If you’ve previously had a yeast infection diagnosed by a doctor and your current symptoms are the same, your doctor may not need to see you in person and may just prescribe a treatment over the phone. Or your doctor may suggest you try treating the infection using an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal product.

However, if there’s any doubt that you have a yeast infection, check with your doctor. Studies show that two-thirds of women who use OTC treatments don’t really have a yeast infection. Taking the wrong medication can make your existing health condition worse. And you want to be sure you’re treating the true cause of your symptoms.

How are yeast infections diagnosed?

During your appointment, your doctor will perform a pelvic exam to look for signs of a yeast infection, such as swelling and discharge. Your doctor will also likely take a swab of fluid from your vagina and examine it under a microscope to determine if yeast is the culprit.

How are yeast infections treated?

Yeast infections are treated using OTC or prescription antifungal medications. Note that taking antifungal medication is the only way to clear up a yeast infection.

There are several different types of antifungal medicines: creams that are applied directly to the vaginal area, pills that are taken by mouth (fluconazole) or suppositories (butoconazole, miconazole, clotrimazole and tioconazole) that are inserted into the vagina.

OTC antifungal creams, ointments, tablets and suppositories are effective in clearing up most yeast infections. Some medications require a one-time application, while others involve taking the medication for three days or longer. Follow the directions on the box carefully and talk to the pharmacist if you have questions.

If your symptoms don’t go away after taking an OTC treatment, call your doctor. Sometimes a prescription oral antifungal medication is needed to successfully treat a yeast infection.

I get yeast infections often. Is that a problem?

If you have frequent yeast infections—four or more in one year—your doctor may diagnose you with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). In this case, you’ll likely need long-term, prescription treatment for up to six months to get rid of the infection. RVVC is most common in women with diabetes or weakened immune systems.

Can I have sex while I’m being treated for a yeast infection?

You should abstain from vaginal intercourse and from receiving oral sex while you are being treated for a yeast infection. This is to make sure the medicine has a chance to do its work (especially if you are using an antifungal cream or suppository) and to make sure that the infection is not passed along to your partner.

Can eating yogurt help cure a yeast infection?

“The bacteria present in yogurt inhibit the growth of yeast, and eating yogurt can definitely be helpful in preventing yeast infections,” says Woodward. “However, as a treatment for an already established infection, eating yogurt is less helpful.”

Does douching help treat a yeast infection?

Don’t fall for the myth that douching—or douching with yogurt, as some old wives’ tales have it—will treat a yeast infection. Douching can actually worsen an existing infection and raise your risk for future infections.

How can I prevent getting a yeast infection?

To help lower your chance of getting a yeast infection, practice good feminine hygiene. The following habits can keep the bacteria in your vagina balanced and help prevent yeast infections:

Don’t use douches or scented feminine products like sprays with fragrance, scented tampons or pads, or scented bubble baths.
Change pads and tampons often during your period.
Always wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom.
Wear cotton underwear.
Avoid wearing tight-fitting, synthetic underwear or pants.
Change out of swimsuits and sweaty exercise clothes as soon as you can. (Moist, humid environments are ideal for yeast growth.)
Stay out of hot tubs and very hot baths. Take a shower instead.
Don’t take antibiotics unless they’re necessary because they kill both good and bad bacteria.
If you have diabetes, HIV or AIDS, follow your care plan as prescribed by your doctor.

Jenilee Matz is a medical writer, health educator and triathlete based in Charlotte, NC.

Reviewed by Elaine Brown, MD on January 10, 2014

Sources

https://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/vaginalYeast/pages/cause.aspx

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2004/0501/p2189.html

https://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/vaginal-yeast-infections.cfm

https://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/vaginalYeast/Pages/transmission.aspx

https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/yeast-infection/DS01182

https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/male-yeast-infection/HO00172

https://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq028.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20121127T1618586533

https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/yeast-infection-thrush-oral-sex

https://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/women/women-and-diabetes-frequently-asked-questions-faq.html