A vaginal yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida. It causes itching and burning on the skin around your vulva and can change the consistency of your vaginal discharge.
Yeast infections are common and typically not serious. They are treated with antibiotic medications and usually resolve within a few days to two weeks.
Signs and Symptoms of Yeast Infections
The most common symptoms of a mild vaginal yeast infection include the following:
Severe infections can cause a rash, swelling, and cracks in the wall of the vagina.
Causes and Risk Factors of Yeast Infections
Candida occurs naturally in the vagina and is also found in the mouth, in the digestive tract, and on the skin. Most of the time, it doesn't cause any symptoms. But if the microorganisms in your vagina become out of balance, too much yeast can grow, leading to a yeast infection.The following factors increase your risk of a yeast infection:
Pregnancy and Hormones Changes in your hormones can disrupt the balance of Candida in your vagina. This includes being pregnant, taking hormonal birth control, and your menstrual period.
Antibiotics Antibiotics that treat infections kill beneficial bacteria, which can lead to an overgrowth of Candida.
Weakened Immune System Conditions or treatments that suppress your immune system can make you more susceptible to a yeast infection.
Diabetes If your blood sugar is high, you may release excess sugar in your urine. This can encourage yeast and other bacteria to grow.
Although vaginal yeast infections are more common in women who are sexually active, they do not spread through sexual contact.
How Is a Yeast Infection Diagnosed?
Other conditions can cause symptoms similar to yeast infections, such as bacterial vaginosis (a vaginal infection caused by bacteria) and trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted infection). Because of this, it's important to see a doctor for a diagnosis if you have symptoms of a yeast infection.To diagnose a yeast infection, your doctor will perform a pelvic exam to check for these signs:
Swelling and redness on your vulva, on your cervix, and in your vagina
Cracks in the skin of your vulva
Dry, white spots on your vaginal wall
Your doctor may also take a sample of vaginal discharge to test for these situations:
The presence of Candida under a microscope
The pH (acidity level)
Fungal culture, for recurring infections or if treatments aren't effective
Treatment and Medication Options for a Yeast Infection
Vaginal yeast infections are treated with over-the-counter or prescription antifungal medications. These are either applied inside the vagina or taken by mouth. The type of medication your doctor recommends will depend on the severity of the infection.Male sex partners can also get yeast infections on the head of the penis, known as balanitis. While evidence suggests that yeast infections aren't transmitted through sexual intercourse, balanitis can be treated with topical antifungal medications.
Mild to Moderate Yeast Infections
Medications for mild or moderate yeast infections are available as creams and ointments, or as suppositories you insert into your vagina. You typically take them for three to seven days. They include these options:
miconazole (Monistat)
terconazole (Terazol)
clotrimazole (Lotrimin)
tioconazole (Gynecare)
butoconazole (Femstat)
nystatin (Mycostatin)
Severe or Recurring Yeast Infections
If your symptoms are severe or a yeast infection doesn't go away with other treatments, your doctor may prescribe an oral medication:
fluconazole (Diflucan)
oteseconazole (Vivjoa), for people who aren't pregnant and have recurring infections
ibrexafungerp (Brexafemme)
flucytosine (Ancobon)
You may take multiple doses of an oral antifungal medication for up to two weeks, then once a week for six months.
Boric acid therapy also treats yeast infections that don't respond to other treatments. It is a capsule containing boric acid that you insert into your vagina. It can be fatal if taken by mouth and is not safe for people who are pregnant.
Lifestyle Changes and Prevention of Yeast Infections
You can help prevent yeast infections and ease symptoms with the following lifestyle changes:
Wear cotton underwear.
Keep the area around your genitals clean and dry.
Avoid tight-fitting clothing.
Avoid feminine hygiene sprays, fragrances, and other products around your genitals.
Avoid douching, which can remove healthy bacteria.
Manage your blood sugar, if you have diabetes.
Avoid wearing a wet swimsuit or sweaty clothing for long periods.
Don't take antibiotics you don't need or for longer than prescribed.
How Long Does a Yeast Infection Last?
For mild yeast infections, you may need to take medication for one to seven days. If your symptoms are more severe or you have recurring yeast infections, you may need treatment for one to two weeks or longer.
Complications of Yeast Infections
Complications aren't common with yeast infections, but severe cases may cause intense burning and itching, which can lead to raw, cracked, or bleeding skin.You may also experience some side effects with antifungal treatments:
While rare, long-term use of certain antifungals may cause liver or kidney damage.
