A vaginal yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, is a common condition. A healthy vagina contains bacteria and some yeast cells. But when the balance of bacteria and yeast changes, the yeast cells can multiply. This causes intense itching, swelling, and irritation.
Treating a vaginal yeast infection can relieve symptoms within a few days. In more severe cases, it may take up to two weeks.
Vaginal yeast infections aren’t considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Sexual contact can spread it, but women who aren’t sexually active can also get them. Once you get a yeast infection, you’re also more likely to get another one.
What are the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection?
Vaginal yeast infections have a common set of symptoms, such as:
Vaginal itching
Swelling around the vagina
Burning during urination or sex
Pain during sex
Soreness
Redness
Rash
Whitish-gray and clumpy vaginal discharge is another telltale symptom. Some people say this discharge looks like cottage cheese. Sometimes the discharge may also be watery.
Usually, the length of time your yeast infection is left untreated has a direct impact on how severe your symptoms may become.
What causes vaginal yeast infections?
The fungus Candida is a naturally occurring microorganism in the vaginal area. Lactobacillus bacteria keeps its growth in check.
But if there’s an imbalance in your system, these bacteria won’t work effectively. This leads to an overgrowth of yeast, which causes the symptoms of vaginal yeast infections.
Several factors can cause a yeast infection, including:
Antibiotics (they decrease the amount of Lactobacillus [“good bacteria”] in the vagina)
Pregnancy
Uncontrolled diabetes
Weak immune system
Poor eating habits, including a lot of sugary foods
Hormonal imbalance near your menstrual cycle
Stress
Lack of sleep
A specific kind of yeast called Candida albicans causes most yeast infections. These yeast infections are easily treatable.
If you’re having recurring yeast infections or problems getting rid of a yeast infection with conventional treatment, then a different version of Candida might be the cause. A lab test can identify what type of Candida you have.
How are vaginal yeast infections diagnosed?
Yeast infections are simple to diagnose. Your doctor will ask about your medical history. This includes whether you’ve had yeast infections before. They may also ask if you’ve ever had an STI.
The next step is a pelvic exam. Your doctor will examine your vaginal walls and cervix. They’ll also look at the surrounding area for external signs of infection.
Depending on what your doctor sees, the next step may be to collect some cells from your vagina. These cells go to a lab for examination. Lab tests are usually ordered for women who have yeast infections on a regular basis or for infections that won’t go away.
How is a vaginal yeast infection treated?
Each yeast infection is different, so your doctor will suggest a treatment that’s best for you. Treatments are generally determined based on the severity of your symptoms.
Simple infections
For simple yeast infections, your doctor will usually prescribe a one-to-three–day regimen of an antifungal cream, ointment, tablet, or suppository. These medications can be in either a prescription or and over-the-counter (OTC) form.
Common medications include:
Butoconazole (Gynazole)
Clotrimazole (Lotrimin)
Miconazole (Monistat)
Terconazole (Terazol)
Fluconazole (Diflucan)
Women with simple yeast infections should follow up with their doctors to make sure the medicine has worked.
You’ll also need a follow-up visit if your symptoms return within two months.
If you recognize that you have a yeast infection, you can also, treat yourself at home with OTC products.
Complicated infections
Your doctor will more than likely treat your yeast infection as if it were a severe or complicated case, if you:
Have severe redness, swelling, and itching that leads to sores or tears in your vaginal tissue
Have had more than four yeast infections in a year
Have an infection caused by Candida other than Candida albicans
Are pregnant
Have uncontrolled diabetes or a weak immune system from medication
Are HIV-positive
Possible treatments for severe or complicated yeast infections include:
14-day cream, ointment, tablet, or suppository vaginal treatment
Two or three doses of fluconazole (Diflucan)
Long-term prescription of fluconazole (Diflucan) taken once a week for six weeks or long-term use of a topical antifungal medication
If your infection is recurring, you may also want to see if your sexual partner has a yeast infection. Remember to use condoms when having sex if you suspect either of you has a yeast infection.
What natural and alternative treatments are available?
You can try to treat vaginal yeast infections with natural remedies if you’d like to avoid taking prescription medication, but these aren’t as effective or reliable as the indicated medications. Some popular natural remedies include:
Coconut oil
Tea tree oil cream
Garlic
Boric acid vaginal suppositories
Plain yoghurt taken orally or inserted into the vagina
Always make sure your hands are clean before applying creams or oils to your vagina.
You may also want to talk to a doctor before trying natural remedies. This is important because:
If your symptoms are due to something other than a simple yeast infection, your doctor can help diagnose your condition.
Some herbs can interact with medications you may be taking or can cause other unintended side effects.
How do you prevent vaginal yeast infections?
Take-up
Eating a well-balanced diet
Eating yoghurt or taking supplements with lactobacillus
Wearing natural fibres such as cotton, linen, or silk
Washing underwear in hot water
Replacing feminine products frequently
Avoid
Wearing tight pants, pantyhose, tights, or leggings
Using feminine deodorant or scented tampons or pads
Sitting around in wet clothing, especially bathing suits
Sitting in hot tubs or taking frequent hot baths
Douching
Often you probably know exactly what led to your yeast infection. For example, some women experience these infections every time they take antibiotics.
By recognizing your own risk factors, you can prevent future infections.
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