Vaginal yeast infection

Overview

Candida is a yeast that normally lives in the body, including the vagina. A yeast infection happens when it grows too much. It's one of the most common fungal infections.

Antibiotics, pregnancy, diabetes, and a weak immune system can make it more likely. Most yeast infections are mild and easy to treat.

Symptoms

Symptoms are often mild.

• Genital itching or soreness
• Thick white discharge, like cottage cheese
• Unusual vaginal discharge

Less common

• Burning when urinating
• Pain during sex
• Redness and swelling of the vulva
• Small cracks in the skin

How it usually goes

• 1 to 3 days of treatment: Itching starts to ease.
• About a week: Most infections clear.
• Within 2 months: If it comes back, get checked.

Look up a symptom: Itching

When to get medical care

Causes

Yeast infections happen when Candida yeast, which normally lives in the vagina, grows out of control.

Antibiotics, pregnancy, birth control pills, diabetes that isn't well controlled, and a weak immune system make it more likely. They are not usually spread by sex.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It usually doesn't spread from person to person.
• People get it from: hospitals or clinics (mostly in people with weak immune systems).

Who is more likely to get it

• Recent antibiotics
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes, especially with high blood sugar
• A weak immune system
• Birth control pills

Possible complications

• Bacterial vaginosis: Can look similar; needs different treatment

Diagnosis

Other infections can cause similar symptoms, so testing is a good idea, especially the first time.

Questions you may be asked

• Itching, burning, and what the discharge looks like
• Recent antibiotics
• Diabetes or pregnancy
• How often you've had yeast infections

The exam

A pelvic exam to look for redness, swelling, and discharge.

Tests

Tests are quick:

• Discharge test: A sample is checked under a microscope for yeast.
• Culture: If infections keep coming back, to find the type of yeast.

Treatment

Antifungal medicine treats yeast infections. Many are sold without a prescription.

Self-care

• Use the full course of cream or suppositories, even if you feel better
• Keep the area clean and dry; rinse with water, not soap
• Wear cotton underwear and loose clothes
• Don't douche
• Avoid sex until treatment is done

Medicines

Antifungal creams and suppositories are sold over the counter. A pill needs a prescription.

Over-the-counter treatment is best if you've had a yeast infection diagnosed before and the symptoms are the same.

If symptoms don't go away or come back within 2 months, see your healthcare professional. Severe or repeat infections may need longer treatment or weekly preventive medicine.

How it compares

Prevention

You can lower the chance:

• Wear cotton underwear and change out of wet clothes quickly
• Don't douche or use scented products
• Keep blood sugar in control if you have diabetes
• Take antibiotics only when needed

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a gynecologist (OB-GYN).

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Pregnancy: Yeast infections are common in pregnancy. Use a 7-day cream; don't take fluconazole pills.
• Girls under 12: Over-the-counter vaginal products are for ages 12 and up. See a healthcare professional.
• Partners: Partners usually don't need treatment, but some men get itching or a rash on the penis and can use an antifungal cream.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Most yeast infections clear in about a week with treatment. Some people get them often and need longer treatment.

Getting ready for your visit

Avoid vaginal creams for a few days before, if you can.

What to bring

• What products you've already tried
• Recent antibiotics or other medicines
• Whether you have diabetes or could be pregnant

Questions to ask

• Is this a yeast infection or something else?
• Cream or pill: which is better for me?
• Why do I keep getting these?
• Does my partner need treatment?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Vaginal yeast infection