What is a vaginal yeast infection?
- Cause
- Overgrowth of Candida yeast
- Is it an STI?
- No
- Typical treatment
- Antifungal treatment
- Recurrent if
- Four or more infections in a year
Small amounts of yeast called Candida normally live in the vagina without causing problems. A yeast infection happens when something upsets the balance and Candida, usually Candida albicans, overgrows.
It is one of the most common causes of vaginal itching. It isn't a sexually transmitted infection, though sex can sometimes trigger symptoms.
Most yeast infections clear up quickly with antifungal treatment. Frequent infections, four or more a year, need a closer look.
Yeast infection symptoms
Symptoms can be mild or intense, and often include:
- Itching and irritation of the vagina and vulva
- Burning, especially when you urinate or during sex
- Redness and swelling of the vulva
- Thick, white discharge that looks like cottage cheese, with little or no odor
- Soreness, or small cracks in the skin
NoteA fishy odor with thin gray discharge points to bacterial vaginosis, and frothy yellow-green discharge suggests trichomoniasis. Both need different treatment.
What triggers yeast infections
- Antibiotics
- They can kill the protective bacteria that keep yeast in check.
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Higher blood sugar helps yeast grow.
- A weakened immune system
- From illness or medications such as steroids.
- Warmth and moisture
- Staying in damp clothes or swimsuits can encourage overgrowth.
Getting the diagnosis right
Many people assume vaginal itching is a yeast infection, but BV, trichomoniasis and skin irritation can feel similar. Treating the wrong condition delays relief.
Providers often recognize a yeast infection from your symptoms, especially if you've had one diagnosed before. An exam and a swab can confirm it, and a culture helps with infections that keep coming back.
Treating a yeast infection
Uncomplicated yeast infections respond well to short antifungal treatment, either a single oral pill or a cream or suppository used inside the vagina.
| Antifungal treatment | Your provider recommends the right option |
|---|---|
| Recurrent infections | A longer initial course, followed by weekly maintenance treatment for 6 months |
Feeling better faster
- Finish the full treatment, even if you feel better sooner
- Wear loose, breathable cotton underwear
- Avoid douches, scented soaps and sprays
- Hold off on sex until symptoms have cleared
- Contact a provider if symptoms haven't improved within a few days of finishing treatment
Is an online yeast infection visit right for you?
Online care is often a good fit if you:
- Have had a yeast infection diagnosed before and recognize the symptoms
- Have mild to moderate symptoms
- Want a provider's advice on treatment
Testing or in-person care is better if you:
- Are having symptoms for the first time
- Get four or more infections a year
- Have fever, pelvic pain, sores or blisters
How PulseCareMD can help
A PulseCareMD visit lets a licensed provider review your symptoms privately and help make sure you're treating the right thing. Your visit fee covers the consultation.
Describe your symptoms
Answer private questions about itching, discharge and past infections.
A provider reviews it
A licensed provider makes sure your symptoms fit a yeast infection, not BV or an STI. Many visits are reviewed within 2–3 hours.
Get your treatment plan
Your provider will explain your treatment plan, or give advice on testing.
Preventing yeast infections
If you're prone to yeast infections, these habits may help:
Use antibiotics only when needed
And mention past yeast infections when you're prescribed them.
Manage blood sugar
If you have diabetes, good control lowers your risk.
Change out of damp clothes
Swap wet swimsuits and sweaty workout clothes promptly.
Skip douching
It disrupts the natural balance of the vagina.
Frequently asked questions
When to get prompt care
Seek in-person care if vaginal symptoms come with:
- Fever or chills
- Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
- Sores, blisters or ulcers
- Symptoms that keep returning despite treatment