If you have burning, itching, and an abnormal discharge, you may have a vaginal yeast infection.
They're caused by a fungus called candida — a yeast normally present in small numbers in the vagina. But when the balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina is altered, the yeast may overgrow.
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Doctors define a vaginal yeast infection as an infection in the vagina caused by a yeast called candida. Candida is a type of fungus found on the skin and inside the body in places such as the intestinal tract, mouth, throat, and vagina.
Normally, candida doesn’t cause problems. But when something changes that encourages its growth, candida can multiply and cause an infection.
Other names for a vaginal yeast infection are candidal vaginitis, vaginal candidiasis, and vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Vaginal candidiasis is very common. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 75% of women will have at least one yeast infection in their lifetime, and 40% to 45% will have two or more.
In most cases of a vaginal yeast infection, the exact cause isn't known. But certain conditions can encourage an overgrowth of yeast.
These include:
People who are sexually active are more likely to get yeast infections because sex introduces new bacteria into the vagina. However, yeast infections are not sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you have a vaginal yeast infection, your partner didn't give it to you and doesn't need to be treated for it.
You're more likely to get a vaginal yeast infection if you:
If left untreated, candidiasis can cause complications, including:
The best way to prevent vaginal yeast infections is to preserve the delicate balance of organisms in your vagina.
Ways to reduce your risk of a vaginal yeast infection include:
However, despite your best efforts, you may still get a yeast infection. Most yeast infections happen on their own, not due to hygiene or other personal habits.
Some people tend to get yeast infections every time they take an antibiotic for other types of infections. If you’re one of them, talk to your ob-gyn or women's health provider about treating a yeast infection preventively next time you’re prescribed an antibiotic. Antifungal medication can counter the effects of the antibiotic on your vaginal organisms.
The most common symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are itching and burning of the vulva — the outside visible part of your genitals, including the labia (lips), clitoris, vaginal opening, and the urethral opening (where urine comes out). The vulva may be red and swollen, and the burning may be worse when you pee or have sex.
Yeast infections can also cause an increase or change in vaginal discharge. Discharge may be white and lumpy, like cottage cheese, and have no odor. Sometimes, though, yeast infections cause no change to your discharge.
Symptoms of vaginal yeast infection are usually mild. However, some people get severe infections that cause redness, swelling, and cracks in the wall of the vagina.
If you notice a change in your discharge or have other symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection, tell your doctor.
Even if you've had a yeast infection before, it may be a good idea to let your ob-gyn know before using an over-the-counter OTC medication. Yeast infection symptoms are similar to those of other types of vaginal infections, and you might have a different type of infection that won't respond to medication for candidiasis.
If this is the first time you've had vaginal yeast infection symptoms, you should see your health care provider.
Your doctor will ask about your yeast infection symptoms, including:
They may also do a pelvic exam and test a sample of the vaginal discharge. The sample will be examined under a microscope in the office or sent to a pathology lab for a fungal culture.
The usual treatment for a vaginal yeast infection is an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal medication. OTC yeast infection treatments are safe and often effective when you're sure you have a yeast infection.
OTC treatments are creams, tablets, or suppositories that you insert into your vagina for one to seven days — depending on the product. Your doctor will tell you which will work best for your condition.
Your doctor may also prescribe a single dose of fluconazole, an antifungal medication that's taken as a pill by mouth.
Call your doctor if your vaginal yeast infection:
You may need additional treatment, like more doses of oral fluconazole or other medicines applied inside the vagina, such as boric acid, flucytosine, and nystatin.
Last reviewed by a UPMC medical professional on 2024-09-05.
