Vaginal yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida. It can cause itching and burning in the skin around the vulva, and the consistency of the vaginal discharge may change. Yeast infections are common but usually not serious. These are treated with antibiotic medication and usually resolve within a few days to two weeks. Lifestyle Changes Lifestyle Changes and Preventing Yeast Infections The following lifestyle changes can help prevent yeast infections and reduce symptoms. Keep the area around your genitals clean and dry. Avoid tight-fitting clothing. Avoid placing feminine hygiene sprays, perfumes, and other products around your genitals. Avoid washing as it can remove healthy bacteria. If you have diabetes, manage your blood sugar levels. Do not wear wet swimsuits or sweaty clothing for long periods of time. Do not take antibiotics that are not necessary or for longer than prescribed. Other conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis (a vaginal infection caused by bacteria) and trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted infection), can also cause symptoms similar to yeast infections. For this reason, if you have symptoms of a yeast infection, it is important to see your doctor for diagnosis. e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c56c52fd-b616-4e4f-b9f3-349a156083da To diagnose a yeast infection, your doctor will perform a pelvic exam to check for these symptoms. Signs: e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762979ed4a72-a3d5-427f-b731-2fa39d72e6f0 Swelling and redness of the vulva, cervix, and vagina Cracking of the skin of the vulva Dry white spots on the vaginal walls Doctors may also do the following: Samples of discharge to test these situations: e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629b7074f9f-858f-4e95-9fb0-305a9e910ad5 Presence of candida under the microscope pH (acidity) Fungal culture, recurrent infection or if treatment is ineffective Duration How long does it take for a yeast infection to last? For mild yeast infections, you may need to take the medication for 1 to 7 days. If your symptoms are more severe or you have recurring yeast infections, you may need treatment for 1 to 2 weeks or longer. Treat with over-the-counter or prescription antifungal medications. These are applied vaginally or taken orally. The type of medicine your doctor recommends depends on the severity of your infection. e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629b27611dc-468e-4c66-846e-ad16f05e2293 Male sex partners can also cause a yeast infection on the head of the penis, known as balanoposthitis. Although evidence suggests that yeast infections are not transmitted through sexual intercourse, balanoposthitis can be treated with topical antifungal medications. For yeast infections, it is available as a cream or ointment, or as a suppository to be inserted into the vagina. It is usually taken for 3 to 7 days. These options include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976295238e3a1-3dc6-49db-bec4-55bfdf97d492 Miconazole (Monistat) Terconazole (Terazol) Clotrimazole (Lotrimin) Tioconazole (Gynecare) Butoconazole (Femstat) Nystatin (Mycostatin) Severe or Recurrent Yeast Infections Your doctor may prescribe oral medications if your symptoms are severe or if your yeast infection does not go away with other treatments. Drug: e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629569935ae-f3d4-4311-80ad-564ffa14d3d5 Fluconazole (Diflucan) Oteseconazole (Vivijoa), for people who are not pregnant and have recurrent infections Ibrexafungarp (Brexafem) Flucytosine (Ancobone) An oral antifungal medication that can be taken in multiple doses for up to 2 weeks and then once a week for 6 months. Boric acid therapy also treats yeast infections that do not respond to other treatments. A capsule containing boric acid is inserted into the vagina. It can be fatal if taken orally and is not safe for pregnant people. e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762950324927-bde3-470b-9275-6600baec9a15 Causes Yeast Infection Causes and Risk Factors Candida occurs naturally in the vagina and is also present in the vagina. in the mouth, in the digestive tract, and on the skin. In most cases, it does not cause any symptoms. However, when the microbial balance in the vagina is disrupted, yeast can overgrow and lead to yeast infections. e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ea0b4400-9e5e-4e89-9475-6b6831b8cee4 The following factors increase your risk of yeast infection: infection:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f7fe82ec-1417-49cd-b9c9-183aab154fed Pregnancy and Hormones Hormonal changes can disrupt the balance of candida in your vagina. This includes pregnancy, taking hormonal contraceptives, and menstrual periods. Antibiotics Antibiotics used to treat infections can kill beneficial bacteria and cause candida overgrowth. Weakened immune system Conditions or treatments that suppress the immune system can make you more susceptible to yeast infections. Diabetes High blood sugar levels can cause excess sugar to be released in the urine. This can encourage the growth of yeast and other bacteria. e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629e50254b3-2e0e-459c-b643-1d9d617199fc Vaginal yeast infections are common in sexually active women, but they are not spread through sex. contact.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629140b3b3d-7fb1-4586-a0b8-192b285888f6 Trusted Resources Cleveland Clinic: Can I have sex when I have a yeast infection? Mayo Clinic: Vaginitis Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Diabetes and Women in America’s Pregnancy Connection: Yeast Infections During Pregnancy Office of Women’s Health: Vaginal Yeast Infections Key Points Vaginal yeast infections are inflammation of the vagina caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida. It causes itching, burning sensation, and changes in vaginal discharge. Candida occurs naturally in the vagina and other parts of the body, but when it’s out of balance it can cause yeast infections. This can occur due to antibiotics, immune system suppression, diabetes, hormonal changes from pregnancy or birth control, and more. Yeast infections are treated with oral and topical antifungal medications. With treatment, yeast infections can last anywhere from a few days to more than two weeks, depending on the severity. Lifestyle changes such as maintaining proper hygiene, wearing loose, dry clothing, and controlling blood sugar levels can help prevent yeast infections. Oral antifungal medications may not be safe if you are pregnant. If you have symptoms of a yeast infection or are concerned about the side effects of antifungal medications, contact your doctor. Symptoms Yeast Infection Signs and Symptoms The most common symptoms of a mild vaginal yeast infection are: Below: e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762913e5d186-1c9f-4079-a55b-0120eae 8d69de60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976291b4e1e11-16db-426b-abae-d1dc6b574fcfVaginal itching or pain Burning Pain during intercourse Pain when urinating Thick white discharge Severe infections can cause rashes, swelling, and cracks in the vaginal walls. Complications are not common with yeast infections, but severe cases can cause severe burning and itching, and the skin may become rough, cracked, and bleed. Effects of antifungal treatment: e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976295cd91280-0cf3-457e-ae7b-075c43c6161f Gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting Headaches Abdominal pain Skin rashes Although rare, long-term use of certain antifungal drugs can damage the liver or kidneys.
