A yeast infection is a type of fungal infection that affects the vagina. Also known as vaginal candidiasis or vulvovaginal candidiasis, this type of infection causes a number of uncomfortable symptoms and is a common women’s health issue. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there are around 1.4 million outpatient visits for vaginal yeast infections in the U.S. every year. Fortunately, it can be effectively treated with the right medications. Learn more about yeast infections to find out what causes them, what symptoms they trigger, and how to avoid this type of infection.
Causes of Yeast Infections
Yeast is the name used to describe a certain kind of fungus. The fungus that causes a yeast infection is called candida, and it’s found naturally in the body. Most of the time, your body naturally balances out the yeast that’s present in your vagina with healthy bacteria. But sometimes, that balance can become disrupted, allowing the yeast to grow rapidly.
As the overgrowth of candida continues, it starts to penetrate deeper into the vaginal cell layers. This is what causes the symptoms of a yeast infection.
Most yeast infections are caused by a type of fungus called Candida albicans. These infections are generally very easy to treat. However, there are some types of candida which require more aggressive forms of treatment to get rid of.
Vaginal Yeast Infection Symptoms
When you get a yeast infection, it’s usually very easy to spot. The symptoms come on quickly and are quite noticeable, though they are generally quite mild or moderate in nature. The most common symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include:
- Itching, irritation, redness, and swelling in the vulva and vagina
- Burning sensations when urinating or having vaginal intercourse
- Odor-free vaginal discharge with a thick, white, cottage cheese-like appearance
- Soreness, pain, and rash in the vagina
While unpleasant to experience, symptoms of a typical yeast infection are not harmful to your health as long as you seek treatment after they appear. In rare cases, a yeast infection can be more severe. This could cause small cuts, cracks, or sores to develop on the vulva.
When to See a Doctor
If you get yeast infections somewhat regularly and you feel confident that’s what you have, you may be able to treat your infection with an over-the-counter antifungal medication. However, most people should see a doctor if they suspect they have a yeast infection. Your doctor can provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment depending on what they find during your examination.
You should also see a doctor if you have any signs of a complicated yeast infection, such as:
- Being pregnant
- Having uncontrolled diabetes or a weakened immune system
- Exhibiting severe symptoms
- Getting yeast infections four or more times in a year
How Are Vaginal Yeast Infections Treated?
If you are diagnosed with a yeast infection, your doctor will likely recommend one of two treatment options:
- An antifungal medication, which is taken for three to seven days. This may be applied as a cream, ointment, or suppository.
- A prescription medication called fluconazole (Diflucan). This is a single-dose oral medication, although a second dose can be prescribed if symptoms are more severe.
In some cases, a doctor may prescribe a different type of therapy to treat yeast infections, but this is usually reserved for more serious cases or for women who are struggling with recurring yeast infections.
What Are the Risk Factors for Yeast Infections?
As you learned above, yeast infections are caused when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina (known as vaginal flora) becomes disrupted. So the key to understanding what causes yeast infections is knowing what has the potential to cause an imbalance. You’re more likely to get a yeast infection if one or more of the following factors apply to you:
- Taking antibiotics: Antibiotics are used to fight bacterial infections. But when you take them, it can potentially disrupt your vaginal flora. That’s why it’s important to only take antibiotics when prescribed, and to always follow the instructions given to you by your doctor.
- A weakened immune system: A weak immune system, which can be caused by diseases like HIV or AIDS, puts you at an increased risk for many types of infections, including yeast infections.
- Changes in hormone levels: When there are shifts in your hormones, it can potentially affect the balance of candida in the vagina. The risk for this is higher due to circumstances like pregnancy or using hormonal contraception (birth control).
- Having diabetes: Diabetes can cause extra sugar to build up in the urine, which can affect the bacterial balance in the vagina.
How to Prevent Yeast Infections
Want to reduce your risk of getting a yeast infection? Try these tips to keep your vaginal flora balanced and healthy so yeast won’t grow out of control and cause symptoms to develop:
Don’t douche. You don’t need to clean your vagina — it does that naturally all on its own! Vaginal douches and other products like vaginal sprays are unnecessary and can potentially disrupt bacteria levels, so avoid using them. To wash your genital area, use warm, soapy water on the vulva area only.
Wear cotton underwear. Cotton allows for better breathability, which is good for your vaginal flora. Underwear made from other materials like nylon can potentially trap heat and moisture in the area, which creates more opportunities for yeast to grow and thrive.
Avoid tight clothing. When your pants, shorts, or leggings fit close to the body, it has the same affect as underwear made from certain synthetic materials. Wear things that are looser, and if you do want to wear tight pants, only do it sparingly.
Get out of wet clothes. Sitting around in wet clothes or a wet swimsuit can potentially create a breeding ground for yeast. Change out of clothes when they get wet and use moisture-wicking materials when you work out to minimize sweat and irritation in the genital area.
Although yeast infections are certainly no fun to deal with, they’re typically very easy to treat. Taking good care of yourself, living a healthy lifestyle, and practicing good hygiene habits are all great ways to reduce your chances of having to deal with a yeast infection.
