Patient education: Vulvovaginal yeast infection (The Basics)

What is a vulvovaginal yeast infection? — This is an infection that causes itching and irritation of the vulva, the outer lips of the vagina (figure 1). The infection is usually caused by a fungus called "Candida." (Yeast are a type of fungus.)

What causes yeast infections? — The fungus that causes yeast infections normally lives in the vagina and the gut. Even though the yeast are there, they do not usually cause symptoms. Certain medicines (especially antibiotics), stress, and other things can cause the fungus to grow more than it should. When that happens, a yeast infection can start.

Your risk of getting a yeast infection is higher if you:

●Have diabetes

●Are pregnant

●Have a weaker-than-normal immune system

Yeast infections are not usually spread through sex.

What are the symptoms of a yeast infection? — Symptoms include:

●Itching of the vulva (this is the most common symptom)

●Pain, redness, or irritation of the vulva and vagina

●Pain when you urinate

●Pain during sex

●Abnormal vaginal discharge, which might be thick and white or thin and watery

The symptoms of a yeast infection are a lot like the symptoms of many other conditions. The best way to find out what is causing your symptoms is to see your doctor or nurse. This way, you can get the right treatment.

Is there a test for yeast infection? — Yes. Your doctor or nurse will use a swab to get a sample of fluid from your vagina. Then, they will put it under a microscope and look for the fungus that causes yeast infections. Sometimes, they might do a test to find out which type of yeast you have.

Depending on your situation, your doctor or nurse might do other tests on your vaginal fluid, too. One common test checks for yeast infections as well as bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis. These are other infections that can also cause itching and irritation.

How are yeast infections treated? — Yeast infections are treated with medicines. All medicines for yeast infections work by killing the fungus that causes the infections. They come in different forms:

●A pill you take by mouth

●Medicines you put in your vagina and on your vulva – These come as creams or tablets. This is the preferred treatment for pregnant people.

When will I feel better? — You will probably feel better within a few days of starting treatment. If you do not get better after you finish treatment, see your doctor or nurse again. You might need to take more medicine or a different medicine.

What if I get yeast infections often? — Tell your doctor or nurse. They can help find out whether your symptoms are caused by a yeast infection and, if so, which type of yeast. There are a few different types of yeast, and they respond to different treatments. Plus, the same symptoms that you get with a yeast infection can sometimes be caused by other types of infections, an allergy, or other problems. If you get frequent infections, you might need a different treatment than what you tried in the past.

When should I call the doctor? — Call your doctor or nurse for advice if your symptoms do not get better after treatment. It might take up to a week for symptoms to improve.

More on this topic

Patient education: Bacterial vaginosis (The Basics)
Patient education: Vaginitis in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Vaginitis in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Trichomoniasis (The Basics)
Patient education: Vaginal discharge (The Basics)
Patient education: Vulvar pain (The Basics)
Patient education: Vulvar itching (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use vaginal medicines (The Basics)

Patient education: Vaginal yeast infection (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Bacterial vaginosis (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Vaginal discharge in adult women (Beyond the Basics)