This is a vaginal infection that occurs due to fungi. The most common symptoms of vaginal yeast infection are irritation, discharge, and strong itchiness of the vagina and vulva (tissues at the vaginal opening), and others. This condition is also known as vaginal candidiasis. Women experience this condition at least 3-4 times during their lifetime.
Furthermore, healthcare professionals do not consider vaginal yeast infection a sexually transmitted infection (STI) nonetheless there is an elevated risk of getting it during sexual activity. Moreover, there is evidence that yeast infection is linked to oral-genital sex.
Usually, medicines are enough to treat this infection. For people who experience recurrent infections for more than 4 years consecutively, you may need a longer treatment along with a maintenance plan.
Symptoms
Women with vaginal yeast infections usually experience symptoms that are mild to moderate. For example:
- Watery vaginal discharge
- Vaginal pain, soreness, or rash
- Vulva redness and swelling
- Burning sensation (especially during urination or sexual intercourse)
- Irritation and itching of the vulva and in the vagina
What is Complicated Yeast Infection?
If you experience any of the following cases, you might have a complicated yeast infection. For example:
- Pregnancy
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Weakened immune system caused by certain medications or medical conditions (including HIV infection)
- Infection that occurs due to a rare fungus type
- You experience vaginal yeast infection more than 4 times within a year
- Symptoms such as extensive redness, itching, and swelling that provoke sores, cracks, and tears.
Talk with a doctor for more details.
Additionally, it is advised to schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional in the following cases. Examples include:
- Unexplained symptoms
- You suspect you have a yeast infection
- It is the first time you experience symptoms
- You do not respond to over-the-counter antifungal creams or suppositories
Causes
The most diagnosed vaginal yeast infections are caused by fungus candida albicans. However, the vagina contains naturally a balance of yeast (including candida and bacteria). Moreover, a specific bacteria known as lactobacillus helps to prevent yeast growth.
In case that balance is disrupted, candida overgrowth occurs, which leads to yeast infection symptoms. Check below the overgrowth causes:
- Long-term antibiotic use (provokes natural vaginal flora imbalances)
- Pregnancy
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Weakened body’s defense (immune system)
- Birth control pills or hormone therapy
However, there are other fungus types that provoke vaginal yeast infection. In such cases, the candida becomes more challenging to treat and needs more strong treatments.
Risk Factors
- Elevated estrogen levels – Women with high estrogen levels are more prone to experience vaginal yeast infection. Commonly, a female experiences increased estrogen levels during pregnancy or due to hormone therapy.
- Uncontrolled diabetes – Not controlling blood sugar also increases the risk of developing a yeast infection.
- Weakened immune system – An impaired body’s defense usually occurs due to corticosteroid therapy, HIV infection, and others.
- Antibiotics – Women are more likely to get vaginal yeast infections because antibiotics kill different bacteria including healthy ones. As a result, the overgrowth of yeast happens.
Diagnosis
Healthcare providers usually diagnose this condition by performing a pelvic examination and asking you certain questions about symptoms and medical history. In addition, they can perform some tests that help to confirm the condition. For example:
- Blood tests
- Vaginal secretions test – Your physician will send to the laboratory a sample of the vaginal fluid that helps to determine the fungus type.
Treatment
Usually, physicians prescribe different treatments for patients because it depends on the severity of the condition, cause, infection frequency, and other factors. Check below some treatments used for mild and moderate symptoms:
- Short-course vaginal therapy – This treatment involves antifungal medicines for 3-7 days. This usually is enough to get rid of the infection. These medicines come as creams, ointments, tablets, and suppositories. These include Terconazole and Miconazole.
- Single-dose oral medicine – Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. Physicians often prescribe a single dose of Fluconazole. However, if you experience more severe symptoms, you may take two single doses within three days.
In case you do not notice any improvements or symptoms return within 2 months, you may need more strong treatment. For example:
- Long-term vaginal therapy – This treatment usually lasts 14 days and thereafter once a week for 6 months.
- Multidose oral medicine – This treatment is usually used instead of vaginal therapy and involves 2-3 doses of oral medicines. Do not use any medication without your doctor’s approval or if you are pregnant.
- Azole-resistant therapy – Your healthcare provider may prescribe a boric acid capsule that is inserted into the vagina. Never use this capsule by mouth because it can be fatal.
Prevention
One way to avoid this infection is to wear cotton underwear that does not fit too tightly. Check other examples below:
- Do not wear tight-fitting pantyhose
- Scented feminine products (such as bubble baths)
- Hot tubs and baths
- Avoid misuse and unnecessary use of antibiotics
- Avoid staying in wet clothes
Consult with your healthcare professional for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there some home remedies involved in vaginal yeast infection treatment?
- Probiotic supplements
- Natural yogurt
- Garlic
- Oregano oil
- Coconut oil
- Tea tree oil
- Boric acid
- Over-the-counter medicines (including creams)
What are the main vaginal yeast infection symptoms?
Commonly, irritation and itching of the vagina and vulva and the primary symptoms of the yeast infection. Some people may experience during sexual intercourse and urinating a burning feeling.
What are vaginal yeast infection causes?
The following factors contribute to or even provoke vaginal yeast infection. Examples include:
- Pregnancy
- Stress
- Health conditions that negatively affect the body’s defense (immune system)
- Birth control pills
- Steroid medications
In case you have any other questions, ask your healthcare professional.
