What Is a Yeast Infection?
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Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of fungus. Vaginal yeast infections are typically caused by a type called Candida albicans. This yeast is commonly found in the mucous membranes lining the genitals but typically only causes problems when the healthy balance of microorganisms in the membranes is disrupted, causing too much yeast to grow.
The overgrowth of yeast causes inflammation, which can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as itching, burning, or abnormal discharge. Vaginal yeast infections are the most common type, but yeast infections can occur in other places, such as the mouth and penis.
This article will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of yeast infections.
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What Causes a Vaginal Yeast Infection?
A vaginal yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth of yeast (usually Candida albicans) in and around the vagina or vulva. Changes to the balance of microorganisms in the genital mucous membranes prompt overgrowth.
Factors that can lead to imbalance and overgrowth include:
A weakened immune system
Pregnancy
Certain medications (such as antibiotics, steroids, hormone therapy, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy)
Diabetes, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and other conditions that can affect the immune system
Stress
Sweating (yeast thrives in warm, humid conditions)
Synthetic and tight clothes that don't allow the skin to "breathe"
Washing genitals with soap
"Non-breathable" sanitary pads or panty liners
Non-Vaginal Types of Yeast Infections
Yeast infections can happen in other areas of the body, including:
Penis: Redness, scaling, and painful rash on the underside of the penis
Skinfolds or navel: Rash with redness and skin breakdown, itching or burning, patches that ooze clear fluid, pimples
Mouth (thrush): White patches on the tongue/inside of the cheeks, redness or soreness, difficulty swallowing if there is yeast in the esophagus
Corners of the mouth (angular cheilitis): Cracks and/or tiny cuts
Nail beds: Pain, swelling, pus, white or yellow nail that separates from the nail bed
Nipples: Called thrush; usually happens while breastfeeding; sore, flaky, shiny, itchy, deep pink, blistered, and/or cracked nipples, achy breast, shooting pain in the breast during or after feedings
Yeast infections aren't considered STIs, but they can be passed to a partner through vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
Your body chemistry can also react to your partner's genital yeast and bacteria during sexual activity, which may lead to a yeast overgrowth.
Friction can cause irritation that hinders healing. Some of the medications used to treat yeast infections can have oil in them, which can cause condoms to break.
Avoid having sex until your (or your partner's) yeast infection has completely healed. Also, avoid putting anything in your vagina until your treatment is fully finished.
Yeast Infection Symptoms
Vaginal yeast infections can cause symptoms such as:
Itching, burning sensation, and pain in or around the vagina
Redness and a whitish coating on the membranes that line the vagina
Red and swollen labia
Whitish-yellowish vaginal discharge that doesn't usually have a strong odor (may be watery or "chunky" like curdled milk or cottage cheese)
Pain during sex or when urinating (peeing)
Symptoms that may get worse a few days before menstruation starts
Small tears or sores on the vagina or vulva (in extreme cases)
Diagnosing Yeast Infections: How Do You Know You Have One?
To diagnose a yeast infection, your healthcare provider may:
Discuss your symptoms and medical history with you
Give you a physical exam, that may include looking inside the vagina
Take a sample of vaginal discharge, scrape off a bit of skin, or remove part of a nail, depending on the location of the infection, to examine it for yeast
Order more tests if there are repeated or severe infections to look for a cause, such as a weakened immune system
Test sexual partner(s) if yeast infections are recurrent
Treating a Yeast Infection at Home
Vaginal yeast infections can usually be treated at home with over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal medications. These come in the form of medicated creams or suppositories, placed in the vagina with an applicator.
The duration of treatment varies, but it usually takes one to six days. Follow all the directions for the product, and use all of the recommended medication, even if your symptoms have improved.
Some medications that can be used for at-home treatment of vaginal yeast infections include:
Monistat-Derm (miconazole)
Lotrimin/Mycelex/Clotrim (clotrimazole)
Vagistat-1/Monistat 1 (tioconazole)
Gynazole-1/Femstat 3 (butoconazole)
Even if you are using nonprescription medication, talk to a healthcare provider before treating yourself for a yeast infection because:
You may have a different condition, such as a bacterial infection or a STI, that requires different treatment and could cause serious problems if not properly treated.
You may be using antifungal medication too often and when you don't need it can lead to resistance to the yeast infection medication.
Some medications used for yeast infections can break down and weaken condoms and diaphragms (talk to a healthcare provider about your needs).
People who are pregnant and people under age 12 years should not use OTC yeast infection treatments without first consulting a healthcare provider.
Can a Yeast Infection Go Away Without Treatment?
Mild vaginal yeast infections can clear up on their own, but it's common for symptoms to get worse without treatment. Yeast infections in other areas of the body often require treatment to go away.
Medical Treatment for Yeast Infections
Depending on the location and severity of the yeast infection, prescription treatment may be necessary.
Oral medication, such as Diflucan (fluconazole), may be prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Treatments for yeast infections by area include:
Vagina or penis: Creams, suppositories, or sometimes oral antifungal medication
Mouth: Medicated mouthwash or lozenges
Esophagus: Oral or intravenous antifungal medications
Nails: Oral antifungal medications
Skinfolds: Antifungal powders
Risks of Untreated Yeast Infections
Vaginal yeast infections rarely cause serious complications. Having a weakened immune system, such as during cancer treatment or having a condition like HIV, can make complications more likely.
Scratching the vagina or vulva can spread inflammation to nearby tissues, such as the urethra opening (where the urine exits when you urinate). It can also make the area vulnerable to infection from other germs.
Vaginal infections during pregnancy may somewhat increase risks such as premature labor, miscarriage, or premature birth. Yeast infections could also be passed from parent to baby during birth, which could lead to diaper rash or a yeast infection in the baby's mouth.
Vaginal yeast infections typically occur during childbearing age years, rarely before puberty or after menopause.
People over age 65 years old may be more at risk for invasive (systemic) candidiasis and fungal infections. Older adults produce less saliva, often wear prosthetic dental devices, may be taking medications that affect the environment of the mouth, or may have medical conditions that affect their oral health. This can make oral yeast infections more likely. Once there is an oral yeast colonization, it can spread to the respiratory system.
Yeast infections may also be introduced into the bloodstream through indwelling (left in place) catheters which may be used by older adults in hospitals or care homes.
Some research shows that Alzheimer's disease is more common in people who have infections, including bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. It's not known if these infections can trigger or worsen Alzheimer's disease, or if people with Alzheimer's disease are more likely to pick up infections. Older adults are more susceptible to both Alzheimer's disease and infections.
When to Call a Healthcare Provider for a Yeast Infection
Signs and symptoms of yeast infections can be similar to other, more serious infections. It's best to see a healthcare provider for any symptoms of a genital infection to make sure you get a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment, reducing the risk of developing complications.
See a healthcare provider if:
This is your first time experiencing symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection.
You aren't sure if what you have is a yeast infection.
OTC medication doesn't get rid of your symptoms.
Your symptoms get worse.
Other symptoms develop.
You may have been exposed to an STI.
You have signs of a secondary bacterial infection, such as warm, reddened skin, drainage, swelling, or pain.
How Long Does It Take to Heal From a Yeast Infection?
Typically, medication is taken for one to seven days. Follow the directions that come with the product you use or your healthcare provider's instructions. In some cases, longer treatment may be needed if directed by your healthcare provider.
With medication, symptoms typically improve in a few days, but it can take about a week to cure the infection. It's important to finish your entire course of treatment, even if you feel better, to prevent the infection from coming back.
If you are still experiencing symptoms within a few days of finishing your treatment, see a healthcare provider.
How to Prevent Future Yeast Infections
You can help prevent vaginal yeast infections by:
Using unscented menstrual products
Avoiding using bubble baths, douches, fragrances, powders, and sprays in the genital area
Changing pads, tampons, and panty liners frequently
Avoiding tight underwear, pantyhose, jeans, shorts, and pants
Wearing "breathable" underwear and pantyhose with a cotton crotch area
Avoiding hot tubs and very hot baths
Changing out of wet swimsuits and sweaty clothes promptly
Wiping from front to back when using the toilet
Managing your blood sugar if you have diabetes
Cleaning your genital area with water only
Using condoms and dental dams for vaginal, oral, and anal sex
To reduce your risk of developing a yeast infection in other areas:
Floss, brush, use mouthwash, and practice good oral hygiene.
Keep skin dry and try to reduce friction in areas where skin tends to rub against skin.
Clean properly under your foreskin (if you have an uncircumcised penis), and keep it clean and dry.
Outlook
Vaginal yeast infections usually go away completely with proper treatment and rarely cause major problems.
Symptoms of vaginal yeast infections are rarely severe, but sometimes yeast infections need more intensive treatment, particularly if they happen several times a year or if the person has a weakened immune system.
