Each year, over one million women in the United States will have a vaginal yeast infection, making it a very common but uncomfortable condition. In fact, three out of four women will have one at some point in their life.
What Is a Vaginal Yeast Infection?
Yeast infections happen due to a loss of chemical balance that causes the candida, a fungus or yeast that lives in your mouth, digestive tract, and vagina, to multiply rapidly. This can happen for a variety of reasons. We will break down the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments below.
Causes of a Vaginal Yeast Infection
When there is an overgrowth of candida that lives in your body, you can develop a yeast infection. If it develops in your mouth, it’s known as thrush. If it develops in your vagina, it’s called a vaginal yeast infection. There are a variety of reasons that can cause an overgrowth of candida:
- Antibiotics – Though these medications can do a great job of treating a bacterial infection, they can also kill the good bacteria. This can throw off the candida balance and cause a yeast infection.
- Pregnancy – As a woman goes through pregnancy, her changing hormones can cause disruptions to the candida balance.
Hormonal Contraceptives – taking additional hormones can affect the balance and cause a yeast infection.
- Diabetes – Sugar content is much higher in the urine of a diabetic individual and can affect the levels of candida.
- Diet High in Refined Carbohydrates – As one of the most common causes, too much sugar from soda, candy, and processed convenience foods can change the candida balance.
- Weakened Immune System – Having a disease, such as HIV or AIDS, and the medications you need to take for that disease can suppress your immune system. Stress also weakens the immune system and can be a cause.
- Tight or Wet Clothing – Wearing tight clothing, underwear that doesn’t breathe, or not changing out of damp clothing following a swim or workout can increase the moisture and thus the multiplication of the candida.
- Intercourse with an Infected Partner – Though this is not considered a sexually transmitted infection, an infected partner can pass it to the other.
Symptoms of a Vaginal Yeast Infection
There are a variety of symptoms associated with vaginal yeast infections, but these symptoms can also mimic other infections or conditions. It is best to get your symptoms checked out by a provider for a proper diagnosis. A few of the more common symptoms include:
- Itchy feeling in the vagina and/or vulva
- Thick, white vaginal discharge
- Redness, swelling, and rash of the vagina and vulva
- Small cuts or cracks in the skin of the vulva
- Burning feeling when you urinate
Diagnosing and Treating a Vaginal Yeast Infection
Diagnosis
A healthcare provider is the best professional to diagnose a yeast infection properly. A patient will need to make an appointment upon noticing symptoms that persist or become uncomfortable.
At the appointment, the provider will gather information about your health history and perform an exam to assess your concerns. A sample of vaginal discharge may be obtained for examination and further testing.
Treatment
Once it has been determined that a woman has a yeast infection, there are a few treatment options. A vaginal yeast infection is treated with an antifungal medication to combat the overgrowth of candida.
- Vaginal Medications – A provider will recommend the medication to be used vaginally for three to seven days to clear up the yeast infection and correct the candida balance. These medications are available in creams, ointments, and vaginal suppositories. These can be either prescribed or purchased at a pharmacy over-the-counter.
- Oral Medication – An oral medication is a second option for treatment; however, this is available by prescription only and is not recommended for pregnant women.
Often a vaginal yeast infection can be treated with over-the-counter medications. If you have had a yeast infection before and are confident you are having similar symptoms, this can be a reasonable first option. However, if your symptoms are not due to a yeast infection, the medication won’t work, and it’s best to be evaluated by your provider.
Preventing a Vaginal Yeast Infection
Like the causes of a yeast infection, there are certain things a woman can do to help prevent vaginal yeast infections from happening.
- Wear breathable underwear; cotton is the best choice.
- Keep clothing looser and limit tight-fitting clothing like yoga pants, tights, and pantyhose.
- Avoid douching and using scented deodorants and tampons in the vaginal area. Douching can kill the good bacteria and scented deodorants and tampons introduce new chemicals to the area.
- Change out of wet or sweaty clothes after activities to keep the area free from extra moisture.
- Always wipe your genital areas from front to back.
- Manage your diabetes—be sure to keep an eye on blood sugar levels to keep it under control.
- Use antibiotics only when necessary.
If you are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms and believe you have a vaginal yeast infection, contact us today.
Our caring providers can ensure you get the care you need by providing a proper diagnosis and the best course of treatment.