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Yeast Infection

Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, Questions & Related Topics

Key Points

  • Vaginal yeast infections, or vaginal candidiasis, are a common type of vaginitis that three out of four women will experience in their lifetime, caused by an imbalance of yeast and bacteria.
  • Triggers for this imbalance can include pregnancy, certain antibiotics, uncontrolled diabetes, and sexual activity, though yeast infections are not considered sexually transmitted infections.
  • Symptoms of a yeast infection include a burning sensation during sex or urination, redness and swelling of the vulva, itching and irritation, a thick, odorless discharge, and vaginal pain.
  • Most yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter anti-fungal medicines, and some may even resolve on their own. Prevention methods include wearing cotton underwear and avoiding tight-fitting bottoms.
  • If yeast infections are recurrent or unresponsive to over-the-counter treatments, professional medical help should be sought. Testing is recommended if there's a possibility of pregnancy or an STD.

Throughout their lifetime, three out of four women will experience a vaginal yeast infection. Also known as simply a yeast infection or vaginal candidiasis, this condition is classified as a type of vaginitis, or inflammation of the vagina. The vagina organically contains a balanced mix of yeast and bacteria, and when this balance is disrupted, it can lead to a yeast infection.

This overgrowth of yeast and imbalance can be caused from a variety of things, including:

  • Pregnancy
  • Taking certain types of antibiotics
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • Sexual activity

While a yeast infection can be caused from sexual activity, it’s important to note that a yeast infection isn’t considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or STD, and you can develop a yeast infection even if you’re not sexually active.

Signs that you may have a yeast infection include:

  • A burning sensation during sex and/or while urinating
  • Redness and swelling of the vulva (the outside opening of the vagina)
  • Itching and irritation of the vulva and vagina
  • Discharge that is thick, white, and odorless
  • Vaginal pain and soreness

In most cases, yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter-medicines, such as with anti-fungal vaginal suppositories and creams. Occasionally, yeast infections can even go away on their own. Certain measures such as wearing cotton underwear and avoiding tight-fitting bottoms have been known to reduce the risk of developing the infection.

However, if you feel that you’re suffering from recurrent yeast infections, a medical professional can help. If you want to seek professional treatment for recurrent yeast infections or for a yeast infection that is not responding to over-the-counter-medicines, book an appointment at a local urgent care center. And if there is a chance you may be pregnant or have contracted an STD, get a pregnancy test and STD test sooner rather than later.

Frequently asked questions

  • What causes a vaginal yeast infection?

    Vaginal yeast infections are caused by an imbalance of yeast and bacteria in the vagina. This imbalance can be triggered by factors like pregnancy, certain antibiotics, uncontrolled diabetes, and sexual activity.
  • Are yeast infections sexually transmitted?

    No, yeast infections are not considered sexually transmitted infections. They can occur even in individuals who are not sexually active.
  • What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?

    Symptoms can include a burning sensation during sex or urination, redness and swelling of the vulva, itching and irritation, a thick, odorless discharge, and vaginal pain.
  • How can I treat a yeast infection?

    Most yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter anti-fungal medicines like vaginal suppositories and creams. Some infections may even resolve on their own.
  • How can I prevent yeast infections?

    Wearing cotton underwear and avoiding tight-fitting bottoms can help prevent yeast infections.
  • What should I do if I have recurrent yeast infections?

    If you have recurrent yeast infections or one that doesn't respond to over-the-counter treatments, it's advised to seek professional medical help.
  • When should I get tested for pregnancy or an STD in relation to a yeast infection?

    If there's a possibility of pregnancy or an STD, it's recommended to get tested as soon as possible, especially if you're experiencing symptoms of a yeast infection.

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