Douching is the method of cleaning or washing the vagina with fluids like water and chemicals. About 20% of women aged 15-44 douche. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, douching is linked to vaginal irritation, vaginal dryness, infertility, STDs, and vaginal infections like yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, and pelvic inflammatory diseases. Women who douche are five times more likely to have a vaginal infection than women who do not douche. Vaginal sprays and other vaginal products, which are meant to be healthy, can sometimes contain harmful chemicals that cause yeast infection and other types of vaginitis. Avoid douching and using sprays on your vagina to reduce the risk of yeast infections. I go deeper on this in my guide to douching and freshening up.
HEALTH & LIFESTYLE
SEVEN THINGS TO KNOW AND DO FOR A YEAST INFECTION
Dec 03, 2022
Quick Answer
A vaginal yeast infection is an overgrowth of Candida, a yeast that normally lives in the vagina. It causes itching, burning, and thick, white, odor-free discharge. It is common, it is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), and it is treated with antifungal creams, suppositories, or an oral pill. Because bacterial vaginosis (BV) and STIs can look similar, get a diagnosis if this is your first infection or you are unsure.
Key Takeaways
- At least 3 out of 4 women will have a yeast infection in their lifetime.
- Yeast infections are not STIs, but they can pass between partners.
- Symptoms overlap with BV and STIs, and many women who buy yeast medicine do not actually have a yeast infection.
- Treatment ranges from a single dose to a seven-day course, and pregnancy changes which treatments are safe.
- See a provider if it is your first time, you are not sure, you are pregnant, or it does not clear or keeps coming back.
You have probably heard about vaginal yeast infection, and you may have experienced one or more yeast infections in your lifetime. Although yeast infections are no fun, they are common among women. A vaginal yeast infection is a common type of vaginitis, a condition which causes discharge, burning, irritation, and itchiness in the vagina and vulva (tissue at vaginal opening). Vaginal yeast infections are also known as vulvovaginal candidiasis or vaginal candidiasis, named after candida albicans, the pathogen that causes yeast infections. Here are seven things you might not know about vaginal yeast infections, followed by what to do next. If discharge color is what brought you here, my guide to vaginal discharge colors and meaning covers that side of it.
Photo by Miriam Alonso on Pexels.
1. Yeast Infections are more common than you think
Vaginal yeast infections occur in about one million women in the United States every year. This kind of infection is the second most common type of vaginitis. It is estimated that at least 75% of women (3 out of 4 women) will get a vaginal yeast infection at least once in their lifetime. Many women experience two or more episodes of yeast infections. The yeast infection can happen at any time with no warning; however, it is typically rare before puberty and after menopause.
2. It's true that yeast infections can sometimes resolve on their own
Although vaginal yeast infections are very common and can occur at any time, some mild infections do ease on their own. That said, I do not suggest waiting it out unless you already know it is yeast. The CDC notes that self-diagnosis is not reliable, even for women who have had a yeast infection before. If you are unsure of the cause of your symptoms or you are pregnant, you should see a doctor to properly diagnose your symptoms before treatment. Vaginal yeast infections are treated with anti-fungal vaginal creams, vaginal suppositories, or oral medication. I explain your options in my guide to yeast infection treatment.
3. It is caused by an overgrowth of natural vaginal yeast
The vagina contains a healthy mix of bacteria and yeast. The most common bacterial, lactobacillus acidophilus, keeps things in balance. Occasionally, an imbalance occurs between the yeast and bacteria, causing an overgrowth of the fungus candida albicans, which is responsible for most vaginal yeast infections. Overgrowth of yeast cells can result from:
- hormonal changes (which can occur during pregnancy)
- use of oral contraceptives or antibiotics
- hormone therapy (which increases estrogen levels)
- a weak immune system
- normal changes in your menstrual cycle
- a reaction to another person’s genital chemistry
- uncontrolled diabetes.
Symptoms of vaginal yeast infection can be mild to moderate and can include vaginal itching, irritation, burning sensation, soreness, pain, discharge, rash, redness, swelling, and thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance.
Photo by Merve Taşdemir on Pexels.
4. While yeast infections are not a sexually transmitted infection they can be sexually contagious
Most people want to know if yeast is a sexual transmitted infection (STI), especially since the symptoms of a yeast infection can mimic certain STIs. Yeast is not considered an STI since you can get yeast without ever having sex. However, you can get a yeast infection from your partner through vaginal, oral, or anal sex. People can also get yeast on their mouth, tongue, and throat, and this is typically known as thrush. Yeast infection from sex occurs when the natural genital yeast and bacteria of sexual partners mix. One person could have a reaction to the other person’s natural body pathogens, leading to an overgrowth in their own yeast cells. Condoms can reduce the risk of passing on a yeast infection during sex.
Because the symptoms overlap, it helps to know the look-alikes. I cover them in my guides on sex and bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and chlamydia.
5. Men can also get yeast infections
Men can also get yeast infections. Even though this is rare, when it does happen, it can appear as redness and irritation on the penis or scrotum. If you have yeast and have unprotected sex with a man, his chances of getting a yeast infection are low. Just about 15% of men exposed to yeast infection will get an itchy rash on the penis with the risk being highest in uncircumcised men or men with diabetes. If your sexual partner is a woman, they might have a yeast infection and should be tested and treated appropriately. If you have vaginal yeast infection, it is best to wait until all your symptoms have resolved before having any kind of sex.
Photo by Monstera Production on Pexels.
6.Douching and vaginal sprays can cause yeast infection
7. Preventative care can reduce the risk of infection
Although you might not be able to prevent all yeast infections, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk of getting a yeast infection. Wear breathable underwear, avoid douching, limit hot tubs and baths, change pads and tampons frequently when on your period, keep things loose around your pants, always wipe front to back after using the bathroom, take antibiotics only when necessary, and manage your diabetes. Yogurt with active cultures may also help maintain a natural balance of good bacteria and yeast in your body, although the evidence is not conclusive. If you are curious about probiotics, my guide to choosing the right probiotics for yeast infections walks through what is worth trying.
Is It Yeast, BV, or Something Else?
When patients ask me whether it is yeast, I start with the discharge and the itch. These are the usual patterns, but a provider has to confirm.
- Yeast infection. Thick, white, curdy discharge with little or no smell, plus itching, burning, redness, and swelling, according to womenshealth.gov.
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV). Thin white or gray discharge with a strong fish-like odor, especially after sex. Many people with BV have no symptoms, the CDC says.
- Trichomoniasis. Clear, white, yellowish, or greenish discharge, sometimes with a fishy smell. About 70% of people with it have no symptoms, according to the CDC.
Color alone cannot settle it. My guide to vaginal discharge colors and meaning walks through each shade, and my guide to what not to do with a yeast infection covers the mistakes I see most.
What To Do If You Think You Have a Yeast Infection
The title promises things to do, so here is the order I walk my patients through.
- Confirm it first. Itching and thick white discharge point toward yeast, but self-diagnosis is not reliable, even if you have had a yeast infection before. If this is your first episode or you are unsure, see a provider.
- Choose a treatment that fits your situation. Over-the-counter antifungal creams, tablets, and suppositories, such as miconazole or clotrimazole, come in courses from a single dose to seven days. A provider can also prescribe fluconazole (Diflucan), an antifungal pill taken as a single dose. The CDC lists the full treatment options.
- Finish the full course. Stopping when the itching fades can leave the infection behind.
- Protect your condoms. Oil-based creams and suppositories can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms.
- Skip the irritants. Do not douche, and avoid scented sprays, bubble bath, and scented pads or tampons while you heal.
- Follow up if it does not clear. The CDC advises an exam if symptoms persist after over-the-counter treatment or return within two months.
If you are pregnant, do not treat it on your own. The CDC recommends only topical antifungal creams or suppositories for seven days during pregnancy, and womenshealth.gov advises against oral fluconazole because it may cause birth defects. My guides on yeast infections during pregnancy and what actually works at home go further.
When To See a Doctor
I always lead with this because it matters. Most yeast infections are simple to treat, but a few situations need a provider.
Make an appointment with your OB/GYN or provider if
- This is your first suspected yeast infection, or you are not sure it is yeast
- Symptoms do not clear after over-the-counter treatment, or they return within two months
- You have three or more yeast infections in one year, which the CDC calls recurrent
- You are pregnant
- You have diabetes or a weakened immune system
- Your discharge is gray, green, or yellow, or it smells fishy or foul
- Your partner has symptoms such as an itchy rash
Get care right away if you also have
- Fever
- Pain in your pelvis or belly, which can signal a more serious infection such as pelvic inflammatory disease
You do not have to figure this out alone, sis. A quick exam can save you weeks of guessing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if it's a yeast infection or BV?
Yeast infections usually cause intense itching and thick, white, curdy discharge with little or no smell. BV usually causes thin white or gray discharge with a fish-like odor and often little itching. Symptoms overlap, so a provider can confirm which one you have with a simple exam and test, according to the CDC.
Does a yeast infection have a smell?
Usually little or none. Thick white discharge with no strong odor is the classic yeast pattern. A strong fishy or foul odor points toward BV, trichomoniasis, or another infection, so get checked instead of treating it as yeast.
How long does a yeast infection take to clear up?
It depends on the treatment. Over-the-counter creams and suppositories come in courses from one dose to seven days, and a prescribed oral pill is a single dose. Severe infections may need a longer course or a second dose, so call your provider if you are not better after treatment.
Can I treat a yeast infection while pregnant?
Talk to your provider first. The CDC recommends only topical antifungal creams or suppositories for seven days during pregnancy, and advises against a single oral fluconazole dose because it may be linked to miscarriage and birth defects.
Can I have sex with a yeast infection?
It is best to wait until all your symptoms have resolved before any kind of sex. Yeast infections are not STIs, but they can pass between partners. Some antifungal creams and suppositories can also weaken latex condoms, which matters if you rely on them for protection.
To wrap things up, while yeast infections are very common there are still a lot of misconceptions about them. Having a good understanding of how your body works, what can cause yeast infections, and what you can do about one are the first steps in shutting these misconceptions down. Did you know all seven of these things about yeast infections? Is there something I left out? Let me know in the comments below.
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