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Yeast Infection: Diagnosing & Treating It Effectively

Know the symptoms and when to go to the doctor.
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Last updated November 21, 2023

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Care Plan

1

First steps to consider

  • Most yeast infections can be treated with OTC antifungal cream or suppository.
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2

When you may need a provider

  • Symptoms don’t go away within a few days of completing the treatment
  • Symptoms are getting worse or the yeast infection keeps coming back
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Emergency Care

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Call 911 or go to the ER if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • Fever or chills
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Vomiting
  • Severe abdominal or back pain
  • An area of warm, red skin that is spreading

What is a yeast infection?

A yeast infection (vulvovaginal candidiasis) is a common infection in the vagina that many women experience at least once. Though most women get them multiple times throughout their life.

Normally in a healthy vagina, there is a natural balance of yeast and bacteria. A yeast infection develops when that balance is off.

The infection may cause itching, a change in normal vaginal discharge, or an unusual odor. Most yeast infections will last until they are treated effectively with medication. If not treated, symptoms may slightly improve but will not go away completely.

What does a yeast infection look like?

Women with a vaginal yeast infection often notice a change in vaginal discharge. The discharge may be heavier than normal and white, yellow, or green-tinged in color. It’s often described as resembling cottage cheese because it looks clumpy.

Sometimes there is discharge on underwear. Other times, you’ll notice a discharge only when wiping after urinating. There may be a slight odor or no odor.

Pro Tip

Symptoms I listen for when diagnosing this illness: “I recently took antibiotics.” “I was at the beach or pool this weekend.” “It feels like burning of my genitalia when I urinate.” “I am in a new relationship.” If a patient tells me that they have a thick white or yellow discharge along with itching of the vulvar area instantly makes me think of a yeast infection. —Dr. Jessica White-Videa

Main symptoms of a yeast infection

Yeast infection treatment

You need a vaginal culture—a simple in-office procedure—to be diagnosed.

There is a choice of over-the-counter creams and suppositories (miconazole) and prescription creams, suppositories, or oral medications.

Treatment may last for one day to two weeks, depending on the formulation and severity of symptoms. Follow directions and always finish medication, even if symptoms seem to have gone away. If you stop treatment early, the infection may come back.

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What is the main cause of a yeast infection?

Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of fungus. The most common type of fungus is Candida albicans. It occurs naturally and doesn’t always cause a problem.

However, when there is overgrowth of the fungus, an infection develops. There are other types of fungus that can also cause yeast infections but they are not as common (and can be harder to treat).

Dr. Rx

I can tell how well the sugars of my patients with diabetes are being controlled based on how often they call my office asking for medication to treat yeast infections. Poor control leads to increased yeast infections. —Dr. White-Videa

All women are at some risk of developing a yeast infection. These factors increase the odds of upsetting the vagina’s natural yeast-bacteria balance:

  • Antibiotics.
  • Birth control pills or another type of hormonal therapy.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Diabetes or a weakened immune system.

Other possible risk factors:

  • Sexual activity.
  • Stress.
  • Being overweight or having a high-sugar diet.
  • Fragranced soaps, taking bubble baths, sitting around in a wet bathing suit, and douching.
  • Living in a warm climate.

What is the fastest way to get rid of a yeast infection?

You can try to treat a yeast infection with over-the-counter antifungal medicine. Prescription oral medications from a doctor work quickly, usually within 24 hours.

Prevention

Proper hygiene and simple lifestyle changes can help prevent yeast infections.

  • When taking a shower, wash only the outer genitalia and avoid using fragranced soaps.
  • Monitor sugar intake, because diets high in sugar increase the risk of infection.
  • After you exercise, change out of sweaty clothes right away.
  • Wear cotton underwear.
  • Limit the use of thongs. They tend to move back and forth and can transfer fecal bacteria from the rectal area to the vagina.

Pro Tip

There are probiotic pills and intravaginal treatments that promote vaginal health and help maintain “balance” in the vagina. However, nothing works better than promoting overall health, safe sex practices. and good hygiene. —Dr. White-Videa

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Once your story receives approval from our editors, it will exist on Buoy as a helpful resource for others who may experience something similar.
The stories shared below are not written by Buoy employees. Buoy does not endorse any of the information in these stories. Whenever you have questions or concerns about a medical condition, you should always contact your doctor or a healthcare provider.
Dr. White-Videa is a board-certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist. She received her undergraduate degree in 2002, in Psychology from Barnard College in New York City . Dr. White-Videa then attended the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) starting in 2005. During that time, she participated in several medical mission trips and also mentored high school students who wanted to pursue car...
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