Vaginal yeast infections are an excess growth of yeast cells in the vagina. They are very common in women of childbearing age but can occur at any age. They may cause severe discomfort but rarely lead to serious health problems.
What causes a vaginal yeast infection?
A healthy vagina normally contains many bacteria and small numbers of yeast cells (vaginal flora). Yeast infections occur when there is a change in the normal balance of organisms in the vagina. This imbalance can be caused by many things, including medications or certain medical conditions.
The most common bacteria found in the vagina are Lactobacillus acidophilus. These bacteria may help prevent other organisms, such as yeast, from growing in excess and causing a vaginal infection. Most yeast infections—over 85%—are caused by a strain of yeast called Candida albicans.
A yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
What are the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection?
The most common symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are:
* Vaginal itching.
* Irritated genital skin.
* White vaginal discharge that is usually curdlike and odorless.
* Pain or burning in the genital area with urination or sexual intercourse.
Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are more likely to occur during the week before a menstrual period.
How is a vaginal yeast infection diagnosed?
Vaginal itching and a white vaginal discharge that is odorless and looks like cottage cheese usually indicates a vaginal yeast infection. If your vaginal symptoms are not typical of a yeast infection, your health professional may recommend a vaginal exam and may culture the discharge to see whether another type of organism is present.
Can a vaginal yeast infection be treated at home?
Nonprescription vaginal medications are available. If you have had a previous vaginal yeast infection and are certain your present symptoms are the same as during the previous infection, you can try these medications.
Vaginal yeast infections often occur in pregnancy. Pregnant women should not use nonprescription medications without discussing their symptoms with their health professional.
Can vaginal yeast infections recur?
Yes. A yeast infection is considered to be recurrent if you have four or more infections within 1 year. The infections must be severe enough to cause symptoms and cannot be caused by taking antibiotics. A culture should be done to confirm the presence of yeast, and you should be tested for underlying conditions, such as diabetes.
Could vaginal symptoms be related to something else?
Vaginal yeast infections are the second most common type of vaginal infection after bacterial vaginosis, which may have similar symptoms. Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted disease (STD), is the third most common type of vaginal infection. Other sexually transmitted diseases may cause vaginal symptoms similar to a yeast infection.
