Yeast Infections: Causes, Treatments And Prevention

Yeast can cause infections in many parts of the body. For women, one of the most common yeast infections affects women’s genital tracts.

Often a yeast infection affects the vagina and vulva (the internal and external female genitalia). Three-fourths of women will contend with this common fungal infection at some point in their lives, and many will have them more often. Because this condition is so common, it’s good to know what to watch out for and what to do to get rid of a yeast infection.

Pamela Lynch, MD, a family medicine doctor with Franciscan Physician Network in Mooresville, offers information about yeast infection symptoms, treatments, prevention and more.

Yeast Infection Causes 

A yeast infection – or vulvovaginal candidiasis – is caused by an overgrowth of the fungal organism Candida. It’s important to know that a yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted disease.

“While up to 20% of women can have Candida species existing as part of the normal vaginal flora, a yeast infection is an overgrowth of these organisms,” said Dr. Lynch.

This overgrowth results in irritation that leads to itching and swelling of the vagina or vulva.

The  Office of Women's Health  notes that several factors can also increase your risk of developing a vaginal yeast infection, including:

• Douching
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes with uncontrolled blood sugar
• Sexual intercourse with a partner who has a yeast infection
• Tampons, pads and panty liners left unchanged too long
• Birth control pills with higher levels of estrogen
• Taking antibiotics or steroids
• Using scented hygiene products
• Immersion in very hot water, such as hot tubs and bathtubs
• Weakened immune system

Yeast Infection Symptoms 

Some women develop yeast infections and don’t have any symptoms. We let the body fight off the yeast and regain balance on its own if the infection is mild and is not causing symptoms. 

When yeast infection symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Burning
• Irritation
• Itching
• Pain during sex
• Pain while urinating
• Vaginal discharge (most often having a thick, white, cottage cheese-like appearance with minimal odor)

Severe yeast infections also may cause a visible rash. 

Yeast Infection Treatment

A typical yeast infection is not dangerous. Some women – particularly those who’ve had yeast infections in the past – can easily recognize their symptoms and treat themselves with over-the-counter therapies without needing to see a doctor.

Several over-the-counter yeast infection treatments are available at most pharmacies and grocery stores. Some of these therapies treat the infection itself, like miconazole, which is an antifungal medication. Others, like Vagisil, help relieve symptoms– such as reducing itchiness – but do not actually treat the underlying yeast infection.

Seeking Medical Attention For A Yeast Infection

You should seek medical attention for a yeast infection if you have:

• Tried over-the-counter yeast infection remedies without relief — prescription medication may help.
• Experience severe symptoms – such as intense itching, heavy vaginal discharge or skin changes around the genitalia. Your doctor may perform tests to rule out other health conditions that could be causing your symptoms or the infection itself. Seeing your doctor or nurse is the only way to know for sure if you have a yeast infection and not a sexually transmitted infection or bacterial vaginosis.

If you’ve recently seen your primary care doctor or OBGYN, they may be able to diagnose your yeast infection and prescribe treatment via a quick phone call or telehealth visit. Testing may not be needed if you recently had a Pap smear and were screened for sexually transmitted infections already, or have not had exposures to other infections that would need to be evaluated for.

“You may have a classic history with recent antibiotic use that would make it a logical conclusion that you would now have a yeast infection,” Dr. Lynch said.

Prescription Medication For A Yeast Infection

If your doctor determines you need prescription medication for your yeast infection, you can select an oral pill or a vaginal cream. Both types of medications are effective, but topical is always the safer option to start with.  For complicated infections, your healthcare provider may advise you of other treatment options.

Complications Of Untreated Yeast Infections

“Again, most yeast infections are not especially dangerous,” said Dr. Lynch. “However, not treating the underlying infection can result in persistent or worsening symptoms that may be increasingly bothersome.”

These symptoms can be aggravating, upsetting and painful if not promptly treated.

Recurrent Yeast Infections

Doctors define a recurrent yeast infection as three or more symptom-causing infections in a year. Some women are simply more prone to getting yeast infections than others, and experts do not know exactly why this is the case.

Some causes of recurrent yeast infections can include:

• Atypical yeast infection
• Changes in the healthy vaginal composition
• Genetic differences
• Incomplete treatment of a prior yeast infection (such as not taking the full dosage of medication)
• Suppressed immune response, especially with uncontrolled glucose levels from diabetes or high sugar diet

Yeast Infection Prevention

Though you can’t completely avoid getting a yeast infection, you can take some steps to help reduce your chances of developing one, including:

• Avoid douching or cleaning inside your vagina
• Avoid using scented pads or vaginal deodorants
• Change out of sweaty or wet clothes as soon as possible
• Manage your other medical conditions – such as diabetes and other immunosuppressing conditions
• Avoid excessive carbohydrates in your diet
• Only take antibiotics when a healthcare provider prescribes them for you
• Wear cotton underwear

If you have troubling or recurrent yeast infections or another health concern and need to see a doctor,  find a Franciscan Health primary care provider or OBGYN. We’re here to help you get on the road to improved health.