Yeast Infection

A vaginal yeast infection is a common fungal infection that affects many people assigned female at birth. It's also known as vaginal candidiasis. The infection causes irritation, discharge, and itching in the vagina and the surrounding vulva.

This infection can happen to anyone, regardless of whether they have sex. It's not always a sexually transmitted infection (STI), meaning it's not just spread through sexual contact. However, having sex can increase the risk of getting a yeast infection. Oral-genital sex (mouth-to-genital contact) can also sometimes be linked to yeast infections.

Many people experience at least one, and sometimes multiple, vaginal yeast infections throughout their lives. If you experience yeast infections four or more times a year, your doctor might recommend a longer treatment and a plan to help prevent future infections.

Medicines are available to treat vaginal yeast infections effectively.

Yeast infections can cause various symptoms, ranging from mild discomfort to more severe issues. Common signs include:

• Itching and irritation: You might feel itchy and irritated inside your vagina and on your vulva (the area around your vagina).

• Burning sensation: You might experience a burning feeling, especially during sex or when urinating.

• Redness and swelling: The vulva may become red and swollen. This redness might be less noticeable on darker skin tones compared to lighter skin tones.

• Vaginal pain and soreness: You may feel pain or soreness in your vagina.

• Discharge: You might notice a thick, white vaginal discharge that resembles cottage cheese. This discharge often has little or no smell.

Sometimes, a yeast infection can be more complicated. This might happen if:

• Your symptoms are severe: If the itching, redness, and swelling are intense enough to cause breaks, cracks, or sores in your vagina.

• You have frequent infections: Experiencing four or more yeast infections within a year.

• The infection is caused by a different type of fungus: Sometimes, a less common type of fungus is involved.

• You are pregnant: Pregnancy can sometimes increase the risk of yeast infections.

• You have poorly controlled diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes can weaken your body's defenses against infections.

• Your immune system is weakened: Certain medications or conditions like HIV can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to yeast infections.

If you think you might have a yeast infection, or if you're unsure, it's important to see your healthcare provider. You should also schedule an appointment if:

• This is your first yeast infection: It's always best to get a proper diagnosis, especially for your first experience.

• You're unsure of the cause of your symptoms: Seeking medical advice is crucial if you're not sure what's happening.

• Over-the-counter treatments don't work: If you've tried antifungal creams or suppositories without a prescription, and your symptoms don't improve, a doctor's visit is necessary.

• You have other symptoms: Any additional symptoms, beyond those listed, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

See a doctor if you think you might have a yeast infection.

This is especially important if:

• This is your first time experiencing yeast infection symptoms. It's always best to get a diagnosis from a healthcare professional to confirm the problem and rule out other possibilities.

• You're unsure if it's a yeast infection. There are other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, so a doctor can properly identify the cause.

• Over-the-counter treatments aren't working. If you've tried antifungal creams or suppositories, and your symptoms haven't improved or are getting worse, you need to see a doctor. These products are good for mild cases, but sometimes a more complex issue is at play.

• You have other symptoms besides the typical yeast infection symptoms. For example, if you have pain, unusual discharge, or fever, it's crucial to get checked by a doctor. These additional symptoms could indicate a different health problem that needs medical attention.

Vaginal yeast infections are most commonly caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. A healthy vagina usually has a mix of yeast (including Candida) and beneficial bacteria. These helpful bacteria, called lactobacilli, help keep the yeast population in check. However, several things can upset this balance. If there's too much Candida or if the Candida fungus grows deeper into the vaginal lining, it can lead to symptoms of a yeast infection.

Several factors can contribute to an overgrowth of Candida:

• Antibiotics: Taking antibiotics can kill off the good bacteria in the vagina, allowing the yeast to multiply.
• Pregnancy: Changes in hormones during pregnancy can disrupt the vaginal balance, making yeast infections more likely.
• Uncontrolled Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can create a more favorable environment for yeast growth.
• Weakened Immune System: A weakened immune system makes it harder for the body to fight off infections, including yeast infections.
• Birth Control Pills or Hormone Therapy: Some birth control pills and hormone therapies can increase estrogen levels, which can encourage yeast growth.

While Candida albicans is the most common culprit, other types of Candida fungi can also cause yeast infections. These infections might be a bit more challenging to treat.

Yeast infections are more common in some people than others. Several factors increase the risk.

Antibiotics: Taking antibiotics can raise your risk. Many antibiotics kill lots of different germs, including the harmful bacteria. But they also kill helpful bacteria that normally live in the vagina. This imbalance can allow yeast to grow too much, leading to an infection.

Higher estrogen levels: If your estrogen levels are higher, you're more likely to get a yeast infection. Several things can increase estrogen, including pregnancy, birth control pills, and hormone therapy.

Uncontrolled diabetes: People with diabetes who don't keep their blood sugar levels well-controlled have a higher chance of yeast infections. When blood sugar is too high, it creates a more favorable environment for yeast to grow.

Weakened immune system: A weakened immune system makes you more vulnerable to yeast infections. Several things can weaken your immune system, including taking corticosteroid medications, having HIV, or having other illnesses that suppress the immune response. Your body's natural defenses are important in keeping yeast in check.