A yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth of naturally-occurring yeast in the vagina that often causes a white, clumpy, curd-like discharge. Show
Yeast infections are not contagious, and they're not a sexually transmitted infection (STI) either. Here's how to identify yeast infection discharge and how you can treat it with oral or topical medications. The discharge from a yeast infection tends to have:
Keep in mind that about a teaspoon of thick, white discharge is normal at the beginning and end of your cycle. However, if the discharge looks more like curdled milk and is accompanied by itching, that may be a yeast infection. You may see signs of improvement right after your period, but if the infection hasn't been treated, the discharge will return. Although it may seem like a brand new infection, the discharge might just be a symptom of the original infection that hasn't been treated yet, says Anita Ravi, MD, MPH, family physician at PurpLE Family Health and CEO of PurpLE Health Foundation. Symptoms of a yeast infectionAside from discharge, there are other symptoms of yeast infections, such as:
Bleeding or a brown or green discharge with a strong odor needs to be checked out by a doctor, says Hugh Taylor, MD, chair of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at the Yale School of Medicine and Yale Medicine. This can be a sign of other health conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis or STIs like trichomoniasis or chlamydia. How to treat a yeast infectionVaginal yeast infections are easily treated by taking one of the following antifungal medications for several days up to a week:
However, depending on the severity and frequency of yeast infections, you may not need to see a doctor for a prescription. For example, if you're prone to yeast infections and know the symptoms, you can treat yourself at home with one of the OTC treatments. Some people know they are particularly prone to yeast infections after taking antibiotics, so they know the medication they need, says Ravi. If you're not familiar with yeast infections, it's best to see a doctor. Or if you still have symptoms after the routine home treatment, visit your physician to explore other forms of treatment, such as a longer course of antifungal medication or a multi-dose oral medication. Insider's takeawaysOne of the most recognizable symptoms of vaginal yeast infections is a thick, white vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance. Other symptoms include soreness, rash, itching, and irritation of the vagina and vulva. If you think you have a yeast infection but aren't positive, talk to your primary care provider to get diagnosed. They can determine the best course of treatment based on the severity and frequency of your yeast infection. You can reduce the risk of vaginal yeast infections by wearing breathable cotton underwear and avoiding the use of douches. "Preventing [the overgrowth of] yeast is best done by maintaining a normal vaginal PH," says Taylor. "Do not use cleansers or vaginal products."
Carla Delgado Freelance Reporter, Insider Reviews Carla is a Filipino freelance health & culture journalist with bylines in Insider, Architectural Digest, Elemental, Observer, and Mental Floss. Outside of writing, she works for local theatre productions as a stage manager and assistant sound operator. Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. Read more Read less Vaginal yeast infectionsMost women will get a vaginal yeast infection at some point in their life. Symptoms of vaginal yeast infections include burning, itching, and thick, white discharge. Yeast infections are easy to treat, but it is important to see your doctor or nurse if you think you have an infection. Yeast infection symptoms are similar to other vaginal infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you have a more serious infection, and not a yeast infection, it can lead to major health problems. What is a vaginal yeast infection?A vaginal yeast infection is an infection of the vagina that causes itching and burning of the vulva, the area around the vagina. Vaginal yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida. Who gets vaginal yeast infections?Women and girls of all ages can get vaginal yeast infections. Three out of four women will have a yeast infection at some point in their life. Almost half of women have two or more infections.1 Vaginal yeast infections are rare before puberty and after menopause. Are some women more at risk for yeast infections?Yes. Your risk for yeast infections is higher if:2
What are the symptoms of vaginal yeast infections?The most common symptom of a vaginal yeast infection is extreme itchiness in and around the vagina. Other signs and symptoms include:
You may have only a few of these symptoms. They may be mild or severe. What causes yeast infections?Yeast infections are caused by overgrowth of the microscopic fungus Candida. Your vagina may have small amounts of yeast at any given time without causing any symptoms. But when too much yeast grows, you can get an infection.
Can I get a yeast infection from having sex?Yes. A yeast infection is not considered an STI, because you can get a yeast infection without having sex. But you can get a yeast infection from your sexual partner. Condoms and dental dams may help prevent getting or passing yeast infections through vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Should I call my doctor or nurse if I think I have a yeast infection?Yes. Seeing your doctor or nurse is the only way to know for sure if you have a yeast infection and not a more serious type of infection. The signs and symptoms of a yeast infection are a lot like symptoms of other more serious infections, such as STIs and bacterial vaginosis (BV). If left untreated, STIs and BV raise your risk of getting other STIs, including HIV, and can lead to problems getting pregnant. BV can also lead to problems during pregnancy, such as premature delivery. How is a yeast infection diagnosed?Your doctor will do a pelvic exam to look for swelling and discharge. Your doctor may also use a cotton swab to take a sample of the discharge from your vagina. A lab technician will look at the sample under a microscope to see whether there is an overgrowth of the fungus Candida that causes a yeast infection. How is a yeast infection treated?Yeast infections are usually treated with antifungal medicine. See your doctor or nurse to make sure that you have a vaginal yeast infection and not another type of infection. You can then buy antifungal medicine for yeast infections at a store, without a prescription. Antifungal medicines come in the form of creams, tablets, ointments, or suppositories that you insert into your vagina. You can apply treatment in one dose or daily for up to seven days, depending on the brand you choose. Your doctor or nurse can also give you a single dose of antifungal medicine taken by mouth, such as fluconazole (floo-CON-uh-zohl). If you get more than four vaginal yeast infections a year, or if your yeast infection doesn't go away after using over-the-counter treatment, you may need to take regular doses of antifungal medicine for up to six months. Is it safe to use over-the-counter medicines for yeast infections?Yes, but always talk with your doctor or nurse before treating yourself for a vaginal yeast infection. This is because:
How do I treat a yeast infection if I'm pregnant?During pregnancy, it's safe to treat a yeast infection with vaginal creams or suppositories that contain miconazole or clotrimazole. Do not take the oral fluconazole tablet to treat a yeast infection during pregnancy. It may cause birth defects.3 Can I get a yeast infection from breastfeeding?Yes. Yeast infections can happen on your nipples or in your breast (commonly called "thrush") from breastfeeding. Yeast thrive on milk and moisture. A yeast infection you get while breastfeeding is different from a vaginal yeast infection. However, it is caused by an overgrowth of the same fungus. Symptoms of thrush during breastfeeding include:
If you have any of these signs or symptoms or think your baby might have thrush in his or her mouth, call your doctor. Learn more about thrush in our Breastfeeding section. If I have a yeast infection, does my sexual partner need to be treated?Maybe. Yeast infections are not STIs. But it is possible to pass yeast infections to your partner during vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
How can I prevent a yeast infection?You can take steps to lower your risk of getting yeast infections:
Does yogurt prevent or treat yeast infections?Maybe. Studies suggest that eating eight ounces of yogurt with "live cultures" daily or taking Lactobacillus acidophilus capsules can help prevent infection.4,5 But, more research still needs to be done to say for sure if yogurt with Lactobacillus or other probiotics can prevent or treat vaginal yeast infections. If you think you have a yeast infection, see your doctor or nurse to make sure before taking any over-the-counter medicine. What should I do if I get repeat yeast infections?If you get four or more yeast infections in a year, talk to your doctor or nurse. About 5% of women get four or more vaginal yeast infections in one year. This is called recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). RVVC is more common in women with diabetes or weak immune systems, such as with HIV, but it can also happen in otherwise healthy women. Doctors most often treat RVVC with antifungal medicine for up to six months. Researchers also are studying the effects of a vaccine to help prevent RVVC. Did we answer your question about vaginal yeast infections?Sources
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