Yeast infections are one of the most-searched embarrassing health questions out there, and they're incredibly common. Many women will have at least one in their lifetime. They're not a sign that you're unclean, and they're usually easy to treat.
What a yeast infection is
A small amount of yeast called Candida normally lives in the vagina without causing problems. A yeast infection happens when that yeast overgrows. Common triggers include:
- Taking antibiotics
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal changes, including some birth control
- Diabetes, especially when blood sugar is high
- A weakened immune system
Yeast infections aren't usually considered sexually transmitted infections.
Common symptoms
- Itching and irritation in and around the vagina
- Burning, especially when you pee or during sex
- Redness and swelling of the vulva
- Thick, white, clumpy discharge (often compared to cottage cheese) that usually doesn't have a strong smell
Is it a yeast infection or something else?
Several common conditions can feel similar, and it's easy to guess wrong:
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV) usually causes a fishy smell and thin, gray or white discharge. It needs different treatment from a doctor.
- Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection, can cause itching with yellow-green, frothy or smelly discharge.
- A urinary tract infection (UTI) causes burning when you pee and needing to go often, usually without vaginal discharge.
Yeast infection treatment won't help any of these. If your symptoms don't quite match, check with a doctor.
Treating it at home
If you've had a yeast infection diagnosed before and this feels the same, over-the-counter antifungal treatment usually works. These come as creams, ointments or vaginal inserts in 1-day, 3-day and 7-day versions.
- 1-day treatments are the most convenient. Example: Vagistat 1-Dose.
- 3-day treatments are a middle ground. Example: Monistat 3-Day Combination Pack, which includes an external itch cream.
- 7-day treatments use a lower daily dose, and some people find them gentler on irritated skin.
A few tips:
- Follow the label exactly, and finish the full course even if you feel better sooner.
- Symptoms can take a few days to clear completely, even with a 1-day treatment.
- Skip sex during treatment. Some treatments can also weaken latex condoms and diaphragms, so check the label.
- External anti-itch creams can soothe itching on the outside while the antifungal works. They don't cure the infection on their own.
When to see a doctor instead
Get checked by a doctor (a telehealth visit works for many people) if:
- This is your first yeast infection, or you're not sure that's what it is.
- You're pregnant or might be.
- Your symptoms don't improve within a few days of treatment, or aren't gone within a week.
- You get four or more yeast infections a year.
- You have a fever, chills, pain in your lower belly, or bad-smelling discharge.
- You have diabetes or a weakened immune system.
- You might have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection.
- The person with symptoms is under 12.
Lowering your chances next time
- Wear breathable cotton underwear.
- Change out of wet swimsuits and sweaty workout clothes soon.
- Don't douche, and skip scented soaps, sprays and wipes on sensitive skin.
- If you have diabetes, keeping your blood sugar in range helps.
Shop yeast infection treatments and itch relief. Order from home, no pharmacy line required.
This article is for general information and isn't medical advice. Always read and follow the product label.