Yeast infection (vaginal) | Beacon Health System

Overview

A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection that causes irritation, discharge and intense itchiness of the vagina and the vulva — the tissues at the vaginal opening.

Also called vaginal candidiasis, vaginal yeast infection affects up to 3 out of 4 women at some point in their lifetimes. Many women experience at least two episodes.

A vaginal yeast infection isn’t considered a sexually transmitted infection. But, there’s an increased risk of vaginal yeast infection at the time of first regular sexual activity. There’s also some evidence that infections may be linked to mouth to genital contact (oral-genital sex).

Medications can effectively treat vaginal yeast infections. If you have recurrent yeast infections — four or more within a year — you may need a longer treatment course and a maintenance plan.

Symptoms

Yeast infection symptoms can range from mild to moderate, and include:

• Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva
• A burning sensation, especially during intercourse or while urinating
• Redness and swelling of the vulva
• Vaginal pain and soreness
• Vaginal rash
• Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance
• Watery vaginal discharge

Complicated yeast infection

You might have a complicated yeast infection if:

• You have severe signs and symptoms, such as extensive redness, swelling and itching that leads to tears, cracks or sores
• You have four or more yeast infections in a year
• Your infection is caused by a less typical type of fungus
• You’re pregnant
• You have uncontrolled diabetes
• Your immune system is weakened because of certain medications or conditions such as HIV infection

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if:

• This is the first time you’ve had yeast infection symptoms
• You’re not sure whether you have a yeast infection
• Your symptoms aren’t relieved after treating with over-the-counter antifungal vaginal creams or suppositories
• You develop other symptoms

Causes

The fungus candida albicans is responsible for most vaginal yeast infections.

Your vagina naturally contains a balanced mix of yeast, including candida, and bacteria. Certain bacteria (lactobacillus) act to prevent an overgrowth of yeast.

But that balance can be disrupted. An overgrowth of candida or penetration of the fungus into deeper vaginal cell layers causes the signs and symptoms of a yeast infection.

Overgrowth of yeast can result from:

• Antibiotic use, which causes an imbalance in natural vaginal flora
• Pregnancy
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• An impaired immune system
• Taking oral contraceptives or hormone therapy that increase estrogen levels

Candida albicans is the most common type of fungus to cause yeast infections. Yeast infections caused by other types of candida fungus can be more difficult to treat, and generally need more-aggressive therapies.

Risk factors

Factors that increase your risk of developing a yeast infection include:

• Antibiotic use. Yeast infections are common in women who take antibiotics. Broad-spectrum antibiotics, which kill a range of bacteria, also kill healthy bacteria in your vagina, leading to overgrowth of yeast.
• Increased estrogen levels. Yeast infections are more common in women with higher estrogen levels — such as pregnant women or women taking high-dose estrogen birth control pills or estrogen hormone therapy.
• Uncontrolled diabetes. Women with poorly controlled blood sugar are at greater risk of yeast infections than women with well-controlled blood sugar.
• Impaired immune system. Women with lowered immunity — such as from corticosteroid therapy or HIV infection — are more likely to get yeast infections.

Prevention

To reduce your risk of vaginal yeast infections, wear underwear that has a cotton crotch and doesn’t fit too tightly.

It might also help to avoid:

• Tight-fitting pantyhose
• Douching, which removes some of the normal bacteria in the vagina that protect you from infection
• Scented feminine products, including bubble bath, pads and tampons
• Hot tubs and very hot baths
• Unnecessary antibiotic use, such as for colds or other viral infections
• Staying in wet clothes, such as swimsuits and workout attire, for long periods of time

Diagnosis

To diagnose a yeast infection, your doctor may:

• Ask questions about your medical history. This might include gathering information about past vaginal infections or sexually transmitted infections.
• Perform a pelvic exam. Your doctor examines your external genitals for signs of infection. Next, your doctor places an instrument (speculum) into your vagina to hold the vaginal walls open to examine the vagina and cervix — the lower, narrower part of your uterus.
• Test vaginal secretions. Your doctor may send a sample of vaginal fluid for testing to determine the type of fungus causing the yeast infection. Identifying the fungus can help your doctor prescribe more effective treatment for recurrent yeast infections.

Treatment

Treatment for yeast infections depends on the severity and frequency of your infections.

For mild to moderate symptoms and infrequent episodes, your doctor might recommend:

• Short-course vaginal therapy. Taking an antifungal medication for three to seven days will usually clear a yeast infection. Antifungal medications — which are available as creams, ointments, tablets and suppositories — include miconazole (Monistat 3) and terconazole. Some of these medications are available over-the-counter and others by prescription only.
• Single-dose oral medication. Your doctor might prescribe a one-time, single oral dose of fluconazole (Diflucan). Oral medication isn’t recommended if you’re pregnant. To manage more-severe symptoms, you might take two single doses three days apart.

See your doctor again if treatment doesn’t resolve your symptoms or if your symptoms return within two months.

If your symptoms are severe, or you have frequent yeast infections, your doctor might recommend:

• Long-course vaginal therapy. Your doctor might prescribe an antifungal medication taken daily for up to two weeks, followed by once a week for six months.
• Multidose oral medication. Your doctor might prescribe two or three doses of an antifungal medication to be taken by mouth instead of vaginal therapy. However, this therapy isn’t recommended for pregnant women.
• Azole resistant therapy. Your doctor might recommend boric acid, a capsule inserted into your vagina. This medication may be fatal if taken orally and is used only to treat candida fungus that is resistant to the usual antifungal agents.

Alternative medicine

No alternative medicine therapies have been proved to treat vaginal yeast infections. Some complementary and alternative therapies may provide some relief when combined with your doctor’s care.

Talk to your doctor about what alternative treatments for vaginal yeast infection may be safe for you.

Preparing for an appointment

If you’ve been treated for a yeast infection in the past, your doctor may not need to see you and may prescribe a treatment over the phone. Otherwise, you’re likely to see a family medicine doctor or gynecologist.

What you can do

• Make a list of any symptoms you’ve had and for how long.
• Write down key information, including other medical conditions and any medications, vitamins or supplements you’re taking.
• Avoid using tampons or douching before your appointment.
• Make a list of questions to ask your doctor.

Questions to ask your doctor

• Do I need to take medicine?
• Are there any special instructions for taking the medicine?
• Are there any over-the-counter products that will treat my condition?
• What can I do if my symptoms return after treatment?
• How can I prevent yeast infections?
• What signs and symptoms should I watch out for?

During your appointment, don’t hesitate to ask other questions as they occur to you.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, including:

• What vaginal symptoms do you have? How long have you had them?
• Do you notice a strong vaginal odor?
• Have you ever been treated for a vaginal infection?
• Have you tried over-the-counter products to treat your condition?
• Have you recently taken antibiotics?
• Are you sexually active?
• Are you pregnant?
• Do you use scented soap or bubble bath?
• Do you douche or use feminine hygiene spray?

Last Updated: January 11th, 2023

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Treating Bacterial Vaginosis vs. Yeast Infection

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections are common vaginal infections. They can both cause vaginitis, which is an inflammation of the vagina. BV (bacterial vaginosis) is the most common vaginal condition in women of childbearing age. Yeast infections (vaginal candidiasis) are the second most common type of vaginal infection. Together, they are responsible for millions of OB/GYN and ER visits a year.

The symptoms of both BV and yeast infections overlap and can include a burning sensation, itching, vaginal discharge, and a bad vaginal odor. 

However, the treatment for vaginal inflammation depends on the cause. Please keep reading to learn about the differences between BV and yeast infections, including the causes, symptoms, method of spread, and risk factors. We will also discuss the differences in how to treat yeast infections and BV. 

How do I know if it’s BV or yeast? 

Causes

The biggest difference between BV and vaginal yeast infections is the cause. Bacterial vaginosis is a bacterial infection caused by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the vagina. The most common culprit is Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria. 

Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of Candida fungus. Most yeast infections are caused by a fungus called Candida albicans.

Symptoms

Vaginal symptoms of both BV and yeast infections include an unusual vaginal discharge and burning during urination. However, in addition to these similar symptoms, there are some key differences in bacterial vaginosis vs. yeast infection. 

Bacterial Vaginosis 

Half of all people with BV do not have any noticeable symptoms. When present, symptoms of BV typically include:

• A thin, green/yellow or grey vaginal discharge with a strong “fishy” odor that is worse after sex or menstruation.
• Vaginal itching.
• Burning during urination.

Yeast Infection Symptoms

• Yeast infection discharge is a thick, white vaginal discharge. This abnormal discharge has a “cottage cheese” appearance but no odor.
• Itching, soreness, and pain in the vulva.
• Redness and swelling at the opening of the vagina.
• Burning during sex and urination.

Risk Factors

Bacterial vaginosis can develop due to changes in the healthy vaginal flora (the natural balance of bacteria that are present in the vagina naturally). Changes in the normal vaginal environment can happen due to changes in vaginal pH, hormonal changes, douching or excessive cleansing, and having penile-vaginal intercourse with a new partner.

The risk of yeast infections increases with the use of antibiotics, hormone therapy, birth control pills, high blood sugar, and pregnancy.

Spread

Bacterial vaginosis is a sexually transmitted disease. It can spread to anyone who has a vagina through oral sex and sharing sex toys. People with penises cannot get a sexually transmitted infection like bacterial vaginosis; however, if they have multiple sexual partners, they can potentially spread it to sexual partners who have vaginas.  

Yeast infections are not considered sexually transmitted infections. However, they can potentially spread to a sexual partner through sexual activity. 

What are the different treatments for yeast infection or BV?

Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment 

You should get professional medical advice if you suspect bacterial vaginosis. Prescription antibiotics are needed to treat BV. Examples include metronidazole (Flagyl), tinidazole (Tindamax), and clindamycin (Cleocin). These are available as oral tablets or suppository creams. 

During BV treatment, avoid vaginal intercourse and inserting tampons, menstrual cups, and sex toys into the vagina, as this can introduce bacteria.

It’s important to get treated for bacterial vaginosis. Having BV during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of premature delivery. Also, bacterial vaginosis in a person with HIV increases the risk of HIV transmission to a sexual partner with a penis.

Yeast Infection Treatment

A mild yeast infection may go away on its own without any treatment. You can also try home remedies for a mild yeast infection. However, if you’re pregnant and have delivered vaginally, you can pass on the yeast infection to your baby in the form of oral thrush.

Both over-the-counter medications and prescription medications are available to treat yeast infections. Examples include suppository creams like miconazole (Monistat) and clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin) and an oral antifungal medication like fluconazole (Diflucan). 

In general, the treatment for a yeast infection usually only requires one dose, but it can take up to 14 days in some cases. People who have more than four yeast infections a year may need different treatments for yeast infections. 

It’s important to finish the full course of medications to clear the yeast infection completely and reduce your risk of recurrent yeast infections. During treatment for yeast infection symptoms, you should avoid vaginal intercourse. Also, avoid inserting anything into the vagina, such as menstrual cups, tampons, or sex toys. 

How long do BV and yeast infection symptoms last? 

BV symptoms usually clear up within 2-3 days. But it’s important to finish the full 5- or 7-day course of antibiotics to completely clear the infection and reduce the risk of it coming back. Leaving BV untreated or not finishing the antibiotics can result in the infection lasting for weeks and coming back within months of treatment.

Medications usually clear up a yeast infection within one week. However, if you use home remedies for a yeast infection, it can take several weeks to go away. 

Can you treat a yeast infection while treating BV?

You can have both bacterial vaginosis and a vaginal yeast infection at the same time. If you are not sure which condition you have or have symptoms of both infections, you should see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor may perform a pelvic exam and give you prescription medication (antifungal medications or antibiotics), depending on the cause of your symptoms.

How to prevent BV and yeast infections?

You can start by minimizing the factors that put you at increased risk of BV and vaginal yeast infections (see risk factors listed above). In addition, here are some tips on the prevention of BV and yeast infections:

• Wear loose-fitting underwear in a moisture-wicking fabric like cotton.
• Wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
• Get out of wet clothes and wet bathing suits immediately.
• Avoid spending excessive time in hot baths or hot tubs.
• Avoid douching.
• Avoid using fragranced soaps in your private parts. 
• Take probiotics. 
   

References:

1. https://www.cdc.gov/std/bv/default.htm
2. https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/genital/index.html
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK298829/
4. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/vaginitis?

Thrush: symptoms, treatment, prevention – article of the medical center “My Clinic”

05/19/2017

Thrush (vulvovaginal candidiasis)

Thrush (vulvovaginal candidiasis) is an infectious and inflammatory disease caused by opportunistic pathogens – yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida (there are 10 varieties). Candidiasis vulvovaginitis is common, about 75% of all women have experienced at least one episode of this disease in their lives.

The development of the disease is associated with an increase in the number of Candida fungi in the female genital area. There are a number of factors that can trigger an infection in a woman:

• hormonal changes;
• metabolic disorder;
• low immunity;
• taking antibiotics;
• violation of the microflora of the vagina;
• frequent change of partners;
• improper intimate hygiene;
• diabetes mellitus;
• unhealthy diet, frequent consumption of sweets;
• pregnancy;
• Wrong choice of underwear.

Thrush symptoms

The characteristic signs of the disease are:

• curdled vaginal discharge with a yeast-like odor;
• itching and burning in the vulva;
• pain during intercourse;
• painful urination.

Treatment

Self-medication often leads to relapses of the disease in the future. If you have symptoms of thrush, you should make an appointment with a gynecologist. The doctor will examine you and prescribe appropriate medications. Drug treatment of thrush includes oral medications or local preparations (suppositories, suspensions, etc.). A regular sexual partner also undergoes urological consultation and treatment if he has symptoms.

Prevention

Prevention of thrush will help to avoid the recurrence of the disease and its associated symptoms. Effective preventive measures are:

Proper genital hygiene . Soap and shower gel disturb the fragile microflora of the vagina, which contributes to the development of infection. Doctors recommend using special gels for intimate hygiene, which maintain the necessary level of acidity and prevent the growth of fungi.

Linen selection . Wearing too tight synthetic underwear causes irritation. Gynecologists recommend choosing underwear of the right size, preferably cotton or viscose.

Preventive gynecological examination . Regular visits to the doctor help to identify a violation of the microflora or an early stage of the disease and begin treatment for thrush without waiting for unpleasant symptoms.

Our medical centers employ gynecologists who will help you identify and treat any gynecological problems in time, as well as avoid relapses in the future. Appointments are made by calling 493-03-03 or through our website.

Addresses of clinics in St. Petersburg:

Gorokhovaya st., 14/26 (metro station Admiralteyskaya)

Varshavskaya st., 59 (m. Moskovskaya)

Make an appointment

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How to prepare for a doctor’s appointment

Thrush: the first symptoms and prevention of candidiasis | Medicinal guide | Health

02/11/2014 00:05

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

592671

Medicinal reference book No. 3. Choosing medicines according to the new rules 27/01/2014

Said Tsarnaev / RIA Novosti

Our information

Thrush (candidiasis) is a type of fungal infection caused by microscopic yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida, which are opportunistic pathogens. These fungi are part of the normal human microflora, but under unfavorable conditions, they begin to multiply intensively.

Candidiasis can affect the mucous membrane of the mouth, skin, nails, intestines, but one of the most common forms of the disease is damage to the mucous membranes of the vagina – vaginal candidiasis.

Check yourself

In women, the symptoms of thrush are white, cheesy discharge from the vagina (hence the name of the disease), itching and burning in the vulva, pain during intercourse or urination.

Candidiasis also occurs in men, though much less frequently. It is manifested by redness, burning and itching in the area of ​​the glans penis and foreskin, pain during intercourse and urination, white discharge during urination.

SOS!

The appearance of candidiasis indicates a decrease in local or general immunity or hormonal imbalance. Thrush can be a harbinger of more serious diseases. Therefore, if it is often repeated, it is imperative to identify the cause of this.

Patient Information Sheet

Antifungals are used to treat thrush. With a mild course, preference is given to local preparations: ointments, creams, suppositories; with a more severe one – systemic, that is, tablets.

Both those and other means cannot be used without consulting a doctor (despite the fact that some of them are sold without a prescription). Improper therapy leads to frequent relapses of the disease, and sometimes to complications.

The disappearance of the symptoms of thrush does not always indicate a cure, so after the end of the course of therapy, it is necessary to undergo an examination by a gynecologist.

In case of candidiasis of the genital organs, the sexual partner should also be treated, since a relapse of the disease may occur.

Do not use tampons in case of thrush: they increase its manifestations.

If thrush episodes recur frequently, a culture should be done to determine which Candida is causing the disease. This will help you choose the most effective drug for treatment.

Facts and figures

According to statistics, vaginal candidiasis accounts for up to 30% of cases among diseases of the urogenital area.

About 50% of the world’s population at least once faced the problem of thrush.

About 70% of women have had vulvovaginal candidiasis at least once, and 20% of women have chronic thrush.

5-10% of men have had thrush at least once.

Prophylaxis

To prevent thrush, it is important to properly care for the intimate area. You need to wash yourself twice a day – in the morning and in the evening – with warm running water, the stream should be directed from front to back. For intimate hygiene, you need to use a special gel.

Wear cotton underwear. It provides air access to the skin. But synthetic creates a greenhouse effect that promotes the reproduction of fungi.

Panty liners also give a greenhouse effect, so they should be changed 2-3 times a day.
Take antibiotics only as directed by your doctor. They disrupt the balance of the normal microflora of the body and stimulate the reproduction of yeast-like fungi.

Avoid sugar and refined carbohydrate-rich foods whenever possible. These products are an ideal breeding ground for the propagation of yeast-like fungi.

Avoid frequent douching, especially with the use of antiseptics: their effect is just the opposite of what you want. They disrupt the balance of microflora in the vagina, which only increases the colonies of pathogenic microorganisms.

Remember, self-medication is life-threatening, for advice on the use of any medication, contact your doctor.

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