Why can untreated yeast infections lead to serious health problems. How to distinguish yeast infections from other conditions. When should you seek medical attention for vaginal symptoms. What are the potential complications of ignoring a yeast infection.

Understanding Yeast Infections: Causes and Symptoms

Vaginal yeast infections, also known as vaginal candidiasis, are common fungal infections affecting many women at some point in their lives. These infections occur when there’s an overgrowth of Candida, a type of yeast naturally present in the vaginal flora. The primary symptoms include:

• Thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge
• Intense itching and irritation of the vulva and vagina
• Redness and swelling of the affected area
• Burning sensation, especially during urination or intercourse

Are all vaginal discomfort symptoms indicative of a yeast infection? Not necessarily. Many women mistakenly self-diagnose yeast infections when they experience vaginal discomfort. In fact, studies show that up to 66% of women who purchase over-the-counter yeast infection treatments don’t actually have a yeast infection. This highlights the importance of proper diagnosis by a healthcare professional.

The Dangers of Untreated Yeast Infections

While some mild yeast infections may resolve on their own, leaving a yeast infection untreated can lead to various complications. The infection may worsen, causing increased discomfort and potentially spreading to other areas of the body. Here are some risks associated with untreated yeast infections:

Skin Infections and Complications

Prolonged inflammation and irritation of the vaginal area can lead to skin breakdown. This creates an environment conducive to bacterial skin infections, especially if there’s constant scratching due to intense itching. In severe cases, open sores may develop, increasing the risk of more serious infections.

Systemic Effects on the Body

Can a localized yeast infection affect other parts of the body? Yes, in some cases. Untreated yeast infections may lead to:

• Fatigue
• Oral thrush (yeast infection in the mouth)
• Gastrointestinal problems

These systemic effects can significantly impact overall well-being and quality of life.

Invasive Candidiasis: A Serious Complication

In rare cases, untreated yeast infections can lead to a condition called invasive candidiasis. This occurs when the yeast infection spreads to other parts of the body, such as the bloodstream, heart, brain, bones, or eyes. While invasive candidiasis is not typically associated with vaginal yeast infections, it’s a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Candidemia: A Common Form of Invasive Candidiasis

Candidemia, a bloodstream infection caused by Candida species, is one of the most common forms of invasive candidiasis in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that it’s also one of the most frequent bloodstream infections in the country. Prompt treatment is crucial to prevent potentially life-threatening complications.

Yeast Infections During Pregnancy: Special Considerations

Pregnant women are more susceptible to yeast infections due to hormonal fluctuations. How should yeast infections be managed during pregnancy? It’s crucial for pregnant women to consult a healthcare provider if they suspect a yeast infection. While topical antifungal treatments are generally considered safe during pregnancy, oral antifungal medications may pose risks.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that oral fluconazole (Diflucan) taken during the first trimester of pregnancy may cause birth defects. Additionally, a 2016 study linked the use of oral fluconazole during pregnancy with an increased risk of miscarriage. Therefore, proper diagnosis and treatment under medical supervision are essential for pregnant women.

The Myth of Self-Resolution: Why Waiting It Out Isn’t Advisable

Some women may wonder if yeast infections can resolve on their own without treatment. While it’s possible for mild infections to clear up naturally, relying on self-resolution carries risks. Untreated infections may worsen, leading to increased discomfort and potential complications. Moreover, what seems like a yeast infection could be a different condition requiring specific treatment.

Duration of Yeast Infections

How long does it typically take for a yeast infection to clear up? The duration varies depending on the severity of the infection and the treatment approach:

• Mild infections: Expected to clear up in a few days to a week with proper treatment
• Moderate to severe infections: May take 2 to 3 weeks to resolve completely

If symptoms persist beyond these timeframes, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider for reassessment.

Recurrent Yeast Infections: When to Be Concerned

While occasional yeast infections are common, recurrent infections may indicate an underlying issue. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) defines recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) as four or more vaginal yeast infections in a year. Approximately 5% of women experience RVVC.

Who is at higher risk for recurrent yeast infections? RVVC can occur in healthy women but is more common in those with:

• Diabetes
• Weakened immune systems (e.g., due to HIV)
• Hormonal imbalances

If you’re experiencing frequent yeast infections, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider to identify any underlying causes and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Misdiagnosis Risks: Why Professional Evaluation Matters

Self-diagnosis of yeast infections can be risky, as symptoms may mimic other conditions. Many vaginal symptoms can be caused by factors other than yeast overgrowth, such as:

• Allergic reactions to feminine hygiene products
• Sensitivity to soaps, powders, or perfumes
• Other vaginal infections (bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, herpes)

Why is professional diagnosis crucial? A healthcare provider can perform tests to accurately identify the cause of symptoms, ensuring appropriate treatment. Misdiagnosis and improper treatment can lead to persistent symptoms and potential complications.

When to Seek Medical Attention: Red Flags and Warning Signs

While mild yeast infections may be treatable with over-the-counter medications, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Consult a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Fever
• Foul-smelling or yellow discharge
• Bloody discharge
• Back or stomach pain
• Vomiting
• Increased urination
• Symptoms that don’t improve with over-the-counter treatment
• Recurrent infections (more than 4 per year)

These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition or a complication of an untreated yeast infection.

In conclusion, while yeast infections are common, they should not be taken lightly. Proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and ensure overall vaginal health. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a yeast infection, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Why It Should Be Diagnosed and Treated

Without treatment, a yeast infection could become more serious. There’s a chance that it could resolve on its own, but it could also worsen.

A vaginal yeast infection (vaginal candidiasis) is a relatively common fungal infection that causes thick, white discharge along with irritation, itchiness, and swelling of the vulva and vagina.

Keep reading to learn more about the downsides of ignoring yeast infections.

If left untreated, vaginal candidiasis will most likely get worse, causing itching, redness, and inflammation in the area surrounding your vagina. This may lead to a skin infection if the inflamed area becomes cracked, or if continual scratching creates open or raw areas.

Uncommon side effects of an untreated yeast infection include:

• fatigue
• oral thrush
• gastrointestinal problems

Invasive candidiasis

Invasive candidiasis occurs when the yeast infection affects other parts of the body, such as the:

• blood
• heart
• brain
• bones
• eyes

Invasive candidiasis is usually associated with an open sore that’s exposed to a yeast infection. It isn’t typically related to vaginal yeast infections. It can cause serious health complications if not promptly treated.

Candidemia

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), candidemia is one of the most common forms of invasive candidiasis in the United States. It’s also one of the most common bloodstream infections in the country.

Yeast infections are common during pregnancy due to fluctuating hormones. If you’re pregnant and think you may have a yeast infection, see a doctor so that you can get the right diagnosis and treatment.

Topical antifungals are safe to use during pregnancy, but you won’t be able to take oral antifungal medications.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), oral fluconazole (Diflucan) taken during the first trimester of pregnancy may cause birth defects. A 2016 study also linked the use of oral fluconazole taken during pregnancy with an increased risk of miscarriage.

A mild yeast infection is expected to clear up in a few days to a week. Moderate to severe infections may take 2 to 3 weeks.

Can yeast infections go away on their own?

There’s a possibility that a yeast infection can go away on its own. The probability varies from person to person.

If you decide not to treat the infection, however, it might get worse. There’s also the possibility that you’ve misdiagnosed your condition, and what you thought was candidiasis was a more serious problem.

According to the Mayo Clinic, 75 percent of women will experience a vaginal yeast infection at some point in their lifetime.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) indicates that about 5 percent of women will experience recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). This is defined as four or more vaginal yeast infections in 1 year.

RVVC can occur in healthy women, but it’s more common in women with diabetes or weak immune systems from conditions such as HIV.

According to the HHS, about 66 percent of women who buy yeast infection medicine don’t actually have a yeast infection.

The symptoms may be caused by an allergic reaction or irritation due to sensitivity to tampons, soaps, powders, or perfume. Or they may have another vaginal infection, such as:

• bacterial vaginosis
• chlamydia
• gonorrhea
• trichomoniasis
• herpes

You should see a doctor if you’re not 100 percent sure that you have a yeast infection. They may diagnose you with a yeast infection, or they may discover a more serious condition.

If you’re treating what you think is a yeast infection without doctor diagnosis and it doesn’t clear up in a week or two, see a doctor. The medication you’re using may not be strong enough, or you may not have a yeast infection.

You should also visit a doctor if the infection returns in a couple of months. Having more than one yeast infection in a year could be an indication of an underlying medical condition.

Don’t put off seeing a doctor if your symptoms include:

• fever
• foul-smelling or yellow discharge
• bloody discharge
• back or stomach pain
• vomiting
• increased urination

Vaginal yeast infection should be properly diagnosed and treated. If left untreated, a yeast infection may lead to health problems, such as:

• skin infections
• fatigue
• oral thrush
• gastrointestinal problems
• invasive candidiasis

Diagnosis is a critical step, as the symptoms of a yeast infection are similar to more serious conditions, such as:

• bacterial vaginosis
• chlamydia
• gonorrhea

Why It Should Be Diagnosed and Treated

Without treatment, a yeast infection could become more serious. There’s a chance that it could resolve on its own, but it could also worsen.

A vaginal yeast infection (vaginal candidiasis) is a relatively common fungal infection that causes thick, white discharge along with irritation, itchiness, and swelling of the vulva and vagina.

Keep reading to learn more about the downsides of ignoring yeast infections.

If left untreated, vaginal candidiasis will most likely get worse, causing itching, redness, and inflammation in the area surrounding your vagina. This may lead to a skin infection if the inflamed area becomes cracked, or if continual scratching creates open or raw areas.

Uncommon side effects of an untreated yeast infection include:

• fatigue
• oral thrush
• gastrointestinal problems

Invasive candidiasis

Invasive candidiasis occurs when the yeast infection affects other parts of the body, such as the:

• blood
• heart
• brain
• bones
• eyes

Invasive candidiasis is usually associated with an open sore that’s exposed to a yeast infection. It isn’t typically related to vaginal yeast infections. It can cause serious health complications if not promptly treated.

Candidemia

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), candidemia is one of the most common forms of invasive candidiasis in the United States. It’s also one of the most common bloodstream infections in the country.

Yeast infections are common during pregnancy due to fluctuating hormones. If you’re pregnant and think you may have a yeast infection, see a doctor so that you can get the right diagnosis and treatment.

Topical antifungals are safe to use during pregnancy, but you won’t be able to take oral antifungal medications.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), oral fluconazole (Diflucan) taken during the first trimester of pregnancy may cause birth defects. A 2016 study also linked the use of oral fluconazole taken during pregnancy with an increased risk of miscarriage.

A mild yeast infection is expected to clear up in a few days to a week. Moderate to severe infections may take 2 to 3 weeks.

Can yeast infections go away on their own?

There’s a possibility that a yeast infection can go away on its own. The probability varies from person to person.

If you decide not to treat the infection, however, it might get worse. There’s also the possibility that you’ve misdiagnosed your condition, and what you thought was candidiasis was a more serious problem.

According to the Mayo Clinic, 75 percent of women will experience a vaginal yeast infection at some point in their lifetime.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) indicates that about 5 percent of women will experience recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). This is defined as four or more vaginal yeast infections in 1 year.

RVVC can occur in healthy women, but it’s more common in women with diabetes or weak immune systems from conditions such as HIV.

According to the HHS, about 66 percent of women who buy yeast infection medicine don’t actually have a yeast infection.

The symptoms may be caused by an allergic reaction or irritation due to sensitivity to tampons, soaps, powders, or perfume. Or they may have another vaginal infection, such as:

• bacterial vaginosis
• chlamydia
• gonorrhea
• trichomoniasis
• herpes

You should see a doctor if you’re not 100 percent sure that you have a yeast infection. They may diagnose you with a yeast infection, or they may discover a more serious condition.

If you’re treating what you think is a yeast infection without doctor diagnosis and it doesn’t clear up in a week or two, see a doctor. The medication you’re using may not be strong enough, or you may not have a yeast infection.

You should also visit a doctor if the infection returns in a couple of months. Having more than one yeast infection in a year could be an indication of an underlying medical condition.

Don’t put off seeing a doctor if your symptoms include:

• fever
• foul-smelling or yellow discharge
• bloody discharge
• back or stomach pain
• vomiting
• increased urination

Vaginal yeast infection should be properly diagnosed and treated. If left untreated, a yeast infection may lead to health problems, such as:

• skin infections
• fatigue
• oral thrush
• gastrointestinal problems
• invasive candidiasis

Diagnosis is a critical step, as the symptoms of a yeast infection are similar to more serious conditions, such as:

• bacterial vaginosis
• chlamydia
• gonorrhea

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Fungal infections of the vagina in women: causes and treatment

Contents

• What are fungal diseases of the genital organs
• Causes of fungal diseases
• Risk factors
• Symptoms of fungal infections
• Treatment of fungal infections

The most common cause of female genital inflammation is a fungal infection. Fungal infection of the genital organs most often affects women of reproductive age from 21 to 40 years, its prevalence is constantly growing. Three-quarters of women experience symptoms of a vaginal fungal infection at least once in their lives ¹ . Let’s figure out which fungus affects the female genitals, why the disease occurs and how to overcome it.

What are fungal diseases of the genital organs

Various fungal infections are known to medicine, but it is the yeast-like fungus of the genus Candida that affects the genitals. Therefore, the disease is called “candidiasis” ² . Candidiasis can occur in both women and men, but women are more commonly affected ³ . Candida’s favorite habitat is the skin of the labia and vaginal mucosa ⁴ .

The genus Candida includes more than 170 species of the fungus. For effective treatment, you need to know which type caused the inflammation. Scientists have found that the infection of the vulva and vagina in 75-80% of cases causes C. albicans. In other cases, the cause of vulvovaginitis is other fungi, which, for convenience, are called non-albicans species. These include C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. krusei and others. Recently, their prevalence has increased. Non-albicans species cause recurrent vulvovaginitis, which is difficult to cure ¹ .

Causes of fungal diseases

Candida fungi are opportunistic pathogens. This means that they are part of the normal microflora of the vagina in healthy women. However, under the influence of external and internal conditions, opportunistic microbes can cause disease. It is believed that the main reason for the appearance of symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis is a decrease in the general and local immunity of a woman’s body ¹ .

Candidiasis develops in stages ¹ :

• the fungus attaches to the vaginal mucosa and begins to multiply rapidly;
• fungus cells overcome defense mechanisms and penetrate deep into tissues;
• fungal particles enter the blood vessels, spread through the body with the blood flow, form new lesions.

With vaginal candidiasis, infectious inflammation often affects only the surface layers of the mucosa. The fungus seeks, but cannot penetrate into the deeper layers, and the human body tries, but is not able to completely get rid of the pathogen. In this case, the infection can exist and periodically worsen over many years ¹ . The preservation of the infection is also facilitated by the fact that the inflammatory process in the vagina is rarely caused by one pathogen. In addition to the fungus, opportunistic bacteria, protozoa, sexually transmitted infections may also be present ⁵ .

Risk factors

An exacerbation of a fungal infection in the vagina occurs against the background of provoking factors.

Internal provoking factors include a decrease in immunity and changes in hormonal levels. Favorable conditions for the fungus occur during pregnancy, against the background of endocrine diseases (diabetes mellitus, thyroid pathology), allergies, pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, lack of vitamins, when infected with sexually transmitted infections ¹ .

Of the drugs, thrush can be provoked by the long-term use of immunosuppressants, glucocorticoids, hormonal contraceptives, antibiotics, etc. ¹ Beneficial lactic acid bacteria die from antibiotics, and fungi are able to use antibacterial drugs as a source of nutrition and at the same time actively multiply ⁶ .

External factors that provoke thrush are trauma to the tissues of the vagina or conditions of high humidity ¹ :

• first sexual contact;
• wearing tight synthetic underwear;
• rinsing with a pressure shower;
• use of sprays;
• constant wearing of pads;
• the presence of an intrauterine device.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is not a sexually transmitted infection. However, this does not exclude the sexual route of infection ³ .

Symptoms of fungal infections

Women with vulvovaginal candidiasis are most often concerned ¹ :

• an increase in the volume of secretions from the genital tract and a change in their consistency. They can be creamy, curdled, in the form of films and flakes, watery with crumbly inclusions, yellow or white with a sharp sour smell;
• intense itching in the area of ​​the labia, vagina, which leads to scratching;
• redness of the skin of the vulva, swelling, rash and cracks on the labia;
• Painful urination due to contact of urine with inflamed skin and mucous membranes. Because of the pain, women are afraid to urinate, delay urination;
• pain and discomfort during intercourse.

With a recurrent course of candidiasis, the symptoms are not so bright: there may be no discharge, lesions are less common, mild swelling and redness. Due to chronic inflammation, the skin and mucous membranes change: areas of thickening or thinning, pigmentation, and dryness appear on them. The process can capture the inner thighs, the area around the anus. A week before menstruation, the symptoms intensify, and during menstruation they are relieved. Recurrent disease occurs in about 20% of women, with episodes of candidiasis occurring 4 or more times a year ¹ .

Treatment of fungal infections

The goal of treatment is to get rid of the pathogen. Before starting therapy, the doctor conducts a diagnosis. Usually there is enough questioning, examination and smear from the genital tract. In case of unsuccessful attempts at previous treatment, the pathogen is additionally cultured with an assessment of sensitivity to antimicrobial drugs ³ . Most cases of vulvovaginal candidiasis are amenable to topical treatment, that is, intravaginal forms of antifungals and antiseptics are used ¹ .

One of the drugs indicated for the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the vagina is Depantol ^® vaginal suppositories. Depantol ^® contains two active ingredients at once: chlorhexidine and dexpanthenol. Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic that is active against not only Candida fungi, but also concomitant infections: bacterial, protozoal, STIs. Dexpanthenol is a derivative of vitamin B ₅ . Provitamin B ₅ helps relieve inflammation and accelerate the regeneration of mucosal tissues, eliminates dryness ⁷ .

Recovery will be facilitated by continuous prevention of vulvovaginal candidiasis, which includes ¹ :

• use of barrier contraceptives;
• treatment of the underlying disease that caused a decrease in immunity;
• additional intake of antifungal agents during antibiotic treatment;
• rational nutrition;
• reduction in alcohol consumption, smoking cessation;
• observance of intimate hygiene.

For daily care of the intimate area, instead of soap, special products are suitable – for example, Defemilema ^® with antibacterial components. Defemilema ^® supports the natural microflora of the intimate area and optimal pH levels, which helps to limit the growth of opportunistic organisms ⁸ .

14 days after the completion of treatment, even if nothing bothers you, you need to make sure that you are recovering. To do this, you need to visit a gynecologist and take a control swab from the genital tract ³ .

¹ Pestrikova T.Yu., Yurasova E.A. et al. Vulvovaginal candidiasis: a modern view of the problem. breast cancer. Mother and child No. 26 dated 01.12.2017 p. 1965-1970.

² Serov V.N., Tyutyunnik V.L. Vulvovaginal candidiasis: features of the course and principles of treatment. Pharmateka. 2005; 15:8-9.

³ Urogenital candidiasis Clinical recommendations. Year of approval 2020.

⁴ Makhnovets E.N. Modern ideas about vulvovaginal candidiasis and its therapy. Clinical dermatology and venereology. 2013;11(1):9‑15.

⁵ Prilepskaya V.N., Abakarova P.R. et al. Vulvovaginitis of mixed etiology and real clinical practice. Gynecology. 2020; 22(4): 82-87.

⁶ Tikhomirov A.