FAQs on Vaginal Yeast Infection Symptoms and Treatment

Most women are pronged to vaginal yeast infection (candidiasis) at least once in their lifetime. A study has estimated that up to 75 out of 100 women will get this infection. Candida is a fungus that causes this infection. Candida can be found in our body and thrive in a moist environment such as the vagina, throat, skin, anus, and around the foreskin.

What do you need to know about this common infection? We have compiled a series of FAQs that we got asked a lot.

What is a yeast infection?

Yeast is a fungus normally found on your skin. It’s also found in your digestive system. If you’re a woman, you also have yeast in your vaginal area. When too much yeast grows on your skin or other areas, it can cause an infection. 

What are the main causes of yeast infection in females?

How do you get a yeast infection? It is important to understand the main causes of vaginal yeast infection. A fungus called Candida Albicans is responsible for most cases of vaginal yeast infections.

When there is a change in the balance of the bacterial flora or pH of the vagina, it can lead to infection or inflammation of the vagina. This includes an overgrown fungus (candida).

An overgrown candida can be the result of pregnancy, use of antibiotics, impaired immune system, hormonal imbalance, uncontrolled diabetes, sexual activity, use of vaginal wash and douches, or even wearing tight pants or underwear.

How do I know if you have a yeast infection? What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?

The symptoms of a yeast infection depend on where it is located in the body. The chart below shows the most common symptoms of a yeast infection. But yours may be slightly different.

The symptoms of a yeast infection may look like other skin conditions. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

If you have one or more than one symptoms, please visit our doctor for an assessment.

If you are someone with uncontrolled diabetes, a weakened immune system, or have a frequent yeast infection you are more vulnerable to complicated yeast infections.

Could that be a yeast infection if I have an abnormal vaginal discharge and vaginal odor?

Having an abnormal vaginal discharge doesn't mean that you have a vaginal yeast infection. An abnormal vaginal discharge is one of the most common symptoms of vaginitis (vulvovaginitis).

Vaginitis is an inflammation or infection of the vaginal, and it is common in women during their reproductive years. Vaginitis can itch, discharge, pain, and odor. There are different types of vaginitis, and vaginitis has different causes, symptoms, and treatments.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by an imbalance of "good" and "bad" bacteria in the vaginal. It is not a sexually transmitted infection, but it can increase your risk of getting other sexually transmitted infections such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, or Trichomoniasis. People with Bacterial vaginosis may experience off-white, grey, or greenish vaginal discharge with a fishy smell.

Yeast infection (Candidiasis) is caused by an overgrowth of candida in the vaginal. Yeast infection can cause thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance.

Trichomoniasis (Trich) is caused by a parasite called (Trichomonas vaginalis). Trichomoniasis is one of the common sexually transmitted infections. You may experience yellow-green or gray discharge from the vagina with an unpleasant smell.

Can you get a yeast infection from having sex?

Yes, it is not uncommon that yeast infection can be transmitted to your partner through sex. Men can get infected with penile yeast infection if they engage in sexual intercourse with an infected female partner. Likewise, a female can get a vaginal yeast infection from an infected male during sexual intercourse.

In general, it is also possible to contract yeast infection via oral sex when you encounter a person with a vaginal yeast infection or penile yeast infection. Sex toys can also transmit the infection.

It is important to consider taking a break from sexual activity with your sexual partner to prevent the transmission of this infection back and forth until you and your partner are recovered.

How is yeast infection diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history. He or she will also give you a physical exam. He or she may scrape off a bit of skin or remove part of a nail and examine it to confirm the diagnosis. At PULSE Clinics we provide vaginal swab to detect 7 types of Candida infections.

Why do I keep getting yeast infections (recurring yeast infections)?

Recurring vaginal yeast infection can occur if the conditions of your body are favorable for yeast to overgrow. A lack of regular hygiene practices can also lead to recurring yeast infections. The risk of having a recurring yeast infection is higher when you have a weakened immune system, some of the factors of a weakened immune system can be your age, use of certain medication, or having certain health or medical conditions.

How do you get rid of a yeast infection?

After understanding your medical history, our doctor will perform an examination or test. A vaginal swab will be performed to determine the type of fungus causing the yeast infection. This is important to help your doctor to better prescribe effective treatment, especially if you have a recurrent yeast infection.

The treatment for yeast infection depends on the severity and frequency of the infection. If your infection is infrequent and has mild to moderate symptoms, your doctor may prescribe you antifungal medication in a form of tables, suppositories, creams, or ointments.

Yeast infections can be easily treated with ointments or other anti-yeast (antifungal) creams.

• Yeast infections of the vagina or penis can be treated with creams or medicated suppositories. Sometimes an oral anti-yeast medicine is used.
• Yeast infection in the mouth (thrush) may be treated with a medicated mouthwash. Or it may be treated with lozenges that dissolve in the mouth.
• If you have a severe infection and have a weak immune system, you may need to take an oral anti-yeast medicine.
• Esophageal yeast infections are usually treated with oral or intravenous anti-yeast medicines.
• Yeast infections of the nails are treated with an oral anti-yeast medicine.
• Yeast infections in the skin folds can be treated with anti-yeast powders.

How can I reduce my risk of yeast infection?

You can reduce your risk of getting a vaginal yeast infection by

1. Avoid using feminine deodorants
2. Not using scented tampons or pads
3. Not douching
4. Using water-based lubricants
5. Change out of wet clothes

Can a yeast infection be prevented?

You can prevent some yeast infections by doing these things:

• Use good oral hygiene to help prevent yeast infection in your mouth (thrush). This includes brushing and flossing your teeth every day and using mouthwash as needed.
• Wear cotton underwear to help to prevent a vaginal or genital yeast infection. If you are a woman and get vaginal yeast infections often, you may want to take probiotics.
• Keep areas where skin rubs up against skin dry and try to reduce friction.
•  

What should I do before visiting a doctor?

It is important to make a list of any symptoms that you are experiencing, as well as for how long you have been experiencing them.

Let your doctor know what other medical conditions you have, and what medications, supplements, and vitamins you are taking.

Avoid using tampons or douching before your appointment to see your doctor.

Do not begin treatment or self-medication until your doctor has confirmed that you have a yeast infection.

If you are concern about yeast infection, please contact our doctors today.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:

• Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.
• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.
• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
• Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
• Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.