5 Things to Know About Vaginal Yeast Infection

1. What Is Candida Vulvovaginitis, or a Vaginal Yeast Infection?

Vaginal yeast infections are common complaints among women, especially women who are menstruating. Symptoms include a thick, white, curdy vaginal discharge; intense itching of the vulva; burning with urination; swelling and pain in the vulvar region; and painful intercourse. Yeast infections are not considered a sexually transmitted disease, but occur more often in sexually active women. Yeast infections are rarely transferred from one partner to another.

2. What Causes Candida Vulvovaginitis?

Most cases of vaginal yeast infections are caused by candida albicans, which is a fungus. This fungus normally lives on bodily surfaces, including the vagina, without any consequences or symptoms. However, changes in the skin (due to medications, for example) sometimes allow overgrowth to occur, which in turn causes symptoms to arise. Risk factors include antibiotics (which kill the good and bad bacteria, permitting yeast to overgrow); birth control; pregnancy; diabetes; weak immune systems; and intravaginal devices (like the IUD).

3. How Is Candida Vulvovaginitis Diagnosed?

Definitive diagnosis occurs via a visit to a health-care provider, who will take a history of symptoms, perform a physical examination (including a pelvic exam), and take samples of vaginal fluids for evaluation. The samples are then looked at under a microscope and a diagnosis is made when hyphae and yeast buds are present.

4. How Is Candida Vulvovaginitis Treated?

Vaginal yeast infections can be treated with an oral medication or topical vaginal creams. The oral medication, fluconazole, usually only requires a one-time dose, with resolution of symptoms occurring within a few days. However, some infections may require a repeat dose, especially if there are concurrent medical problems. Topical intravaginal creams, which can be bought over the counter, are applied at night and last 1 to 7 days.

5. How Is Candida Vulvovaginitis Prevented?

There are a few steps to follow to help prevent vaginal yeast infections. Avoid the following: douching; taking bubble baths with irritating soap; using scented panty liners; and wearing tight clothing. But do keep the vaginal dry and clean (change sanitary napkins and tampons frequently and change out of wet clothing, like bathing suits, promptly); wear cotton underwear; and maintain good control of your blood sugars if you are diabetic.