Vaginal Yeast Infection

What Is It?

Vaginal yeast infections, also called "Candida vaginal infections," typically are caused by the Candida albicans fungus. During a lifetime, 75 percent of all women are likely to have at least one vaginal Candida infection, and up to 45 percent have two or more. Women tend to be more susceptible to vaginal yeast infections if their bodies are under stress from poor diet, lack of sleep, illness, or when they are pregnant or taking antibiotics. Women with immune-suppressing diseases such as diabetes and HIV infection also are at increased risk.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include:

• Vaginal itch and/or soreness
• Thick, white, cheeselike discharge
• "Burning" discomfort around the vaginal opening, especially if urine contacts the area
• Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will suspect an infection based on your symptoms. Your doctor will do a pelvic examination to look for inflammation and a white discharge in your vagina and around the vaginal opening. Your doctor may also take a sample of the vaginal discharge for quick examination under a microscope in the office or to send to a laboratory to test for yeast organisms, such as Candida fungi.

Expected Duration

Proper treatment cures up to 90 percent of vaginal yeast infections within two weeks or less, often within a few days. A small number of people will have repeat infections. Usually, these will improve with repeated treatment. However, patients with unexplained, repeat episodes should be tested for diabetes or HIV — two conditions that can suppress the immune system and increase the risk of infections.

Prevention

To help prevent vaginal yeast infections, you can try the following suggestions:

• Keep the external genital area clean and dry.
• Avoid irritating soaps (including bubble bath), vaginal sprays and douches.
• Change tampons and sanitary napkins frequently.
• Wear loose cotton (rather than nylon) underwear that doesn't trap moisture.
• After swimming, change quickly into your dry clothing instead of sitting in your wet bathing suit for prolonged periods.
• Take antibiotics only when prescribed by your doctor, and never take them for longer than your doctor directs.