Most women will get a vaginal yeast infection at some point in their life. Symptoms of vaginal yeast infections include burning, itching, and thick, white discharge. Yeast infections are easy to treat, but it is important to see your doctor or nurse if you think you have an infection. Yeast infection symptoms are similar to other vaginal infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you have a more serious infection, and not a yeast infection, it can lead to major health problems
Vaginal yeast infections are very common, happening to over 1 million women in the United States each year. A type of vaginitis, a vaginal yeast infection is caused by a specific type of yeast called candida. You always have yeast in your body, but when it grows rapidly, you can get an infection.
A vaginal yeast infection, which is also sometimes called vulvovaginal candidiasis, happens when the healthy yeast that normally lives in your vagina grows out of control. It often leads to itching and other irritating symptoms. The medical name for a yeast infection is “candidiasis,” because they’re usually caused by a type of yeast called candida.
If your vaginal chemistry gets thrown off balance, the normal yeast that live in your vagina can grow too much and lead to an infection. Some things that can cause changes in your vagina’s environment are:
- normal changes in hormone levels (like during your menstrual cycle)
- antibiotics, cortisone, and other drugs
- pregnancy
- diabetes
Vaginal yeast infections (thrush) can cause itching, burning or abnormal vaginal discharge. In many women the external (outer) sex organs such as the labia are inflamed too. Sometimes vaginal yeast infections don’t cause any symptoms at all.
Vaginal yeast infections occur when too much yeast grows in the vagina, leading to an inflammation. Yeast is a type of fungus. Along with bacterial infections (bacterial vaginosis), yeast infections are among the most common causes of inflammation in the vagina and on the outer part of the female genitals.
Women are particularly likely to have vaginal yeast infections during certain phases of life, such as pregnancy. Other things that increase their risk include a weakened immune system and taking certain medications.
Yeast infections often clear up after a short course of treatment with vaginal suppositories or creams. Sometimes it can be a good idea to take tablets.
