Yeast Infections

Also known as vaginal candidiasis or vulvovaginal candidiasis

Medically reviewed by Chioma Ndubisi, MD
Updated on February 23, 2023

A vaginal yeast infection is a common condition caused by an overgrowth of naturally occurring fungi called Candida, especially Candida albicans. As many as 75% of women have had at least one vaginal yeast infection during their lifetime. Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection can include vaginal itching, redness or soreness, and a clumpy white discharge. Most infections can be treated with antifungal medications.

Understanding Yeast Infections

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Key Terms

  • Candida

    A yeast (type of fungus) found in the mouth, vagina, and intestinal tract. Species of candida, especially candida albicans, can cause vaginal yeast infections and oral yeast infections (thrush). An overgrowth of candida can be treated with antifungal medications. Different medications are used depending on the location of the infection.

    What Is Candida and Candidiasis?
  • Discharge

    A fluid that comes out of the body. Vaginal discharge is a normal way for the vagina to stay lubricated and to clean itself. Abnormal vaginal discharge is when there is a change in color, amount, or consistency, and may indicate infection. Vaginal discharge that is white and clumpy may indicate a yeast infection.

    The Difference Between Normal and Abnormal Vaginal Discharge
  • Pelvic Exam

    An external and internal examination of the pelvis, including the vulva, vagina, and cervix. If an infection is suspected, a gynecologist will check for visual signs of the infection and may take swab samples that can test for yeast, bacterial vaginosis, and certain sexually transmitted infections by examining the samples under a microscope.

    What Is a Pelvic Exam?
  • Short-Course Vaginal Therapy

    Short-course vaginal therapy for a yeast infection is a topical antifungal that is given for one to three days. Short-course vaginal therapy is only effective for mild, uncomplicated yeast infections. Other yeast infections may need a topical treatment for a week or more or may require oral medications.

Causes & Risk Factors

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Tips to Prevent a Yeast Infection: Soap and water (wash your body with unscented soap and water), Use condoms or dental dams, a shower head (shower and change clothes after working out), under wear (wear breathable clothes and cotton underwear), an X next to sugar cubes (avoid eating a lot of sugar), a hear with a clock that says WAIT (avoid sex until the infection has gone away)
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Types

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do you get rid of a vaginal yeast infection?

    Vaginal yeast infections are treated with over-the-counter (OTC) topical antifungal products or prescription oral medication, such as Diflucan (fluconazole). The topical options include vaginal suppositories (inserts), tablets, or creams. Those who have recurring symptoms or more than four infections in a year may be treated with antifungal medications for up to six months.

    Learn More: How Vaginal Yeast Infection Is Treated
  • What causes a yeast infection?

    Candida normally lives in the vagina and is a standard part of the human microbial flora. It only becomes problematic if allowed to proliferate, which can occur under a number of conditions that may disrupt vaginal acidity and floral balance. This can include use of antibiotics, certain contraceptives, pregnancy, menstruation, diabetes, or a weakened immune system.

    Learn More: Causes and Risk Factors of Yeast Infection
  • Can men get yeast infections?

    Anyone can get a yeast infection, but they are much less common in men than women. Men often do not experience symptoms, but there may be itchiness, redness on the tip of the penis, and white discharge. About 15% of men get an itchy rash after having unprotected sex with a partner who has a yeast infection. There are also antifungal creams, such as those for jock itch, and oral medications.

    Learn More: The Causes and Symptoms of a Male Yeast Infection
  • How long does a yeast infection last?

    It depends on the severity of the infection. Once treated, most vaginal yeast infections resolve within a week. Severe infections may take slightly longer and any recurring symptoms should be evaluated by a physician who may prescribe longer doses or oral or topical medications.

    Learn More: How Vaginal Yeast Infection Is Treated
  • Are yeast infections contagious?

    Yeast infections are not considered sexually transmitted infections since you can get them without having sex. They can, however, be transferred between partners during sexual activity. Condoms and dental dams may help prevent passing yeast infections to partners (but some antifungal medications may weaken the material of condoms and dental dams).

    Learn More: Symptoms of Yeast Infections

Treatment

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Home Remedies

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Page Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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