Yeast Infections

A yeast infection occurs when the normal levels of acid and yeast in the vagina are out of balance and cause a very uncomfortable, but not serious, condition called a yeast infection. If you have never been diagnosed or treated by a physician for a yeast infection and have some of the symptoms, you should see your physician first for accurate diagnosis and treatment, because trying to treat yourself may make symptoms worse.

What causes a yeast infection?

A yeast infection is caused by one or more of the following:

• Hormonal changes that come with pregnancy (See Yeast Infections During Pregnancy) or before your period
• Taking hormones or birth control pills
• Taking antibiotics or steroids
• High blood sugar, as in diabetes
• Vaginal intercourse
• Douching
• Blood or semen

What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?

Symptoms of a yeast infection can include:

• Itching, burning, soreness
• Thick, white, vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese and may smell like yeast/bread, though usually odorless
• Burning during urination and intercourse
• Swelling, soreness, or rash on the outer lips of the vagina

What else could I be experiencing?

If you are experiencing symptoms similar to a yeast infection, but a physician has ruled out this diagnosis, you may have one of the following:

• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD’s) like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, & Trichomoniasis
• A vaginal infection called Bacterial Vaginosis

How do I know for sure if I have a yeast infection?

Your healthcare provider will use a simple, painless swab to remove discharge or vaginal secretions and examine it through a microscope in the office. Usually, upon a simple examination of the vagina, a physician can diagnose a yeast infection. In rare cases, the culture may be sent to a lab.

How are yeast infections treated?

A yeast infection can be treated by creams that can be applied vaginally. Monistat, Gyne-Lotrimin, or prescription Terazol or Vagistat provide immediate relief of burning on the vulva and should completely clear up the infection in a week.

Medications taken orally, such as prescription Diflucan, Sporanox, Nystatin, and Nizoral, clear up the infection within a few days but provide slower relief of burning and itching.

Ask your doctor about using cream topically to relieve itching and burning as well as a one-dose oral medication to clear it up as quickly as possible.

How can I prevent yeast infections from occurring?

Yeast infections can usually be avoided by doing the following:

• Avoid tight-fitting, synthetic fiber clothing, leotards, or girdles
• Wear cotton panties and panty hose with cotton crotches.
• Wash regularly, and dry thoroughly. Use your blow dryer on a low, cool setting to help dry your genital area.
• Always wipe from front to back after using the restroom.
• Shower immediately after you swim, and dry thoroughly. Change out of wet swimsuits or other damp clothes as soon as you can.
• Change underwear and workout clothes right away after exercise.
• Don’t douche or use feminine hygiene sprays, sanitary pads, and tampons that contain deodorant.
• Don’t use bubble bath or colored/perfumed toilet paper.
• Eat nutritious foods including yogurt with “lactobacillus acidophilus”; limit sugar intake, as sugar promotes the growth of yeast.
• Get plenty of rest to make it easier for your body to fight infections.

When should I contact my doctor?

If you are experiencing the symptoms described in this article, you should call your doctor now. Yeast infections have similar symptoms of other infections and STD’s. Proper diagnosis every time you think you may have a yeast infection is vital for the most effective, immediate treatment, or your condition may worsen.

If you see no improvement within three days, or the symptoms worsen or come back after treatment, you should contact your healthcare provider again.

Compiled using information from the following sources:

American Academy of Family Physicians, http://familydoctor.org

Danforth?s Obstetrics and Gynecology Ninth Ed. Scott, James R., et al, Ch. 32.

Last updated: 12/2006