Yeast infection: possible signs, symptoms and treatment options

A yeast infection is an itchy condition that can be unpleasant and even painful, but the right diagnosis and care may help people feel better fast. Three out of four women will experience a vaginal yeast infection at least once over the course of their lives. Thankfully, these infections can be effectively treated — and even prevented — with the right kind of care. (For the purposes of this article, “women” refers to biological sex.)

Also known as vaginal candidiasis, yeast infections are caused by an overabundance of a type of fungus called Candida. Many types of Candida occur naturally in the mouth, digestive tract and vagina.

Antibiotics, steroids, oral contraceptives, hormone therapy or medications that suppress the immune system are all factors that could increase the risk of a yeast infection. Diabetes, conditions that compromise the immune system and pregnancy may also increase the risk of a yeast infection.

In this article:

What are some common symptoms of a yeast infection?

Vaginal yeast infections typically make themselves known with some common symptoms, including itchiness, pain and a vaginal discharge that is often compared to cottage cheese in appearance but does not have a bad smell. In serious cases, redness, swelling or cracks in the walls of the vagina may also be signs of a yeast infection.

Keep in mind that feeling itchy in the genital area doesn’t necessarily mean someone has a yeast infection. “While most women with yeast infections experience vaginal and/or vulvar itching, many other conditions can cause itching in the genital region,” says Harold C. Wiesenfeld, MD, vice chair of gynecology at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Magee-Women’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. “Some examples include trichomonas vaginalis (trich), bacterial vaginosis (BV) and skin conditions of the vulva.” It’s also possible to mistake a yeast infection for a urinary tract infection (UTI), which can also cause pain or discomfort while urinating.

For this reason, if someone is experiencing yeast infection symptoms — especially if they’ve never had a yeast infection before — Dr. Wiesenfeld advises seeing a health care provider. A health care provider will do an exam and collect samples to test for causes of vaginal infections.

Treating a yeast infection

People should ask their health care provider about what kind of treatment is best for their specific symptoms. Even if someone has had a yeast infection before, they should contact their health care provider before using an over-the-counter (OTC) medication to treat their symptoms. (If this is the first time someone has had symptoms of a yeast infection, they should also see their health care provider.) If someone uses OTC medication to treat their symptoms and they don’t go away, they should check back in with their health care provider.

OTC antifungal products contain miconazole, clotrimazole or tioconazole, which are effective at treating vaginal yeast infections. These medications come in the form of creams, ointments or vaginal suppositories. Women can choose between one-, three- or seven-day treatment options.

The difference between the length of treatment comes down to the dose. For example, there are three options for miconazole nitrate products:

• CVS Health Miconazole 1 is a one-day treatment (one intravaginal dose contains 1,200 milligrams).
• CVS Health Miconazole 3 is a three-day treatment (each intravaginal daily dose contains 200 milligrams).
• CVS Health Miconazole 7 is a seven-day treatment (each intravaginal daily dose contains 100 milligrams).

Tioconazole is another option that is given as a single dose.

“Women who are experiencing itching of the vulvar skin in addition to vaginal itching are encouraged to apply some of the antifungal cream to the vulvar skin as well,” says Dr. Wiesenfeld. Many OTC products, including Monistat 1 and Monistat 3, come with an antifungal cream, if needed.

Health care providers can also prescribe medications that are topical (like a cream or suppository) or oral fluconazole.

The good news is that with proper treatment, most uncomplicated infections resolve in people who complete therapy.

Chronic yeast infections

About 40 to 45 percent of women will have two or more yeast infections in their lifetime. If someone has four or more yeast infections in a year, they should speak with their health care provider to rule out other more serious conditions that might be contributing to the recurrences. Prescription vaginal yeast infection treatments, like antifungal maintenance medications, may be a good fit for those who experience chronic or repeat infections.

Ways to help prevent yeast infections

To help minimize the risk, people should avoid things known to trigger infections and can try these suggestions:

• Avoid douching, which can kill the good bacteria that help control Candida.
• Avoid hot tubs and very hot baths.
• Avoid tight-fitting pants or pantyhose and choose underwear with a cotton crotch.
• Change out of wet bathing suits or clothing as soon as possible.
• In people with diabetes, ensure blood sugar levels are under control.
• Stay away from scented feminine products, including tampons and pads.

Key takeaways

Yeast infections happen, usually more often than people would like. (About 75 percent of all women will experience at least one.) But they can be simple to treat. Both OTC and prescription options are available. A couple options can even help take care of a yeast infection with one single dose.

Of course, some cases can be a little more stubborn than others. In other cases, some symptoms might be confused with another condition. That’s why it’s important for people to speak to a health care provider about their symptoms. It’s the best way for someone to help figure out what type of treatment they actually need.