Vaginal Yeast Infection, Adult

Female body with a close-up showing the vagina with a yeast infection.

Vaginal yeast infection is a condition that causes vaginal discharge as well as soreness, swelling, and redness (inflammation) of the vagina. This is a common condition. Some women get this infection frequently.

What are the causes?

This condition is caused by a change in the normal balance of the yeast (Candida) and normal bacteria that live in the vagina. This change causes an overgrowth of yeast, which causes the inflammation.

What increases the risk?

The condition is more likely to develop in women who:

Take antibiotic medicines.
Have diabetes.
Take birth control pills.
Are pregnant.
Douche often.
Have a weak body defense system (immune system).
Have been taking steroid medicines for a long time.
Frequently wear tight clothing.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

White, thick, creamy vaginal discharge.
Swelling, itching, redness, and irritation of the vagina. The lips of the vagina (labia) may be affected as well.
Pain or a burning feeling while urinating.
Pain during sex.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed based on:

Your medical history.
A physical exam.
A pelvic exam. Your health care provider will examine a sample of your vaginal discharge under a microscope. Your health care provider may send this sample for testing to confirm the diagnosis.

How is this treated?

This condition is treated with medicine. Medicines may be over-the-counter or prescription. You may be told to use one or more of the following:

Medicine that is taken by mouth (orally).
Medicine that is applied as a cream (topically).
Medicine that is inserted directly into the vagina (suppository).

Follow these instructions at home:

Take or apply over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
Do not use tampons until your health care provider approves.
Do not have sex until your infection has cleared. Sex can prolong or worsen your symptoms of infection. Ask your health care provider when it is safe to resume sexual activity.
Keep all follow-up visits. This is important.

How is this prevented?

A sign showing that a person should not douche.

Do not wear tight clothes, such as pantyhose or tight pants.
Wear breathable cotton underwear.
Do not use douches, perfumed soap, creams, or powders.
Wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar levels under control.
Ask your health care provider for other ways to prevent yeast infections.

Contact a health care provider if:

You have a fever.
Your symptoms go away and then return.
Your symptoms do not get better with treatment.
Your symptoms get worse.
You have new symptoms.
You develop blisters in or around your vagina.
You have blood coming from your vagina and it is not your menstrual period.
You develop pain in your abdomen.

Summary

Vaginal yeast infection is a condition that causes discharge as well as soreness, swelling, and redness (inflammation) of the vagina.
This condition is treated with medicine. Medicines may be over-the-counter or prescription.
Take or apply over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
Do not douche. Resume sexual activity or use of tampons as instructed by your health care provider.
Contact a health care provider if your symptoms do not get better with treatment or your symptoms go away and then return.