Vaginal Yeast Infection in Adults: What to Know

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

A yeast infection happens when too much yeast grows in the vagina. This can lead to discharge, soreness, swelling, and redness. It's a common condition and some women get it often.

What are the causes?

Yeast infections are caused by an imbalance of yeast and bacteria in the vagina, leading to an overgrowth of yeast.

What increases the risk?

Women are more likely to get yeast infections if they:

Take antibiotic medicines.
Have diabetes.
Have a weak immune system.
Are pregnant.
Douche often.
Take steroid medicines for a long time.
Wear tight clothes often.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of a yeast infection include:

White, thick, creamy or lumpy discharge.
Swelling, itching, and redness of the vagina and labia.
Pain or a burning feeling when peeing.
Pain during sex.

How is this diagnosed?

A yeast infection is diagnosed based on:

Your medical history.
A physical exam.
A pelvic exam.
Looking at a sample of the discharge with a microscope.

How is this treated?

A yeast infection is treated with medicine. Medicines may be over-the-counter or prescription. Medicines can be:

Taken by mouth.
Applied as a cream.
Put into the vagina.

Follow these instructions at home:

Take or use medicines only as told.
Do not use tampons until your health care provider approves.
Do not have sex until your infection has cleared. Sex can make your symptoms last longer or get worse. Ask your provider when it's safe to have sex.
- Infection of your partner through sex isn't common.

How is this prevented?

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

Contact a health care provider if:

You have a fever.
Your symptoms go away and then come back.
Your symptoms don't get better with treatment or get worse.
You have new symptoms, such as pain in the belly or blisters in the genital area.
You have blood coming from your vagina and it's not your menstrual period.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.