Yeast Infection

The symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include:

• Vaginal itching 
• Thick, clumpy, white vaginal discharge 
• Red, irritated skin around the opening of the vagina 
• Pain while urinating 
• Pain in the vagina during sexual intercourse 

Symptoms are more likely to occur during the week before your menstrual period.

A healthy vagina has many bacteria and a small number of yeast cells. The most common bacteria, lactobacillus acidophilus, help keep yeast and other organisms under control. When something happens to change the balance of these organisms, yeast can grow too much and cause symptoms. 

Things that may cause an overgrowth of vaginal yeast include:

• Taking antibiotics 
• Having a high estrogen level 
• Having diabetes 
• Having a disease that weakens the immune system 
• Using steroid medicines 
• Being overweight

Your doctor may be able to diagnose based on your medical history and a vaginal exam. If your symptoms aren’t typical of a yeast infection, your doctor can do a microscopy test to look for signs of yeast or other organisms. If you have vaginal yeast infections that are severe or that keep coming back, your doctor may request additional tests.

These tests include:

• Vaginal culture. This can confirm that you have a yeast infection. 
• Blood test to find out if you have a health problem that makes you more likely to get yeast infections.

Yeast infections can be treated at home with over-the-counter medicines. You can use an antifungal cream or vaginal suppositories. If you are pregnant, don’t use medicine for a yeast infection without talking to your doctor first.

Treatment options also include prescription antifungal pills or vaginal medicine. If you have more than four yeast infections in a year, see your doctor. They may do tests to see if your yeast infections are caused by another health problem.