Yeast Infection Overview
Causes of Yeast Infections
Symptoms of Yeast Infections
Frequency
Seeing Your Doctor
Frequent Yeast Infections
Treatment Options
What is a vaginal yeast infection?
How do I know if I have a yeast infection?
What are some common causes of yeast infections?
Can hormones contribute to yeast infections?
How can my period contribute to a yeast infection?
Are yeast infections common in pregnancy?
Can menopause contribute to yeast infections?
Are all yeast infection treatments the same?
Do 1-day yeast infection treatments cure faster than 3-day treatments?
Can I get a yeast infection from having sex?
Can I give a yeast infection to my sex partner?
I’ve had several yeast infections over the past year. Should I continue to use OTC preparations?
I used an OTC product for my yeast infection, but the infection didn’t go away. What should I do?
Can yeast infections be prevented?
When should I see my physician?

Q: What is a yeast infection?
Yeast infections are the result of an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a type of yeast, or fungus, which is one of the organisms found naturally in a woman’s vagina. This overgrowth often occurs when there is an imbalance in the acidity of the vagina or in the body’s hormones.

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Q: What are some of the common causes of yeast infections?

A: There are several possible causes of yeast infections:

  • Antibiotics - One of the more common side effects of oral antibiotics are yeast infections. When the antibiotics attack the disease-causing bacteria for which they were originally intended, they may also kill bacteria in the vagina leading to an overgrowth of yeast.
  • Diabetes - Women with diabetes are susceptible to yeast infections for a couple of reasons. First, uncontrolled diabetes impairs the immune system’s ability to fight infections. In addition, high blood sugars increase the sugar level in the vagina allowing yeast to proliferate.
  • Lifestyle behaviors - Certain behaviors can trigger yeast infections, and women should be aware of them. They include:
    • Douching
    • Wearing tight clothing (e.g., tight jeans)
    • Wearing synthetic underwear
    • Wearing wet swimsuits for prolonged periods of time
    • Wiping from rear to front after using the bathroom
  • Menopause - While there is no direct connection between menopause and yeast infections, there is a link between estrogen replacement therapies (ERT) associated with menopause and yeast infections. The higher levels of estrogen from the synthetic hormone therapies can create a hormone imbalance which may lead to a yeast infection.
  • Menstruation - The time of the month right before a woman gets her period is also the time when the body produces the most blood-sugar. These sudden changes in hormone levels can lead to yeast infections for many women.
  • Oral contraceptives - Years ago, certain birth control pills high in estrogen were a frequent cause of yeast infections for many women. Fortunately today, most oral contraceptives contain lower doses of estrogen and therefore lower the risk of causing yeast infections. However, birth control pills may still be a cause of yeast infections in some women.
  • Pregnancy - The hormone changes that occur during pregnancy are another common cause of yeast infections. More specifically, a woman’s body produces more sugar than normal during pregnancy (especially as she nears child birth). This shift in blood-sugar makes pregnant women likely to get yeast infections.
  • Steroids - Steroid therapies are anti-inflammatory agents which may decrease the body’s ability to fight off infections. They may also increase the sugar levels in the blood, and the vagina, allowing yeast to proliferate there.
  • Weakened immune system - A weak immune system reduces the body’s ability to ward off yeast infections. Weakened immune systems can be caused from: lack of sleep, poor diet, stress, diabetes, HIV infection, as well as any other immune-system disorders.

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Q: What are the symptoms of yeast infections?

A: Symptoms of yeast infections can include any or all of the following:

  • Itching
  • Irritation or soreness
  • Burning during urination
  • Pain with sexual intercourse
  • Vaginal discharge (ranging from white to yellow in color with a “cheese-like” consistency)
  • Rash or redness
  • Odor

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Q: Are yeast infections common?

A: Yes. Recent studies show that nearly 75% of all women will get at least one yeast infection during their lives. Furthermore, approximately 45% of women will have more than one yeast infection throughout the course of their lives.

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Q: Do I need to see my doctor if I think I might have a yeast infection??

A: Surprisingly, more than half of the women who are self-treating yeast infections don’t actually have a yeast infection. By medicating the wrong condition, you can be putting your body at greater risk for future or more severe yeast infections. Furthermore, you can worsen the existing condition that you have. Bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infections (UTI’s), vulvar vestibulitis, lichen planus, herpes, trichomoniasis, and other STDs are some of the frequently mislabeled conditions that women think are (and treat as) yeast infections.

It is very important to see your doctor if you think you may have a yeast infection - especially if you’ve never experienced any of the symptoms before. A doctor or gynecologist can perform a “wet prep” test, which simply involves them taking a swab from your vagina and looking at the sample under a microscope. Another test your doctor may use is called a yeast culture. This test involves growing yeast in a test tube or petri dish to confirm the diagnosis. These tests are of vital importance in the proper diagnosis of yeast infections.

Women who have had yeast infections before, and are sure that their current symptoms are another yeast infection can self-treat their infection using any of the over-the-counter products available on the market today. However, if the condition does not clear up or if it worsens, they should see their physician immediately.

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Q: I get several yeast infections throughout the course of the year? Is this normal??

A: Women who experience multiple yeast infections throughout the year are suffering from ‘recurrent yeast infections’ and should be under the care of a doctor. Recurrent yeast infections can be the sign of something more serious (such as diabetes or immune-system deficiencies) and treating the root of the problem may reduce the amount of annual yeast infections.

Only approximately 5% of women actually suffer from recurrent yeast infections, however, many more women think that they do. Because so many women mistake their symptoms, it is very important to see your doctor and ask her/him to perform the necessary diagnostic tests, if you think you have a yeast infection.

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Q: There are several treatments available on the market for yeast infections. How do I know which one to use?

A: The two main types of yeast infection treatments are topical (creams) and oral (pills). As with any medication, you need to check with your doctor to see which type of medication is right for you.

There are a few key differences between topical and oral medications. Topical medications typically have fewer side effects and possible drug interactions than oral medications do. Also, there are certain brands of topical medication that women can buy over-the-counter if they choose to self-treat their yeast infection whereas oral medications are only available by prescription. Oral treatments are known to have more side effects than their topical counterparts, however, some women prefer the convenience of taking a pill as opposed to using a cream or ointment. Another main difference between topical and oral medication is the speed at which they work; because topical medications are applied directly to the affected area, they tend to relieve symptoms more quickly than oral medications.

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Q: What is a vaginal yeast infection?

A: A yeast infection is a common type of vaginal infection caused most commonly by an overgrowth of the yeast called Candida albicans. Candida is always present in your body, but when an imbalance occurs, such as when the normal pH balance of the vagina changes or when your hormonal balance changes, Candida can multiply. When that happens, you can get a vaginal yeast infection.

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Q: How do I know if I have a yeast infection?

A: You will experience itching, burning, and a thick, white vaginal discharge that might resemble cottage cheese. You may also notice redness or experience pain. If this is your first yeast infection, don’t try to diagnose or treat it yourself. The only way to know for sure is to see your doctor. It might be another kind of vaginal condition, and more than one infection can occur at the same time.

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Q: What are some common causes of yeast infections?

A: Certain antibiotics can sometimes create conditions for yeast overgrowth. If you take oral antibiotics, or are on a regular course of antibiotic therapy, a yeast infection can result. Steroid therapy can also cause yeast overgrowth. Yeast infections can occur in certain people with diabetes. When the blood sugar is high, yeast can grow rapidly. Your lifestyle can make a difference, too. Wearing tight jeans, synthetic underwear, or a wet swimsuit can create a warm, moist environment where Candida thrive. Douching and wiping from rear to front after urination or a bowel movement can also negatively affect the vaginal environment. A compromised immune system can also result in yeast overgrowth. If you think you might have been exposed to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, the virus that causes AIDS) and are currently experiencing vaginal infections that either don’t subside or are recurrent, see your doctor promptly to determine the cause of your symptoms and to receive proper medical care.

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Q: Can hormones contribute to yeast infections?

A: Yes. In a normal cycle, estrogen deposits glycogen, a form of sugar, in the cells in the lining of the vagina. Progesterone causes the cells to be shed into the vagina, so the sugar becomes available for yeast to feed on, multiply, and grow.

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Q: How can my period contribute to a yeast infection?

A: Estrogen and sugar production peak at the midpoint between your periods, and then progesterone begins to build and sugar is released. Yeast infection symptoms can follow the hormonal pattern of this cycle. Often, the most severe symptoms occur before the onset of your period when more sugar is available. During and after the flow, symptoms are likely to subside.

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Q: Are yeast infections common in pregnancy?

A: Yes, because more sugar is produced during pregnancy. Many women get yeast infections during the third trimester. As childbirth approaches, yeast infections can be even more common. After delivery, hormone levels change dramatically, and symptoms of yeast infections disappear in a few days because of the new vaginal environment does not support yeast growth. If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, do not use products to treat a yeast infection except under the advice and supervision of a doctor.

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Q: Can menopause contribute to yeast infections?

A: Menopause itself has not been proven to cause yeast infections, but high doses of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) could contribute to yeast overgrowth. It is also possible to develop a yeast infection after menopause, either as a result of taking antibiotics, high doses of estrogen, or as a complication of diabetes.

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Q: Are all yeast infection treatments the same?

A: No. Some products merely relieve the symptoms, and others cure the infection. When choosing the treatment for your yeast infection, select a cure so you have the best chance to eliminate your yeast infection.

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Q: Do 1-day yeast infection treatments cure faster than 3-day treatments?

A: No. You can’t cure yeast infections in a day. One-day treatments, such as Canesten® 1, need only be inserted once, but they work over three days to cure your yeast infection. You will begin to experience relief of your symptoms in one day, with a full cure by 7 days.

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Q: Can I get a yeast infection from having sex?

A: Rarely. While a yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted disease, it is possible to contract a yeast infection through sexual relations. However, sex is an uncommon source of infection. Yeast infections are the result of an imbalance in the vaginal environment, which can have a variety of causes.

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Q: Can I give a yeast infection to my sex partner?

A: Yes. It is possible, though not common, for a sex partner to develop a yeast infection. If you think you have a yeast infection and your partner has penile itching, redness, or discomfort, he should contact his physician. Your partner’s physician should know that you have (or may have) a yeast infection, so a more precise diagnosis can be made.

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Q: I’ve had several yeast infections over the past year. Should I continue to use OTC preparations?

A: If you’ve had several yeast infections within a year (i.e., if you have one every two months, or more often), this is considered a recurring yeast infection, and you should notify your physician. Recurrent yeast infections can indicate a more serious underlying condition that should be diagnosed and treated.

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Q: I used an OTC product for my yeast infection, but the infection didn’t go away. What should I do?

A: If this happens, you should consult your physician. There are several common (and treatable) vaginal infections that have symptoms similar to those of a yeast infection. Also, women can have yeast infections that do not respond to a particular treatment. There could be a serious underlying medical cause for your infections, including diabetes or a compromised immune system. Your physician can diagnose and recommend the appropriate treatment for your condition.

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Q: Can yeast infections be prevented?

A: Although it might not be possible to completely avoid vaginal yeast infections, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of developing one.

  • Dry the outside vaginal area thoroughly after a shower, bath, or swim. Change out of a wet bathing suit or damp workout clothes as soon as possible.
  • Wear cotton underwear.
  • Avoid tight-fitting clothing.
  • Wipe from the front to the rear (away from the vagina) after a bowel movement or urination.
  • Don’t use vaginal deodorants or deodorant tampons, and don’t douche unless your doctor tells you to do so. Douching and deodorants may disturb the vaginal environment.

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Q: When should I see my physician?

A: You should see your physician if this is your first yeast infection, if you are pregnant, if you have compromised immunity (for example, if you have HIV or have had chemotherapy or radiotherapy), or if your yeast infection has recurred within a 2-month period. Girls under the age of 12 should also see their physician before treating a yeast infection. Consult your physician if you are using a cure and there is no improvement within 3 to 7 days, complete relief is not felt within 7 days, or if symptoms return within 2 months. These could be signs of something other than a yeast infection.

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