Vaginal Yeast Infection (Candidiasis)

ByOluwatosin Goje, MD, MSCR, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University
Reviewed/Revised Mar 2023
VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
GET THE QUICK FACTS

A vaginal yeast infection (also called candidiasis) is caused by an infectious organism called Candida, usually Candida albicans.

  • A vaginal yeast infection may cause intense itching of the vagina and vulva, and women often have a thick, white, curd-like discharge.

  • If symptoms suggest a vaginal infection, doctors examine a sample of the discharge and may test it or fluid from the cervix for infectious organisms that can cause infection.

  • Antifungal medications—creams, vaginal suppositories, or oral medications—are effective treatment.

  • Being pregnant or having diabetes or a weakened immune system increases the risk of vaginal yeast infections.

(See also Overview of Vaginal Infections.)

Causes of Vaginal Yeast Infection

In women of childbearing age, yeast infections due to Candida albicans are particularly common. This yeast normally resides on the skin or in the intestine. From these areas, it can spread to the vagina. Yeast infections are not transmitted sexually.

Vaginal yeast infections are more likely to occur in women who

  • Are pregnant

  • Have diabetes

  • Have a weakened immune system—suppressed by medications (such as corticosteroids or chemotherapy drugs) or impaired by a disorder (such as AIDS)

  • Are taking antibiotics

Antibiotics taken by mouth tend to kill the bacteria that normally reside in the vagina and that prevent yeast from growing. Thus, using antibiotics increases the risk of developing a yeast infection.

Yeast infections are more likely to occur just before menstrual periods.

After menopause, yeast infections are uncommon except in women who take menopausal hormone therapy.

Symptoms of Vaginal Yeast Infection

The vagina and vulva may itch or burn, which may be particularly severe during sexual intercourse. The genital area may become red and swollen. Women may have a white discharge, often thick and curd-like.

Vaginal yeast infection symptoms may worsen the week before a menstrual period begins.

Did You Know...

  • Vaginal yeast infections are not sexually transmitted.

  • Taking antibiotics to treat other infections increases the risk of yeast infections.

Diagnosis of Vaginal Yeast Infection

  • A doctor's evaluation

  • Examination of a sample of the discharge and/or fluid from the cervix

If women have a vaginal discharge that is unusual or that lasts for more than a few days or have other vaginal symptoms, they should see a doctor.

Doctors suspect a yeast infection based on symptoms, such as a thick, white, curd-like discharge. They then ask questions about the discharge, other symptoms, possible causes (such as diabetes, other disorders, and use of antibiotics or hormones), and hygiene.

To confirm the diagnosis, doctors do a pelvic examination. While examining the vagina, the doctor takes a sample of the discharge with a cotton-tipped swab. The sample is examined under a microscope and sometimes cultured (placed in a substance that allows infectious organisms to grow). With information from these examinations, the doctor can often identify the cause of the symptoms.

Treatment of Vaginal Yeast Infection

  • Antifungal medications

Yeast infections are treated with antifungal medications. They may be used in the following ways:

  • Applied as a cream to the affected area

  • Inserted into the vagina as a suppository

  • Taken by mouth

Table
Table

Prevention of Vaginal Yeast Infection

Women who are at high risk of a yeast infection may need to take an antifungal medication by mouth to help prevent yeast infections. Such women include those with the following:

  • Diabetes

  • A need to take antibiotics for a long time

  • Repeated yeast infections, particularly in women with a weakened immune system

Keeping the vulva dry and wearing loose, absorbent cotton clothing that allows air to circulate can reduce moisture, which encourages the growth of yeast, and thus help prevent yeast from growing.

Drugs Mentioned In This Article
quizzes_lightbulb_red
Test your KnowledgeTake a Quiz!
Download the free Merck Manual App iOS ANDROID
Download the free Merck Manual App iOS ANDROID
Download the free Merck Manual App iOS ANDROID