Patient Information: Vulvar - Vaginal Disease

Yeast Infections

What is Yeast Infection?
Yeast infection is caused by a fungus. Certain types of yeast may be present in harmless amounts in the mouth, bowels, vagina, and skin. Under certain conditions, an overgrowth of yeast can occur. A yeast infection may cause itching and burning within the vagina and on the outer parts of the female genitals (vulva).

What are the signs and symptoms of yeast?
Symptoms may vary from mild to severe and may include:

• Itching and/or burning.
• White, thick clumpy discharge.
• If an odor is present, it is often unpleasant.
• Vulvar redness and swelling.
• Discomfort during or after sexual intercourse.
• Pain or burning when passing urine.

How is yeast diagnosed?
Your doctor or health care provider will examine the vulva and vagina to look for the common skin changes seen with yeast infections. A sample of your discharge is collected and examined under a microscope to correctly diagnose a yeast infection. Sometimes a culture is needed to make the diagnosis. There are other types of vaginal and vulvar problems that can cause the same symptoms (itching, burning, and discharge) as a yeast infection. Therefore, it is important that a doctor or health care provider make a correct diagnosis and advise you on the options for treatment that will work best for you.

What is the cause of yeast?
The vagina of a healthy woman contains many organisms (ie: bacteria and yeast) that live together in normal balance. If the balance is upset, yeast can overgrow causing symptoms. The following may promote yeast overgrowth:

• Use of antibiotics. Certain antibiotics kill normal and harmful vaginal bacteria. Even when antibiotics are used for treatment of other illnesses, they may affect the bacteria in the vagina. This allows yeast in the vagina to overgrow and symptoms occur.
• Uncontrolled diabetes. Diabetes raises blood sugar levels, making the body a good environment for yeast to grow. Yeast infections may occur often and are harder to control when blood sugars are not under control.
• Increased warmth and moisture in the vaginal area. Yeast thrive in a warm, humid environment. Sweating, discharge, or not allowing the area to dry (ie. wearing a damp bathing or pantyhose for hours) will increase the chance of getting a yeast infection.
• Douching. Douching removes the healthy secretions and dries the surface of the vagina. Normal bacteria are also washed away which allows for overgrowth of yeast.

What is the treatment of yeast?
There are many medications used for treatment of yeast. Most are creams or suppositories used once or twice a day for up to seven days. Symptoms often disappear within 3-5 days of treatment. It is important that the treatment be continued for the entire time the medicine was prescribed. If the medication is stopped too soon, the infection can return.

What about over-the-counter medications?
Over-the-counter medications can be found at your local pharmacy without a prescription. USE OF OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS IS NOT ADVISED IF YOU ARE PREGNANT. It is important to remember:

• There are many vaginal and vulvar problems that can cause the same symptoms as yeast infections.
• A doctor or health care provider can best make a correct diagnosis and advise you on which treatment may work best for you.
• How well a medication works for yeast depends on the type of yeast.
• Self treatment with old or borrowed medication is never a good idea.
• If you choose to self-treat with an over-the-counter medication and do not have complete relief of the symptoms within seven days, stop the treatment and consult your doctor or health care provider.
• Consult your doctor or health care provider if your symptoms return after use of an over-the-counter product.

How can yeast infections be prevented?
You may decrease your risk of yeast infections by making a few simple changes in your daily lifestyle.

• Follow each of the Guidelines for Vulvar Skin Care. This will help to keep body tissue healthy to resist infection.
• Always wipe front to back after bowel movements.
• Try to keep blood sugar levels under control if you have diabetes.

Peer Review Status: Internally
Peer Review Date: 2004