Too Much Food For Yeast To Grow
- Menstruation: Changes in hormone levels during a normal menstrual cycle can result in occasional or recurrent yeast infections.
- Increased Estrogen Levels: Women who are taking birth control pills that have a high-dose of estrogen as well as those on estrogen hormone therapy are more susceptible to developing a yeast infection.
- Pregnancy: Increased levels of estrogen during pregnancy make women more susceptible to yeast infections.
- Diabetes: Whether controlled or uncontrolled, diabetes puts women at higher risk for developing a yeast infection because of the extra glucose thats not being properly metabolized.
Treatment And Home Remedies
UTIs and yeast infections require different treatments.
UTI treatment usually involves antibiotics, which clear up bacterial infections. The class and dosage of antibiotic treatment depend on the type of infection and the persons medical history.
Although symptoms usually go away shortly after a person starts taking antibiotics, they should complete the entire course of medication that the doctor prescribed.
People can treat yeast infections in several different ways. Mild yeast infections may respond to over-the-counter antifungal medications, which are available in the following forms:
OTC antifungal medications are available to purchase in stores or online.
Severe yeast infections might require a prescription-strength antifungal oral tablet called fluconazole.
Although OTC and prescription medications can successfully treat UTIs and yeast infections, some people may choose alternative or natural therapies instead.
Eating natural, unsweetened yogurt that contains Lactobacillus acidophilus may help prevent yeast infections.
Unsweetened cranberry juice is a common home remedy for UTIs. However, in a 2013 article, researchers reviewed 24 studies and concluded that cranberry juice is less effective than earlier research indicated and that it demonstrates a limited ability to prevent UTIs.
Mild UTIs and yeast infections are easily treatable and may even resolve on their own. However, people should still consult a doctor before attempting to treat either infection at home.
When To Contact A Medical Professional
Keep your genital area clean and dry when you have vaginitis.
- Avoid soap. Just rinse with water to clean yourself.
- Soak in a warm, not hot, bath to help your symptoms. Dry thoroughly afterward.
Other tips are:
- Avoid using hygiene sprays, fragrances, or powders in the genital area.
- Use pads instead of tampons while you have an infection.
- If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar level in good control.
Allow more air to reach your genital area. You can do this by:
- Wearing loose-fitting clothes and not wearing panty hose.
- Wearing cotton underwear or underwear that has a cotton lining in the crotch. Cotton allows normal evaporation of moisture so that moisture buildup is reduced.
- Not wearing underwear at night when you sleep.
Girls and women should also:
- Know how to properly clean their genital area while bathing or showering.
- Wipe properly after using the toilet. Always wipe from front to back.
- Wash thoroughly before and after using the toilet.
Always practice safe sex. Use condoms to avoid catching or spreading infections.
Don’t Miss: My Iphone Is Infected With Malware
Be Sure Its A Vaginal Yeast Infection
Its really important to make sure its a vaginal yeast infectionand not something elsebased on the symptoms I talked about above. If you have other symptoms, it could be something else. Vaginal yeast infections do NOT cause foul-smelling vaginal discharge, fever, chills, lower abdominal, back or shoulder pain, or a missed period. These could be signs of bacterial vaginosis , a sexually transmitted disease or a tubal pregnancy. If you have these symptoms, be sure to call your doctor right away.
Another way to help determine whether or not its a yeast infection, is a simple test you can use at home. The Vaginal Health Test from MONISTAT® is the same test used in doctors offices, and is super easy to use.
Save Your Money And Don’t Get Any Of Those Vaginal Ph Test Kits
When you’re trying to solve a problem in your pants FAST, it can be tempting to grab one of those expensive kits that promises to tell you whether you have a yeast infection or not, but if you have any doubts as to whether you have one, call a doc.
“The OTC test strips are only testing for the vaginal pH, which is not definitive for saying if it is a yeast infection or something else. It is only testing whether or not the pH is off,” explains Dr. Brandye. Your vaginal pH could be changed due to a variety of other factors such as your menstrual cycle , recent sexual intercourse, recently having taken antibiotics, or multiple infections .
Read Also: Should I Get Antibiotics For A Sinus Infection
How Can I Reduce My Chances Of Getting A Yeast Infection While Pregnant
It’s less likely you’ll get a yeast infection if you keep your genital area dry and your vaginal flora in balance. Not all of the following suggestions are supported by hard evidence, but they’re easy enough to do and worth a try:
A yeast infection is no fun, but it’s nice to know that it’s not a danger to you or your baby. It’s a good idea to keep in mind that some infections can be more than bothersome when you’re pregnant, though. Here’s an article outlining some of the infections that can affect a pregnancy.
Learn more:
BabyCenter’s editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you’re seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies.
ACOG. 2020. Vaginitis. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
CDC. 2020. Vulvovaginal candidiasis. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
OWH. 2019. Vaginal yeast infection. Office on Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Is It Safe To Use Over
Yes, but always talk with your doctor or nurse before treating yourself for a vaginal yeast infection. This is because:
- You may be trying to treat an infection that is not a yeast infection. Studies show that two out of three women who buy yeast infection medicine don’t really have a yeast infection.2 Instead, they may have an STI or bacterial vaginosis . STIs and BV require different treatments than yeast infections and, if left untreated, can cause serious health problems.
- Using treatment when you do not actually have a yeast infection can cause your body to become resistant to the yeast infection medicine. This can make actual yeast infections harder to treat in the future.
- Some yeast infection medicine may weaken condoms and diaphragms, increasing your chance of getting pregnant or an STI when you have sex. Talk to your doctor or nurse about what is best for you, and always read and follow the directions on the medicine carefully.
Read Also: Is It A Uti Or Kidney Infection
How To Use Vagistat
If you are using the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read all directions on the product package before using this medication. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, use it as directed.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
This product is for vaginal use only. Wash your hands before and after use. Avoid contact of this product with your eyes. If it gets into your eyes, wash them right away with plenty of water. Call your doctor if eye irritation persists.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use the medication usually once daily at bedtime for 1 to 7 nights depending on the product used, or as directed by your doctor. If you are using the single dose tablet, it may be used during the daytime or at bedtime.
If using the vaginal cream, follow the package instructions on how to fill/use the applicator with the cream. Lie on your back with your knees toward your chest. Insert one applicator filled with cream into the as far as it will comfortably go. Slowly press the plunger of the applicator in to apply the cream. Make sure to insert the correct cream for use inside the , not the skin cream for use on the outer genital area .
How Is A Yeast Infection Treated
Yeast infections are usually treated with antifungal medicine. See your doctor or nurse to make sure that you have a vaginal yeast infection and not another type of infection.
Your doctor or nurse can also give you a single dose of antifungal medicine taken by mouth, such as fluconazole . If you get more than four vaginal yeast infections a year, or if your yeast infection doesn’t go away after using over-the-counter treatment, you may need to take regular doses of antifungal medicine for up to six months.
You May Like: I Get A Yeast Infection Before Every Period
Vaginal Yeast Infection Treatment
A vaginal yeast infection is treated with medication available over the counter from a pharmacy.
To treat the infection, you can use an internal product that contains the active ingredient clotrimazole or an oral treatment containing fluconazole. These products all treat your infection, but different people prefer different treatment options. External creams will help to soothe your symptoms such as itchiness and burning. You can buy our products separately or you can purchase a combi for both the internal and external treatments.
Remember: Just treating the itchiness with an external cream wont get rid of your infection, so dont forget to treat your vaginal yeast infection at the source with oral capsule or vaginal solutions, such as an internal cream or vaginal tablet.
You can buy a Canesten® Combi containing both the internal and external treatments, such as CanesOral® Combi + Extra Strength External Cream or Canesten® Combi 1 Day ComforTAB® + External Cream.
Common Conditions Often Mistaken For A Yeast Infection
. But that doesnât necessarily mean weâre good at telling the difference between a yeast infection and other vaginal conditions. In fact, one study showed that only about a third of folks were correct in diagnosing themselves with a yeast infection.
Below are eight common conditions that are often mistaken for a yeast infection, plus guidance on how to tell whether they may be the cause of your symptoms. And remember â if your discharge and itchiness are causing you concern, then itâs best to get checked out by a doctor.
Read Also: Types Of Antibiotics For Tooth Infection
Safe And Effective Itch Relief
Vagisil wipes provide a safe intimate itch solution that is also cool and cleansing. Vagisil wipes are gynecologist & dermatologist tested. Theyre assembled in the USA following strict manufacturing standards in our own FDA-registered facility. For instant relief and peace of mind when treating itch.
Are Feminine Hygiene Washes Safe To Use
Dear Sexpert,
Do I have to use one of these washes, and are they even safe to use?
Sincerely,Hygienically Concerned
Dear Hygienically Concerned,
It is smart that you are questioning product marketing and media influences when it comes to your health! Even though weve made strides in inclusive marketing and sex positivity lots of media attention and marketing target specific socialized beliefs and contribute to shaming people for natural parts of having a human body. Feminine hygiene washes are a good example of this. In this case, the message is that people should be uncomfortable or embarrassed with how a vulva naturally smells and use products to fix it. Not only do you not need to spend your money on these washes, many of these products can even be harmful to vaginal health.
However, if you notice a change in odor, that could indicate that you should get a checkup. Some natural life cycle changes or even a change in diet might contribute to a slight odor change. A different odor or change in amount/color/consistency of vaginal discharge could indicate an infection, such as a yeast infection. If this change does not go away with removal of any irritants or is accompanied by pain and itching, visit a medical professional for a diagnosis and treatment. This is another reason why it is a good idea to know your own natural scent, rather than cover it upso if there is an issue, you can get it checked out!
~The Sexpert
Read Also: Kidney Infection Over The Counter Medication
Can You Scrape Out A Yeast Infection
Candidiasis causes different symptoms, depending on the site of infection. Thrush Thrush causes curd-like white patches inside the mouth, especially on the tongue and palate and around the lips. If you try to scrape off this whitish surface, you will usually find a red, inflamed area, which may bleed slightly.
Can I Get A Yeast Infection From Breastfeeding
Yes. Yeast infections can happen on your nipples or in your breast from breastfeeding. Yeast thrive on milk and moisture. A yeast infection you get while breastfeeding is different from a vaginal yeast infection. However, it is caused by an overgrowth of the same fungus.
Symptoms of thrush during breastfeeding include:
- Sore nipples that last more than a few days, especially after several weeks of pain-free breastfeeding
- Flaky, shiny, itchy, or cracked nipples
- Deep pink and blistered nipples
- Shooting pain in the breast during or after feedings
If you have any of these signs or symptoms or think your baby might have thrush in his or her mouth, call your doctor. Learn more about thrush in our Breastfeeding section.
You May Like: Over The Counter Outer Ear Infection Medicine
Changes In Your Sex Life
While a yeast infection is not an STI, having sex more frequently than usual or with a new partner can change the vaginas pH and introduce new bacteria and fungus, explains Dr. Cackovic, altering the Candida levels and causing an infection.
Speaking of sex and yeast infections, if youve ever wondered whether its safe to have sex when you have one, weve got you covered. Everything you need to know is here.
Ear Infections In Dogs
Canine ear infections are yeast infections that require immediate treatment. Signs of a possible ear infection in dogs include:
- Excessive scratching or pawing of the infected ear. The dog may also rub the ear against the ground or wipe it on the side of furniture
- Yellow, brown or bloody discharge that has a strong, foul odor seeping from the ear
- Redness, crustiness and swelling of the ear
- Head tilting and shaking
- Loss of balance
Dogs with floppy ears or hairy, inner ear canals are susceptible to suffering chronic ear infections. Once yeast cells take over in the moist, dark areas of a dogs ears, the ensuing ear infection continues spreading into the inner ear and eventually causes fluid build-up behind the eardrum. Unless treated, the eardrum can burst from fluid pressure and irreparably impair the dogs hearing.
Also Check: What Is A Tooth Infection Called
You May Want To Wait To Have Sex Until Your Symptoms Clear
You’re probably wondering how long to wait for sex after a yeast infection treatment. But honestly, if you actually have one, you may not want to do anything because of the dry, irritating feeling. “You can also spread yeast between partners, as it typically grows on moist surfaces,” says Dr. Shirazian. Once you feel the treatment start to kick in, that should be your green light for any kind of sexual activity. “You can be active when you no longer feel irritated and youre not noticing the thick signature discharge,” Dr. Shirazian adds.
Why Trust Verywell Health
As a seasoned health writer, Jennifer Nied understands how vital quality product recommendations are for treating symptoms safely and effectively at home. For over 10 years, she has reviewed products, interviewed experts, scrutinized ingredients, and pored over research studies and claims, to help readers like you understand what works for your specific conditions. Every product in this piece was selected taking into account recommendations from doctors, published research, and real customer reviews.
Additional reporting to this story by Brittany Leitner
As a health writer with over eight years of experience, Brittany Leitner understands how important access to information is when it comes to making educated health decisions. She has interviewed dozens of medical experts, tested out hundreds of products, and aims to provide quality recommendations that wont break the bank.
Also Check: Uti Bladder Or Kidney Infection
Look For Otc Yeast Infection Medications Ending In Azole Miconazole Clotrimazole
Dr. Brandye says these are easily accessible and will treat a yeast infection. However, “sometimes there can be resistance, or a different species of yeast that won’t respond to these medications,” she adds. In these cases, you’d wanna call up your doc to get a prescription for an oral medication like fluconazole.
What Can I Expect If I Have Vaginitis
Vaginitis is uncomfortable, but finding the cause and the right treatment can bring you relief. If chemical irritants are causing your vaginitis, you can improve your symptoms by avoiding the offending lotion, detergent, spray, etc. Bacterial and antifungal medications may take up to two weeks to clear your infection. Antiviral medications for viral vaginitis cant cure the virus, but they can cause your symptoms to go away faster. Getting the right diagnosis and treating all causes of your vaginitis is key when it comes to relieving your symptoms.
Also Check: Do I Have To Treat A Yeast Infection
In Case You Need A Refresher These Are The Symptoms Of A Yeast Infection
Yeast infection symptoms can range in severity, but theyre pretty much guaranteed to always be unpleasant. Notably, yeast infections have similar symptoms to other vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis or vaginitis, so identifying whats going on is essential to make sure youre treating the right problem and making things better instead of worse. Heres what to look out for, per the Mayo Clinic:
- Changes in your discharge. Vaginal discharge during a yeast infection typically becomes thick and white like cottage cheese . You might also experience watery discharge. Unlike a bacterial infection like vaginosis, yeast infections do not make discharge smelly.
- Vulva swelling or redness, or a vaginal rash.
- Vaginal pain and soreness.
While those are pretty typical yeast infection symptoms, you might also deal with whats known as a complicated yeast infection. With complicated yeast infections, your symptoms will be more severe, with extensive redness, swelling, and itching that leads to tears, cracks, and sores. You can read more about recurring and complicated yeast infections here.