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Vaginal Yeast
You may only have a few of these
symptoms. They may be mild or severe.
Infections
Q: Should I call my doctor if I think
I have a yeast infection?
A: Yes, you need to see your doctor to
find out for sure if you have a yeast
Q: What is a vaginal yeast infection. The signs of a yeast infection
infection? are much like those of sexually trans-
A: A vaginal yeast infection is irritation of mitted infections (STIs) like Chlamydia
womenshealth.gov the vagina and the area around it called (KLUH-mid-ee-uh) and gonorrhea
1-800-994-9662 the vulva (vul-vuh). (gahn-uh-REE-uh). So, it’s hard to be
TDD: 1-888-220-5446 sure you have a yeast infection and not
Yeast is a type of fungus. Yeast infec-
something more serious.
tions are caused by overgrowth of the
fungus Candida albicans. Small amounts If you’ve had vaginal yeast infections
of yeast are always in the vagina. But before, talk to your doctor about using
when too much yeast grows, you can over-the-counter medicines.
get an infection.
Yeast infections are very common. Q: How is a vaginal yeast infection
About 75 percent of women have one diagnosed?
during their lives. And almost half of A: Your doctor will do a pelvic exam to
women have two or more vaginal yeast look for swelling and discharge. Your
infections. doctor may also use a swab to take a
f luid sample from your vagina. A quick
Q: What are the signs of a vaginal look with a microscope or a lab test will
yeast infection? show if yeast is causing the problem.
A: The most common symptom of a yeast
infection is extreme itchiness in and Q: Why did I get a yeast infection?
around the vagina. A: Many things can raise your risk of a
Other symptoms include: vaginal yeast infection, such as:
• burning, redness, and swelling of • stress
the vagina and the vulva • lack of sleep
• pain when passing urine • illness
• pain during sex • poor eating habits, including eating
• soreness extreme amounts of sugary foods
• a thick, white vaginal discharge that • pregnancy
looks like cottage cheese and does • having your period
not have a bad smell
• taking certain medicines, including
• a rash on the vagina birth control pills, antibiotics, and
steroids
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Q: How can I avoid getting another • avoid hot tubs and very hot baths
yeast infection? If you keep getting yeast infections, be
A: To help prevent vaginal yeast infec- sure and talk with your doctor.
tions, you can:
• avoid douches Q: What should I do if I get repeat
• avoid scented hygiene products yeast infections?
like bubble bath, sprays, pads, and A: Call your doctor. About 5 percent
tampons of women get four or more vaginal
• change tampons and pads often yeast infections in 1 year. This is called
womenshealth.gov during your period recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis
(RVVC). RVVC is more common in
1-800-994-9662 • avoid tight underwear or clothes women with diabetes or weak immune
TDD: 1-888-220-5446 made of synthetic fibers systems. Doctors most often treat this
• wear cotton underwear and panty- problem with antifungal medicine for
hose with a cotton crotch up to 6 months. n
• change out of wet swimsuits and
exercise clothes as soon as you can
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All material contained in the FAQs is free of copyright restrictions, and may be copied,
reproduced, or duplicated without permission of the Office on Women's Health in the
Department of Health and Human Services. Citation of the sources is appreciated.
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