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University of Pittsburgh
Medical Center Information for Patients
Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Vaginal Yeast Infection

The normal healthy vagina has many microorganisms (MY-kro-OR-gan-izms) including bacteria and yeasts. An overgrowth of yeast causes a yeast infection. Even a small change in the amount of yeast can cause redness and swelling of the vagina and the genital area.

Yeasts are the second most common cause of vaginal infections. All women can get yeast infections, but antibiotics (AN-tee-by-OT-iks), pregnancy, diabetes, and a weak immune system all can increase your risk for getting one. A yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted disease (STD). This means you don’t get it from sex.

Symptoms

• mild to severe genital or vaginal itching

• vaginal irritation: redness, swelling, or burning (often with urination or sex)

• thick, white, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge

• no vaginal odor

Complications
Some women have symptoms that do not go away after taking the usual medicines. Some women get yeast infections often. Other types of vaginal infections or medical conditions may have the same symptoms as yeast infections, so it’s important to be checked by your doctor.

Testing
Your doctor can detect a yeast infection by using a few simple tests. If you’ve never had a yeast infection before, and you are having symptoms, you should see your doctor. He or she can check to make sure it is not another kind of infection.

Treatment
There are many treatments for a yeast infection. Some are available without a prescription. Your doctor may prescribe a cream or suppository for your vagina or a medicine you take by mouth. It’s very important that you finish taking all of the medicine even if your symptoms have gone away. If you are not feeling better after 2 to 3 days, call your doctor.

During your treatment
Here are some steps you can take to help you feel better during your treatment:

• Do not use any vaginal preparations such as douches, feminine hygiene sprays, or contraceptive foams, inserts, or jellies.

• If you have your menstrual period while treating a yeast infection, use pads instead of tampons because tampons can absorb the medication.

• Avoid having sex for 3 days after treatment.

Prevention
Here are some steps you can take to help prevent a vaginal yeast infection from returning:

• Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes.

• Keep the vaginal area dry. Yeast grows best in damp places.

• After using the toilet, always wipe from front to back (away from the vagina).

• Discuss any medicines you take with your doctor. Some medicines can make you more likely to develop a yeast infection.

This educational material was developed by a team of women’s health care experts throughout UPMC, including Magee-Womens Hospital, a National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health as designated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

For help in finding a doctor or health service that suits your needs, call the UPMC Referral Service at 412-647-UPMC (8762) or 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center is an equal opportunity employer. Policy prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Further, UPMC will continue to support and promote equal employment opportunity, human dignity, and racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity. This policy applies to admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in UPMC programs and activities. This commitment is made by UPMC in accordance with federal, state, and/or local laws and regulations.

This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely entirely on this information for your health care needs. Ask your own doctor or health care provider any specific medical questions that you have.

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Source : www.upmc.com

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