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Medical Author:

Mary L Windle, PharmD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Many women often mistakenly think they have a yeast infection and treat themselves, when they actually have a similar vaginal infection that will not respond to self-treatment with over-the-counter yeast-fighting medications. A study by the American Social Health Association found that 70% of women self-treated vaginal infections before calling a healthcare provider. Most often, they mistook a bacterial infection (bacterial vaginosis) for a yeast infection. Other problems that can cause similar symptoms might be just a local mechanical irritation (from sex or tampons), an allergic reaction, or a chemical irritation from soap, perfumes, deodorants, or powders.

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