Vaginal Yeast Infections

Menopause and Perimenopause Slideshow

• Vaginal Yeast Infection Overview
• Vaginal Yeast Infection Causes
• Vaginal Yeast Infection Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Vaginal Yeast Infection Treatment
  • Self-Care at Home
  • Medical Treatment
  • Other Therapy
• Next Steps
• Vaginal Yeast Infection Prevention
• Outlook
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Vaginal Yeast Infection Overview

A vaginal yeast infection, also known as vaginal candidiasis, genital candidiasis, or vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), is an infection involving a type of fungus, or yeast. The fungus most commonly associated with vaginal yeast infection is called Candida albicans. These fungi can be found all over the body and are normally present in warm and moist areas of the body. Up to 20% of all women carry yeast in the vagina. When C albicans in the vagina multiplies to the point of infection, this infection can cause vaginal inflammation, irritation, odor, discharge, and itching.

Certain types of bacteria that live naturally in the vagina usually keep C albicans from growing out of control. If the balance of these microorganisms becomes upset, C albicans may be allowed to grow uncontrollably and lead to symptoms. The use of certain medications, changes in hormone levels, or certain diseases are examples of factors that can allow a vaginal yeast infection to develop.

Vaginal yeast infections are extremely common in women, especially after menopause. Seventy-five percent of all women develop a yeast infection at some point during their lives.

A vaginal yeast infection is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, but 12-15% of men develop symptoms such as itching and penile rash following sexual contact with an infected partner.

Under normal circumstances, a vaginal yeast infection is not serious and can be treated with medications. However, a vaginal yeast infection can be a sign an underlying, more serious condition or can lead to serious complications, especially if left untreated.

• Many women who think they have a vaginal yeast infection actually have other types of vaginal infections. When these women attempt to treat their condition with over-the-counter medications intended to treat yeast infections, the symptoms do not improve. This may allow the infection to worsen. A study performed by the American Social Health Association found that 70% of women used over-the-counter medications designed to treat yeast infections before calling their doctor. Studies have shown that when women self-diagnose a vaginal yeast infection, in many cases, the symptoms are related to other conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis, which is a bacterial infection. Other causes of symptoms similar to those of a vaginal yeast infection include local irritation (for example, from intercourse or tampons); allergic reaction; or chemical irritation from soap, perfumes, deodorants, or powders.

• Recurring yeast infections may be a sign of a serious disease such diabetes, leukemia, or AIDS.

• In rare cases, a yeast infection can lead to systemic candidal disease, which is fatal in 75% of people who develop this major complication. This occurs when the infection spreads throughout the body via the bloodstream. Women with weakened immune systems are most susceptible to this type of complication.

Vaginal Yeast Infection Causes

The vagina is an environment that maintains its own balance of microorganisms. When this balance is disrupted, such as when the fungus Candida albicans is allowed to multiply unchecked, a vaginal yeast infection can result. The following are examples of factors that can disrupt the natural balance of microorganisms that live in the vagina:

• Antibiotics use: Antibiotics can destroy bacteria that protect the vagina. A vaginal yeast infection may develop during or after the use of antibiotics taken to treat other conditions such as strep throat.

• Steroid use

• Diabetes: This disease can lower the glycogen store in certain vaginal cells. Diabetes may also raise the sugar content (and pH) of the vagina, which increases the risk for developing a vaginal yeast infection.

• Factors that can cause a weakened immune system (for example, HIV/AIDS, steroid use, pregnancy, cancer chemotherapy or other drugs that weaken the immune system)

• Use of douches or feminine hygiene sprays

• Scratches in the vagina (for example, caused during insertion of tampons or other objects).

• Underwear that is tight or made of a material other than cotton. (This can increase temperature, moisture, and local irritation.)

• Hormonal changes
  • Ovulation
  • Menopause
  • Pregnancy
  • Birth control pills
  • Use of hormone therapy