How do yeast infections occur




















In men, it affects the head of the penis. Symptoms include redness, irritation, and discharge. It can also affect the skin or the mouth. There are two ways to treat an uncomplicated yeast infection: Direct vaginal therapy or oral treatment.

When treating an uncomplicated yeast infection, a short-course of vaginal therapy is normally sufficient. One option is a one-time treatment of a prescription or an over-the-counter medication such as butoconazole Gynazole-1 , clotrimazole Gyne-Lotrimin , miconazole Monistat 3 , and terconazole Terazol 3.

Some of these are available to buy online, including clotrimazole , Monistat 3 , and terconazole. Since these medications are oil-based, they can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms, potentially making them less reliable. Non-latex condoms are available to purchase online.

Alternatively, an oral antifungal , fluconazole Diflucan , can be used in one single dose. In the case of a complicated yeast infection, treatment will include the use of long-course vaginal therapy or multi-dose oral formulations. Maintenance medications may be recommended. These drugs are taken regularly to prevent the infection returning.

Long-course vaginal therapy includes treatment with a vaginal cream, ointment, tablet, or suppository for approximately 7 to 14 days. Sometimes, two to three doses of oral fluconazole may be recommended instead of direct vaginal therapy.

If symptoms are severe, a doctor may prescribe a few days of topical steroids to help ease symptoms while the antifungal medication works. Before using antifungals, it is important to be sure that the symptoms are due to a yeast infection. The overuse of antifungals can increase the chances of yeast resistance, so that the medications may not work in the future when they are needed. If maintenance medications are necessary, these begin after one of the above methods of treatment has finished.

They're not an STD sexually transmitted disease. If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor or gynecologist. It's easy to confuse the symptoms of a yeast infection with those of some STDs and other vaginal infections. Your doctor can make sure you are treated for the right type of infection. If you have a vaginal yeast infection, your doctor can recommend treatment to clear up the symptoms and cure the infection quickly.

Having small amounts of Candida on the skin and inside the mouth, digestive tract, and vagina is normal. A healthy immune system and some "good" bacteria keep the amount in a person's body under control.

But yeast in the vagina can sometimes "overgrow" and lead to symptoms of a yeast infection. Stress, pregnancy, and illnesses that affect the immune system may let yeast multiply. So can some medicines, including some birth control pills and steroids. If you're taking antibiotics, such as for strep throat, the antibiotics can kill the "good" bacteria that normally keep the yeast in check. Yeast also can grow a lot if a girl's blood sugar is high. Girls who have diabetes that isn't controlled are more likely to get yeast infections.

Yeast infections can happen to any girl. Yeast infections caused by other types of candida fungus can be more difficult to treat, and generally need more-aggressive therapies. To reduce your risk of vaginal yeast infections, wear underwear that has a cotton crotch and doesn't fit too tightly. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection that causes irritation, discharge and intense itchiness of the vagina and the vulva — the tissues at the vaginal opening.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references AskMayoExpert. Rochester, Minn. Most common are vaginal yeast infections, which cause itchiness and discomfort.

With treatment, most yeast infections clear up within a week. What are the medical causes of a yeast infection? Several conditions help a yeast infection develop. They include: pregnancy; certain types of medication, including some contraceptives birth control pills, patches, vaginal rings, IUDs ; antibiotics, and steroids; immune-suppressing diseases, including HIV; diabetes; obesity; and stress and lack of sleep, which can weaken the immune system.

What lifestyle habits can contribute to a yeast infection? These habits may help yeast grow and lead to an infection: Eating a diet high in sugar Using scented soaps, bubble baths, and feminine sprays Douching Poor vaginal hygiene Wearing clothing that keeps the vaginal area warm and moist, such as synthetic underwear, pajama bottoms, and tight jeans or spandex.

How is a yeast infection treated? Several drugs can be used to treat vaginal yeast infections, available either over the counter or by prescription. Medications include antifungal creams, ointments, suppositories, medicated tampons, or oral tablets. Talk to your doctor if this is a first yeast infection; symptoms may indicate other health issues and can require different treatment. The most common symptoms of mild vaginal yeast infections include: Vaginal itching Vaginal soreness Pain or discomfort during intercourse or when urinating Vaginal discharge that is clumpy like cottage cheese , possibly smelling like yeast or bread Vaginal discharge that is watery More severe infections can cause redness, swelling, and cracks in the skin outside the vagina the vulva.

Medications for a previous yeast infection are not working on your current infection. Your symptoms differ from previous yeast infections. Medications Options OTC and prescription drugs that may be used include: Monistat miconazole Gyne-Lotrimin clotrimazole Vagistat tioconazole Gynazole butoconazole Terazol terconazole Diflucan fluconazole , a prescription single dose pill If you have recurrent yeast infections, you may require multiple doses of fluconazole in the first week of infection, followed by at least six months of maintenance therapy periodic fluconazole doses depending on the presence of symptoms.

Home remedies for vaginal yeast infections include: Probiotics oral and intravaginal Boric acid suppository gelatin capsules Vinegar vaginal irrigation Povidone-iodine topical solution, ointments, and vaginal suppositories Garlic pills Tea tree oil topical Propolis vaginal cream Sodium bicarbonate bath or vaginal irrigation Dietary changes to reduce sugar intake, including from dairy products 15 While they are very popular, the effectiveness of home remedies for treating and preventing yeast infections is not very well known or understood.

There are a number of reasons you may want to wait until your infection clears to have sex: Penetration may interfere with yeast infection treatment.

It might further irritate your vagina. The yeast infection medication might damage condoms. You can pass on the fungi to your partner 15 percent of men get an itchy rash on their penis if they have unprotected sex with a woman with a yeast infection.

Risk-reducing steps include: 17 Practice good hygiene. Wear looser clothing in breathable fabrics. Avoid scented sprays and bath products. Don't douche. Avoid certain medications when possible. Maintain proper diet, sleep, and exercise. Keep the area around the vagina clean and dry. Left untreated, vaginal yeast infections may cause a number of different complications, including: Pelvic inflammatory disease Infertility Ectopic pregnancy Pelvic abscess Spontaneous abortion Menstrual disorders Vulvovaginal Candidiasis and Pregnancy Candida yeast colonizes the vagina of at least 20 percent of all women — and 30 percent of all pregnant women.

Favorite Organizations for Yeast Infection Info Mayo Clinic The Mayo Clinic is a well-respected, integrated clinical practice, education, and research institution that prides itself on offering the most up-to-date medical information to the public.

MedlinePlus MedlinePlus is the patient-centered offshoot of the U. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking. Vaginal Candidiasis. Vaginal Yeast Infection. Yeast Infections During Pregnancy. American Pregnancy Association. Pappas et al. Clinical Infectious Diseases. February Sobel JD.



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