Vaginal Yeast Infection

(Vaginal Candidiasis; Candida Vulvovaginitis; Yeast Infection; Monilial Vulvovaginitis; Vulvovaginal Candidiasis; VVC)

by Amy Scholten, MPH

Definition

A vaginal yeast infection is irritation of the vagina and outer area called the vulva.

Causes

This condition is caused by a fungus. The fungus is normally found in the vagina in small amounts. When too much of it grows and spreads, it causes symptoms.

Risk Factors

Things that can raise the risk are:

Hormone changes from pregnancy or birth control pills
A weak immune system
Uncontrolled diabetes
Family history of frequent yeast infections
Certain medicines such as:
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics
- Corticosteroids—taken by mouth for a long time
Douches to rinse out the vagina

Symptoms

A vaginal yeast infection may cause:

Mild to severe itching
A thick, white, lumpy vaginal discharge
Soreness, irritation, or burning
Rash or redness on the skin outside the vagina
Painful urination
Painful sex

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A vaginal swab will be taken to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Yeast infections are treated with medicine. It may be available as pills or creams.

Probiotics may also be helpful when used with medicine.

Prevention

To lower the risk of a yeast infection:

Dry the vaginal area well after a shower, bath, or swim.
Do not douche.
If diabetic, try to control blood sugar.

RESOURCES:

American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org

Women's Health—US Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.womenshealth.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
http://www.sogc.org

Women's Health Matters
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca

References:

Blostein F, Levin-Sparenberg E. Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. Ann Epidemiol. 2017 Sep;27(9):575-582.

Vaginal yeast infection. Office on Women's Health website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed January 21, 2021.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/vulvovaginal-candidiasis Accessed January 21, 2021.

Yeast infections. American Academy of Family Physicians Family Doctor website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed January 21, 2021.

1/21/2021 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance. https://www.dynamed.com/condition/vulvovaginal-candidiasis : Xie HY, Feng D, Wei DM, et al. Probiotics for vulvovaginal candidiasis in non-pregnant women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;11:CD010496.

Last reviewed January 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Mary Beth Seymour, RN
Last Updated: 1/21/2021

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