Vaginal Yeast Infections: Causes, Prevention & Treatment

Have you ever looked at your discharge and noticed it looks like cottage cheese? Or noticed that vulva is itching or red and swollen? Then you may have had a vaginal yeast infection, otherwise known as vaginal candidiasis or most commonly known as vaginal thrush.

Before you feel embarrassed, it is important to know you are not alone. In fact, studies have shown that up to 75 out of 100 women have a vaginal yeast infection at least once in their life. 

But what is a vaginal yeast infection (besides an embarrassing doctor’s trip?) and how can we treat it? In this article we will discuss what a vaginal yeast infection is, the symptoms to take note of, and even how we can prevent them from happening.

What is a vaginal yeast infection? 

A vaginal yeast infection is when the bacteria vaginal candidiasis builds up. Although it is one of the most common vaginal infections worldwide, especially in pre-menopausal women, the topic is rarely discussed due to many people’s embarrassment surrounding the symptoms. This is a shame because, with the correct knowledge of what it is, how we can treat the infection, and how to prevent vaginal yeast infections, we would find that fewer people develop the issue. 

What are the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection? 

Before we can look at some of the ways to treat vaginal yeast infections, we need to recognize what the common symptoms are, how to get a diagnosis, and the common causes. So let’s start with the symptoms of vaginal yeast infections. They include: 

1. Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva
2. A burning sensation, especially during intercourse or while urinating
3. Redness and swelling of the vulva
4. Vaginal pain and soreness
5. Vaginal rash
6. Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance
7. Watery vaginal discharge

What causes vaginal yeast infections? 

As previously mentioned, vaginal yeast infections are caused by a buildup of the fungus candida albicans in the vulva. It is easy to assume that vaginal yeast infections are caused by poor hygiene and not taking care of your vulva properly, but the truth is that many vaginal yeast infections are caused by external issues such as medication and even cleaning too much and messing up your pH levels. 

So if you are someone who has ongoing yeast infections then remember you are not unclean. In fact the most common causes are: 

• An increase in sexual activity 
• Using antibiotics  
• Pregnancy
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• An impaired immune system such as having HIV 
• Taking oral contraceptives or hormone therapy that increase estrogen levels, especially in menopausal women

How do I get diagnosed with a vaginal yeast infection?

If you notice that you are exhibiting any of the symptoms we have talked about, especially a rash or thick discharge the same texture as cottage cheese, then you should immediately book a doctor’s appointment for a formula diagnosis. 

When there, the doctor will ask for your medical history, the symptoms you have had and for how long, and even do a pelvic exam to look for signs of infection. To rule out any other underlying causes they may shallowly take a swab from the vaginal walls to check for signs of a yeast species. 

Once they have formally diagnosed the problem, and depending on severity of the vaginal yeast infection, then they may prescribe you a range of treatments. 

Are there any treatments for vaginal yeast infections? 

It is important to note that if you have a vaginal yeast infection, it won’t easily clear up on its own, and there is often a need to take a course of treatment to help clear up the infection. 

When it comes to treatments, there are a range of medicinal ones. For mild symptoms you can get over-the-counter anti-fungal treatments that should help you to quickly overcome the infection. However, depending on how serious the infection is the doctor may prescribe another treatment such as: 

1. Short or long-course vaginal therapy, such as taking an antifungal medication for three to seven days to clear the yeast infection. Antifungal medications are available as creams, ointments, tablets, and suppositories 
2. Single-dose oral medication. Your doctor might prescribe a one-time or two single oral doses of fluconazole to manage symptoms depending on severity 
3. Multi Dose oral medication. This can include being prescribed two or three doses of an antifungal medication to be taken by mouth instead of vaginal therapy 
4. Azole resistant therapy. Your doctor might recommend boric acid vaginal supplements. This is a capsule inserted into your vagina although this type of treatment is used only to treat candida fungus resistant to the usual antifungal agents

Alongside this, there are over the counter treatments like antihistamines and topical steroid cream (which has hydrocortisone) that you can use to help with relief from the itchiness, swelling, and redness. Many of these can be used in conjunction with whatever your doctor prescribes you.  

Are there any home remedies for vaginal yeast infections?

Alongside medicinal remedies, there are a few home remedies that are recommended for helping to fight vaginal yeast infections, including: 

1. Natural yogurt: as natural yogurt (especially Greek yogurt) has probiotics, it has been suggested that eating it can help with vulva health, maintain the balance of good bacteria, and lower yeast levels. It has also been seen to offer relief if applied to the vulva to fight the build-up of yeast 
2. Coconut oil: the antifungal properties can help to fight yeast infections 
3. Tea tree oil supplements: using tea tree vaginal supplements alongside medication has been rumored to help reduce and treat vaginal yeast infections because of their probiotic properties 

However, there is still much debate on whether home remedies work. Tea tree oil and other essential oils can irritate your skin and actually make your symptoms worse, so be careful when using these. If the infection persists or your symptoms get worse, then immediately go to the doctor. 

Two home remedies that you should avoid are: apple cider baths or applying hydroperoxide to the infected area. It has been proven that using these methods can mess up your vulva pH which can cause more problems in the long term to your overall vulva health. 

Can we prevent vaginal yeast infections? 

Although it’s all well and good knowing how to treat a vaginal yeast infection, knowing how to prevent them is also important. Studies have shown that while it is common for vulva owners to develop vulvovaginal candidiasis (vaginal yeast infections) it is rare to develop recurrent vaginal yeast infections. However, some people do get them more than others and it is good to know what actions you can take to ensure this doesn’t happen. 

A key way to prevent a vaginal yeast infection is by making sure your underwear is correct! Say goodbye to tight, lacy knickers and unbreathable thongs, and invest in underwear that fits comfortably with a cotton crotch to allow the vulva to breathe. This will stop creating a hot, damp environment that infections like yeast can thrive in. 

It might also help to avoid:

• Tight-fitting pantyhose
• Overcleaning the vulva: such as douching, which removes some of the normal bacteria in the vagina that protect you from infection. Or using scented feminine products, including bubble baths, pads, and tampons
• Hot tubs and scorching baths
• Unnecessary antibiotic use, such as for colds or other minor viral infections
• Staying in wet clothes, such as swimsuits and workout attire, for long periods of time

As well as this, a way to help prevent vaginal yeast infections caused by sexual intercourse is to use water-based lubricants. 

Conclusion 

Overall, vaginal yeast infections can be irritating and embarrassing, but they don’t have to rule your life. Taking care of your vulva should be a priority in your self-care routine. 

References

Ringdahl EN. Treatment of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. Am Fam Physician. 2000 Jun 1;61(11):3306-12, 3317. PMID: 10865926.

Superti F, De Seta F. Warding Off Recurrent Yeast and Bacterial Vaginal Infections: Lactoferrin and Lactobacilli. Microorganisms. 2020 Jan 17;8(1):130. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms8010130.

Nyirjesy P. Chronic vulvovaginal candidiasis. Am Fam Physician. 2001 Feb 15;63(4):697-702. PMID: 11237084.