A chronic yeast infection is one that does not go away or goes away and returns more than twice in 6 months. The same treatments that work for acute yeast infections may work for chronic infections. However, a doctor may recommend a higher dosage of medication or a regular repeat dosage to prevent reinfection.
Burke suggests several potential reasons: The infection may be incompletely treated, or not treated long enough. If you don't feel better after your first treatment, you may need a longer course or you may have a less common species of yeast that doesn't respond to standard medication.
Untreated yeast infections do not have long-term consequences, such as infertility or scarring. They tend to be uncomfortable, and can cause discharge and burning, but they do not cause permanent damage.
So if your yeast infection isn't going away on its own or with over-the-counter treatment, see a gynecologist or other healthcare provider. You might need further testing and a secondary course of prescription antifungal medication.
If your symptoms don't improve with treatment, you should see your doctor for more testing to determine if something else is causing your recurrent yeast infections. This may include tests for diabetes and HIV.
A chronic yeast infection is one that does not go away or goes away and returns more than twice in 6 months. The same treatments that work for acute yeast infections may work for chronic infections. However, a doctor may recommend a higher dosage of medication or a regular repeat dosage to prevent reinfection.
Yeast infections are a common condition and treatment is available; however, the condition may recur. Women that suffer from recurrent yeast infections - four or more in one year - require special treatment. A yeast infection is one of the most common types of vaginitis, or inflammation of the vagina.
Most vaginal yeast infections are caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. Persistent or recurrent infections may be due to infection with one of the less common species of Candida, such as Candida glabrata or Candida krusei.
Recurrent yeast infections, however, are rarely ever “cured.” Curing the fungal infection completely is nearly impossible, and most women with this condition aim instead for mycologic control. This usually takes more than a single course of oral fluconazole—normally 3 doses—or up to 2 weeks of topical treatment.
Persistent thrush or recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis is defined as at least four episodes of symptomatic thrush within the last year. It can be a frustrating condition for patients, with significant morbidity and impact on psychological well-being.
Fungal infections of your hair, skin and nails are usually not serious, but can take a while to completely go away with treatment. Deep fungal infections, like those in your lungs or other organs, can be life-threatening, especially if you're living with a weakened immune system.
The typical symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are itching, an unpleasant burning feeling and pain. The membranes lining the vagina become red and have a whitish coating. The symptoms may get worse a few days before your period starts.
Yeast infections often cause thick, white, clumpy vaginal discharge that usually doesn't smell (or only smells slightly different than normal). You might also have a creamy, whitish coating in and around your vagina. Most yeast infections lead to itching, burning, and/or redness in or around the vagina.
With yeast infections, discharge is usually thick, white, and odorless. You may also have a white coating in and around your vagina. With bacterial vaginosis, you may have vaginal discharge that's grayish, foamy, and smells fishy. (But it's also common for BV to have no symptoms.)
You could have a thin white or gray vaginal discharge. There may be an odor, such as a strong fish-like odor, especially after sex. Yeast infections produce a thick, white discharge from the vagina that can look like cottage cheese. The discharge can be watery and often has no smell.
There are several types of at-home yeast infection tests that are available for purchase, including vaginal pH test strips and self-collection kits that allow you to collect a sample at home and mail it to a laboratory for nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT).
These include painful sores, infertility, or even a potentially deadly bloodstream infection. Yeast (Candida) naturally lives on your skin, along with a variety of bacteria and fungi. In moderation, it's a healthy part of your body. However, Candida can sometimes overgrow and cause rashes, itching, and pain.
The most common symptom of a vaginal yeast infection is extreme itchiness in and around the vagina. Other signs and symptoms include: Burning, redness, and swelling of the vagina and the vulva. Pain when urinating.