For most people, the signs are skin redness and itchiness. Some have linked feeling tired and having low spirits to yeast infections, but this is not based on scientific study.
A long-term yeast infection can result in a lowered immune system and increase the chance that the yeast infection can spread to other parts of the body. Some rare side effects of an untreated yeast infection include headaches, mood swings, mouth problems (thrush), fatigue, and gastrointestinal problems.
Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva. A burning sensation, especially during intercourse or while urinating. Redness and swelling of the vulva. Vaginal pain and soreness.
A yeast infection causes burning, itching, redness in your vulva (the outside parts of your vagina) and changes to your vaginal discharge. A yeast infection isn't a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Other names for a vaginal yeast infection include vulvovaginal candidiasis or vaginal candidiasis.
If you are using a vaginal medicine, don't have sex until you have finished your treatment. But if you do have sex, don't depend on a latex condom or diaphragm for birth control. The oil in some vaginal medicines weakens latex. Don't douche or use powders, sprays, or perfumes in your vagina or on your vulva.
If your untreated yeast infection is allowed to persist for too long, complications that require medical attention can occur. These include painful sores, infertility, or even a potentially deadly bloodstream infection.
Mild yeast infections may clear up in as few as three days. Sometimes, they don't even require treatment. However, moderate to severe infections may take one to two weeks to clear.
Douching. Your vagina is self-cleaning. "When a woman douches, she is negatively altering the delicate balance of yeast and bacteria in the vagina. This is a set-up for either the development of a yeast infection or worsening of an existing infection," says Millheiser.
A yeast infection can happen if your skin gets damaged. Yeast can also “overgrow” in warm or humid conditions. An infection can also happen if you have a weak immune system. Taking antibiotics can also cause an overgrowth of yeast.
Water is one of the most powerful remedies to combat a yeast infection. Though there are several cures for combating yeast infection, water remains the best remedy. Yeast feeds on the sugar present in your body and leads to infections.
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).
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.)
When there is an imbalance and yeast overgrows, it can cause a yeast infection. The stages of yeast infections may be classified as mild, moderate, or severe.
To help prevent and treat vaginal discharge: Keep your genital area clean and dry. Avoid soap and rinse with water only. Sitting in a warm, but not hot, bath may help your symptoms.
Most women will get a vaginal yeast infection at some point in their life. Symptoms of vaginal yeast infections include burning, itching, and thick, white discharge. Yeast infections are easy to treat, but it is important to see your doctor or nurse if you think you have an infection.
Yeast is most commonly found in processed sugars, gluten-based foods and grains (a candida diet is recommended for people who have a yeast infection). In addition to this, it is also recommended to stay away from meat and starchy vegetables like potatoes and carrots and avoid excessive consumption of alcohol.
Consuming probiotics can help to balance the good bacteria in your body. Good sources for probiotics are: Yogurt with live bacterial cultures. Fermented foods such as kimchi, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, and pickles.