Increased estrogen levels.
Yeast infections are more common in women with higher estrogen levels — such as pregnant women or women taking high-dose estrogen birth control pills or estrogen hormone therapy.
Hormonal imbalances are linked to yeast infections. People are more likely to get candidiasis if they're pregnant, on hormonal contraception, and around their period. This is because it disrupts your body's natural balance of progesterone and estrogen. High levels of estrogen cause Candida fungi to overgrow.
Antifungal medications treat most vaginal yeast infections. The specific medication depends on the severity of the infection. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the best treatment based on your symptoms and condition. Antifungal medications work by fighting yeast overgrowth in your body.
Taking an antifungal medication for three to seven days will usually clear a yeast infection. Antifungal medications — which are available as creams, ointments, tablets and suppositories — include miconazole (Monistat 3) and terconazole.
The best treatment to get rid of most yeast infections comes down to medicated creams or a pill. Studies show that these creams and the oral pill, fluconazole, both work more than 90% of the time. Uncomplicated yeast infections usually respond to treatment within a couple of days.
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.)
Tips for identification
BV and yeast infections can both cause unusual vaginal discharge. Discharge from a yeast infection is usually a thick, white consistency and doesn't have a scent. Discharge from BV is thin, yellow or gray, and carries a strong unpleasant odor.
Stress compromises your immune system. That's why many women develop a yeast infection when they're going through stressful, major life changes like planning a wedding, getting a divorce, facing unemployment, or moving.
Hormone imbalances may also be a risk factor for yeast infections. Hormones can have a pretty big impact on your vagina's delicate microbiome. Fluctuations in estrogen can lead to an overgrowth of yeast and eventually a yeast infection.
Yes — high estrogen is associated with yeast infections, which is thought to be why they are so prevalent during pregnancy, when estrogen levels can increase around 30-fold. Yeast infection symptoms also tend to appear during the luteal phase (just before you get your period), due to the surge of estrogen at ovulation.
A lack of regular hygiene practices, such as daily showers and brushing your teeth, or a constantly damp environment can also lead to chronic yeast infections. You're also at risk of recurring yeast infections if you have a weakened immune system.
Certain antibiotics, diabetes, a week immune system, and normal changes in your hormone levels can lead to yeast infections. Many treatments for yeast infections, like creams, suppositories, vaginal tablets, or oral medicines have to be prescribed by a nurse or doctor.
To test for: A vaginal yeast infection - Your provider will perform a pelvic exam and take a sample of the discharge from your vagina. Thrush - Your provider will look at the infected area in the mouth and may scrape some cells to examine under the microscope.
Changes in the microorganisms in your vagina.
Two of the most common types of vaginitis — yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis — occur when there are changes to your vagina's natural internal environment, or vaginal flora. Yeast infections occur when there's an overgrowth of candida fungus.
How long does vaginitis last? With proper treatment, 90% of vaginal infections go away within two weeks or less depending on the type. Untreated vaginal infections can last with or without symptoms for years.
Itching is the most common symptom of a vaginal yeast infection. Women may also note pain with urination, soreness or irritation, pain with intercourse, or reddened and swollen vulvar and vaginal tissues.
Causes of vaginal itching without discharge
Infections — Your vagina or vulva may feel itchy due to a candida infection or genital warts from a viral infection. Bacterial vaginosis can sometimes result in vulvar itching (although it's rare), likely due to contact dermatitis.
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.
Fortunately, most yeast infections are not serious. Left untreated, yeast infections will usually go away on their own, but the severe itching can be hard to tolerate for some.
Diagnosing a Yeast Infection: Signs to Look for
Thick, white discharge (the texture of cottage cheese) Burning feeling especially when peeing or having sex. Vaginal pain, redness and swelling.
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.