If left untreated, vaginal candidiasis will most likely get worse, causing itching, redness, and inflammation in the area surrounding your vagina. This may lead to a skin infection if the inflamed area becomes cracked, or if continual scratching creates open or raw areas.
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.
Yeast infections are very common and usually very treatable. In some cases, they can stick around or keep coming back. If you have a yeast infection that just won't go away, even after treatment, follow up with a healthcare provider to make sure it's actually a yeast infection and not something else.
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.
You might have a complicated yeast infection if: You have severe signs and symptoms, such as extensive redness, swelling and itching that leads to tears, cracks or sores. You have four or more yeast infections in a year. Your infection is caused by a less typical type of fungus.
Pain during sexual intercourse. Pain or discomfort when urinating. Abnormal vaginal discharge (that doesn't typically have an odor) Redness, swelling, and cracks in the wall of the vagina (in severe cases)
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.
If I Get a Yeast Infection, When Will It Go Away? 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.
Mild yeast infections often clear up in just a few days, but more severe infections can last up to two weeks.
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. The following can weaken your immune system: age.
So, if you're suffering from a vaginal itching, burning or abnormal discharge that isn't relieved by oral or topical anti-fungals, seek professional help. You should have swabs taken to rule out other infections or conditions and to decide on the most appropriate method of management.
Don't wear nylon or other fabric that holds body heat and moisture close to the skin. Try sleeping without underwear. Don't scratch. Relieve itching with a cold pack or a cool bath.
If your yeast infection doesn't clear up with antifungal medication, you might have something else, such as a: Urinary tract infection (UTI): This occurs when bad bacteria multiply in your urinary tract, triggering symptoms such as a burning when you urinate, bloody or cloudy urine, pain during sex, and abdominal pain.
Candidiasis is most common in individuals with a weakened immune system and may be accompanied by various nutritional deficiencies. This can leave you feeling tired and fatigued.
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. Yeast infections usually cause the vagina and vulva to become itchy and red.
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.)
Can yeast infections go away on their own? A mild yeast infection may go away on its own, but this is rare. It's always a good idea to treat a yeast infection, even if it's mild. If yeast infections are not treated properly, they're more likely to return.
Canesten® Thrush Oral Capsule is a convenient and effective treatment for yeast infections. The oral capsule contains an effective antifungal agent that treats the cause of thrush in both women and men. The treatment is easy to use at home or on the go and irritating symptoms should begin to disappear within 2 days.
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.
Yeast infections are not STIs. But it is possible to pass yeast infections to your partner during vaginal, oral, or anal sex. If your partner is a man, the risk of infection is low. About 15% of men get an itchy rash on the penis if they have unprotected sex with a woman who has a yeast infection.
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.
Antifungal medications work by fighting yeast overgrowth in your body. Medications are either oral (usually given in one dose of fluconazole by mouth) or topical (used daily for up to seven days). You may apply topical medications to your vaginal area or place them inside your vagina (suppository) using an applicator.
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 condition may be fatal if not treated promptly. Invasive candidiasis is a serious fungal infection. Yeast called Candida gets into your bloodstream and spreads to other parts of your body. If you're in the hospital or at risk for infection, be sure to report any symptoms to your healthcare team immediately.
Be sure to see your doctor the first time you have symptoms of a yeast infection. It's very important to make sure you have a yeast infection and not another more serious infection. The symptoms of a yeast infection are also the symptoms of other infections, such as some sexually transmitted infections (STIs).