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A vaginal yeast infection is an overgrowth of fungus in the vagina that causes symptoms like itchiness, soreness, and discharge. Also known as vaginal candidiasis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, or candidal vaginitis, it is the second most common vaginal infection after bacterial vaginal infections. Approximately 1.4 million people seek outpatient treatment for vaginal yeast infections each year.1
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaginal candidiasis.
Symptoms typically resolve several days after starting medication, though treatment for recurring episodes may take longer. About 5-9% of people have four or more infections a year.2
While vaginal yeast infections are uncomfortable, they are fairly easy to diagnose and treat. You can also take steps to reduce your risk of infection.
Vaginal Yeast Infection Symptoms
Common symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include itching and soreness around your vulva or vagina.3 Vaginal discharge is common, but not everyone experiences it. You may have white, lumpy discharge sometimes described as looking like cottage cheese, or you may have more watery discharge.2
Certain activities may aggravate your symptoms. New vaginal pain or discomfort during urination or sexual intercourse may also be signs that you are developing a vaginal yeast infection.1
These symptoms are mild for most people. However, your symptoms may be more severe and include redness and swelling in the affected areas. Cracking in the vaginal skin is a less common symptom.1
Vaginal yeast infection symptoms are similar to conditions like bacterial vaginosis, or BV (a vaginal infection caused by bacteria instead of yeast), some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and dermatitis (skin irritation). Reach out to a healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms, as treatment options will vary depending on the cause.2
Causes and Risk Factors
Vaginal yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a type of fungus that normally lives on your skin and in your body.4 Many people have small amounts of Candida in their lower intestinal tract, mouth, and vagina without any symptoms. A vaginal yeast infection occurs when the fungus grows out of proportion to the healthy bacteria in your vagina.4
Certain factors increase your risk of developing vaginal yeast infections, including:542
Pregnancy
Diabetes, a condition that affects how your body regulates glucose (sugar) levels
Medications like antibiotics (drugs that help treat certain bacterial infections), hormonal birth control methods, and certain types of chemotherapy (a treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells)
Stress
Poor sleep
Scented tampons or douches (devices that spray water into the vagina to clean it)
Contraceptive (birth control) devices like vaginal sponges, diaphragms, or intrauterine devices (IUDs)
A weakened immune system, which can be caused by things like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), chemotherapy, corticosteroids (drugs often used to treat autoimmune disorders, conditions in which the body attacks healthy cells, tissues, or organs), and medications taken after an organ transplant