Itching (particularly on the vulva or around the opening of the vagina). Soreness, redness, and overall discomfort in the vaginal area. Pain or burning during urination or sex. Thick (like cottage cheese), white, odorless discharge in the vagina. Note that not all women experience this symptom.
Antibiotics - Many women develop a yeast infection after taking antibiotics for several days. Antibiotics kill some of the good bacteria in your body, including the bacteria that prevents the overgrowth of yeast, which can cause yeast infections. [4] X Research source If you have been taking antibiotics recently and are experiencing vaginal burning and itching, you might have a yeast infection. Menstruation - A woman is most likely to develop a yeast infection around the time of her period. During menstruation, estrogen deposits glycogen (a type of sugar present inside cells) in the lining of the vagina. When progesterone surges, the cells shed in the vagina making sugar available for the yeast to multiply and grow. So if you’re experiencing the above symptoms and it is near the time of your period, then you may have a yeast infection. [5] X Research source Birth control - Some birth control pills and one-time “morning after” pills cause a change in hormone levels (mainly estrogen), which in turn can bring about a yeast infection. [6] X Trustworthy Source US Office on Women’s Health U. S. government agency providing resources for women’s health Go to source Douching - Douches are mostly used to clean the vagina after a period. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, douching when done regularly can change the balance of the vaginal flora and the acidity of the vagina, thus disturbing the balance of good and bad bacteria. The level of bacteria helps maintain the acidic environment and its destruction can cause the overgrowth of the bad bacteria, which in turn causes yeast infections. [7] X Research source Shubair M, Stanek R, White S, Larsen B. Effects of chlorhexidine gluconate douche on normal vaginal flora. Gynecol Obstet Invest. 1992;34(4):229-33. Existing medical conditions - Some diseases or conditions, such as HIV or diabetes, can also cause yeast infections. [8] X Trustworthy Source US Office on Women’s Health U. S. government agency providing resources for women’s health Go to source General health - Illness, obesity, poor sleeping habits, and stress can increase the likelihood of developing a yeast infection. [9] X Research source
In a pH test, you hold a piece of pH paper against the wall of your vagina for a few seconds. Then, compare the color of the paper to the chart provided with the test. The number on the chart for the color that best approximates the color of the paper is your vaginal pH number. If the test result is above 4, it’s best to see your doctor. This is not indicative of a yeast infection, but could be a sign of another infection. If the test result is below 4, it is likely (but not definitively) a yeast infection.
If you are currently menstruating, consider waiting until after your cycle finishes to see your doctor, if at all possible. But if you are experiencing severe symptoms, then be seen as soon as possible, even if menstruating. If you are visiting a walk-in clinic and not your regular doctor, be prepared to give a full medical history. Pregnant women should not treat a yeast infection before consulting a doctor. [12] X Research source
Yeast can be identified under a microscope because it takes a budding or branching form. [14] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Not all yeast infections are caused by candida albicans; there are some other forms of yeast as well. Sometimes a yeast culture needs to be performed if a patient continues to get recurrent infections Remember that there are other potential reasons why you may be experiencing vaginal discomfort, including other infections such as bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis. For example, many of the symptoms of a yeast infection are very similar to those of an STI.
Once you’ve experienced a vaginal yeast infection and had it diagnosed by a physician, you can self-diagnose such infections in the future and cure them with readily available over-the-counter treatments. However, even patients who have had yeast infections in the past often misdiagnose themselves. If an over the counter treatment is not working, see your doctor. Call your physician if your symptoms don’t improve after three days or any of the symptoms change (e. g. , vaginal discharge increases or changes color).
