Yeast infections are caused by the proliferation of normally growing fungi which occur in small concentrations in the vagina. This overgrowth inflames the vagina and creates discharge, odor, irritation, and/or itching. Normally growing bacteria in the body typically keep yeast fungi in check. If the natural balance of microorganisms is altered, the yeast may multiply and become the dominant organism in the vagina. This phenomenon is so common that most women experience a yeast infection at least once during their lives but thankfully they can also often be remedied by over the counter yeast infection treatments. Disturbance of the natural, normal vaginal environment may occur with any of the following:
How Do You Get Vaginal Yeast Infection?
- Vaginal yeast infections are caused by a fungus.
- The most common fungus which women acquire is called Candida albicans.
- This condition is also called candidiasis, genital candidiasis, or vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC).
- In stubborn cases, there may be a resistant yeast organism or a mixed infection with Candida as one of the organisms.
- Yeast infection can spread to other parts of the body, including skin, mucous membranes, heart valves, the esophagus, and other areas.
- Rarely, yeast infection can cause life-threatening systemic infections, typically in people with weakened immune defenses. For more information, please read the Vaginal Yeast Infection article.
What Can Mimic a Yeast Infection?
- Many women often mistakenly think they have a yeast infection and treat themselves, when they actually have a similar vaginal infection that will not respond to self-treatment with over-the-counter yeast-fighting medications.
- A study by the American Social Health Association found that most women self-treated vaginal infections before calling a health care professional.
- Most often, they mistook a bacterial infection (bacterial vaginosis) for a yeast infection.
- Other problems that can cause similar symptoms might be just a local mechanical irritation (from sex or tampons), an allergic reaction, or a chemical irritation secondary to the usage of soap, perfumes, deodorants, or powders.
Can a Yeast Infection Go Away on Its Own? When Should I See a Doctor?
Although vaginal infections may cause unpleasant itching, they should not cause pain. If you feel pain in this area, see a health care professional.
- Women should see a health care professional the first time vaginal yeast infection symptoms occur or if they are unsure as to whether they have a yeast infection. If certain, the condition can be treated with over-the-counter medications.
- However, if symptoms do not respond to one course of over-the-counter medications, yeast infection may not be the problem.
- Pregnant women or those with weakened immune systems should contact a doctor before beginning any over-the-counter self-treatment.
- Women who experience recurrent vaginal yeast infections, or yeast infections that do not clear up with treatment, should immediately contact a health care professional for diagnosis and management.
- If a woman has more than four episodes of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) in a year, she is deemed to have recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis.
