BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuVaginal yeast infectionYeast infection - vagina; Vaginal candidiasis; Monilial vaginitisVaginal yeast infection is an infection of the vagina. It is most often due to the fungus Candida albicans. Causes Most women have a vaginal yeast infection at some time. Candida albicans is a common type of fungus. It is often found in small amounts in the vagina, mouth, digestive tract, and on the skin. Most of the time, it does not cause infection or symptoms.VaginaThe vagina is the female body part that connects the womb (uterus) and cervix to the outside of the body.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Candida and the many other germs that normally live in the vagina keep each other in balance. Sometimes the number of candida increases. This leads to a yeast infection.This can happen if: You are taking antibiotics used to treat another infection. Antibiotics change the normal balance between germs in the vagina. You are pregnant You are obese You have diabetes DiabetesDiabetes is a long-term (chronic) disease in which the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar in the blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article You are taking medicines or have an illness that suppresses your immune system.A yeast infection is not spread through sexual contact. However, some men may develop symptoms after having sexual contact with an infected partner. These symptoms may include itching, rash or irritation of the penis.ItchingItching is a tingling or irritation of the skin that makes you want to scratch the area. Itching may occur all over the body or only in one location...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article RashRashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Having many vaginal yeast infections may be a sign of other health problems. Other vaginal infections and discharges can be mistaken for a vaginal yeast infection. Symptoms Symptoms include:Abnormal vaginal discharge. Discharge can range from slightly watery, white discharge to thick, white, and chunky (like cottage cheese). Abnormal vaginal dischargeVaginal discharge refers to secretions from the vagina. The discharge may be:Thick, pasty, or thinClear, cloudy, bloody, white, yellow, or greenOdor...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Itching and burning of the vagina and labia Pain with intercourse Painful urination Painful urinationPainful urination is any pain, discomfort, or burning sensation when passing urine.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Redness and swelling of the skin just outside of the vagina (vulva) Exams and Tests Your health care provider will do a pelvic exam. It may show: Swelling and redness of the skin of the vulva, in the vagina, and on the cervix VulvaThe vulva is made up of the female genital parts that are outside the body. It includes the "lips" or folds of skin (labia), clitoris, and the openi...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article VaginaThe vagina is the female body part that connects the womb (uterus) and cervix to the outside of the body.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Dry, white spots on the vaginal wall Cracks in the skin of the vulvaA small amount of the vaginal discharge may be examined using a microscope. This is called a wet mount and KOH test.Vaginal dischargeVaginal discharge refers to secretions from the vagina. The discharge may be:Thick, pasty, or thinClear, cloudy, bloody, white, yellow, or greenOdor...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Wet mountThe vaginitis wet mount test is a test to detect an infection of the vagina.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sometimes, a culture is taken if:The infection does not get better with treatment The infection recursYour provider may order other tests to check for other causes of your symptoms. Treatment Medicines to treat vaginal yeast infections are available as creams, ointments, vaginal tablets or suppositories and oral tablets. Most can be bought without needing to see your provider. If you do need to see your provider, you may wish to ask them about the use of boric acid for yeast infections.Treating yourself at home is probably OK if:Your symptoms are mild and you do not have pelvic pain or a fever This is not your first yeast infection and you have not had many yeast infections in the past You are not pregnant You are not worried about other sexually transmitted infections (STI) from recent sexual contact Medicines you can buy yourself to treat a vaginal yeast infection are:Miconazole Clotrimazole Tioconazole Butoconazole When using these medicines:Read the package inserts carefully and use them as directed. You will need to take the medicine for 1 to 7 days, depending on which medicine you buy. (If you do not get repeated infections, a 1-day medicine might work for you.) Do not stop using these medicines early because your symptoms are better. Your provider can also prescribe a pill that you only take by mouth once.If your symptoms are worse or you get vaginal yeast infections often, you may need:Medicine for up to 14 days Azole vaginal cream or fluconazole pill every week to prevent new infections To help prevent and treat vaginal discharge:Keep your genital area clean and dry. Avoid soap and rinse with water only. Sitting in a warm, but not hot, bath may help your symptoms. Avoid douching. Although many women feel cleaner if they douche after their period or intercourse, it may worsen vaginal discharge. Douching removes healthy bacteria lining the vagina that protect against infection. Eat yogurt with live cultures or take Lactobacillus acidophilus tablets when you are on antibiotics. This may help to prevent a yeast infection. Use condoms to avoid catching or spreading other infections. Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays, fragrances, or powders in the genital area. Avoid wearing tight-fitting pants or shorts. These may cause irritation and sweating. Wear cotton underwear or cotton-crotch pantyhose. Avoid underwear made of silk or nylon. These can increase sweating in the genital area, which leads to growth of more yeast. Keep your blood sugar level under good control if you have diabetes. Avoid wearing wet bathing suits or exercise clothing for long periods of time. Wash sweaty or wet clothes after each use. Outlook (Prognosis) Most of the time, symptoms go away completely with proper treatment. Possible Complications A lot of scratching may cause the skin to crack, making you more likely to get a skin infection.A woman may have diabetes or weak immune system (such as in HIV) if:The infection recurs right after treatment The yeast infection does not respond well to treatment When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if:This is the first time that you have had symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection. You are not sure if you have a yeast infection. Your symptoms don't go away after using over-the-counter medicines. Your symptoms get worse. You develop other symptoms. You may have been exposed to an STI.Open ReferencesReferencesDinulos JGH. Superficial fungal infections. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 13.Eckert LO, Lentz GM. Genital tract infections: vulva, vagina, cervix, toxic shock syndrome, endometritis, and salpingitis. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 23.Oquendo Del Toro HM, Hoefgen HR. Vulvovaginitis. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 564.Pappas PG. Candidiasis. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 310.AllVideoImagesTogCandida - fluorescent stain - illustration This microscopic film shows a fluorescent stain of Candida. Candida is a yeast (fungus) that causes mild disease, but in immunocompromised individuals it may cause life-threatening illness. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)Candida - fluorescent stainillustrationFemale reproductive anatomy - illustration Internal structures of the female reproductive anatomy include the uterus, ovaries, and cervix. External structures include the labium minora and majora, the vagina and the clitoris.Female reproductive anatomyillustrationYeast infections - illustration Yeast infections may follow a course of antibiotics that were prescribed for another purpose. The antibiotics change the normal balance between organisms in the vagina by suppressing the growth of protective bacteria that normally have an antifungal effect.Yeast infectionsillustrationSecondary infection - illustration Secondary infection occurs during or after treatment of a primary infection because the normal bacterial flora is destroyed, allowing yeast to flourish.Secondary infectionillustrationUterus - illustration The uterus is a hollow muscular organ located in the female pelvis between the bladder and rectum. The ovaries produce the eggs that travel through the fallopian tubes. Once the egg has left the ovary it can be fertilized and implant itself in the lining of the uterus. The main function of the uterus is to nourish the developing fetus prior to birth. UterusillustrationNormal uterine anatomy (cut section) - illustration The uterus is a muscular organ with thick walls, two upper openings to the fallopian tubes and an inferior opening to the vagina.Normal uterine anatomy (cut section)illustrationCandida - fluorescent stain - illustration This microscopic film shows a fluorescent stain of Candida. Candida is a yeast (fungus) that causes mild disease, but in immunocompromised individuals it may cause life-threatening illness. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)Candida - fluorescent stainillustrationFemale reproductive anatomy - illustration Internal structures of the female reproductive anatomy include the uterus, ovaries, and cervix. External structures include the labium minora and majora, the vagina and the clitoris.Female reproductive anatomyillustrationYeast infections - illustration Yeast infections may follow a course of antibiotics that were prescribed for another purpose. The antibiotics change the normal balance between organisms in the vagina by suppressing the growth of protective bacteria that normally have an antifungal effect.Yeast infectionsillustrationSecondary infection - illustration Secondary infection occurs during or after treatment of a primary infection because the normal bacterial flora is destroyed, allowing yeast to flourish.Secondary infectionillustrationUterus - illustration The uterus is a hollow muscular organ located in the female pelvis between the bladder and rectum. The ovaries produce the eggs that travel through the fallopian tubes. Once the egg has left the ovary it can be fertilized and implant itself in the lining of the uterus. The main function of the uterus is to nourish the developing fetus prior to birth. UterusillustrationNormal uterine anatomy (cut section) - illustration The uterus is a muscular organ with thick walls, two upper openings to the fallopian tubes and an inferior opening to the vagina.Normal uterine anatomy (cut section)illustrationSelf Care Vaginitis - self-care Tests for Vaginal yeast infection Vaginitis test - wet mountRelated Information Vagina(Special Topic)Hormone levels(Medical Test)Diabetes(Condition)HIV/AIDS(Condition)Itching(Symptoms)Rashes(Symptoms)Candida infection of the skin(Condition)Chronic(Special Topic)Secondary infections(Special Topic)Vulva(Special Topic)Diabetes - type 1 - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 7/12/2023 Reviewed By: John D. Jacobson, MD, Professor Emeritus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. 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Vaginal yeast infectionYeast infection - vagina; Vaginal candidiasis; Monilial vaginitisVaginal yeast infection is an infection of the vagina. It is most often due to the fungus Candida albicans. Causes Most women have a vaginal yeast infection at some time. Candida albicans is a common type of fungus. It is often found in small amounts in the vagina, mouth, digestive tract, and on the skin. Most of the time, it does not cause infection or symptoms.VaginaThe vagina is the female body part that connects the womb (uterus) and cervix to the outside of the body.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Candida and the many other germs that normally live in the vagina keep each other in balance. Sometimes the number of candida increases. This leads to a yeast infection.This can happen if: You are taking antibiotics used to treat another infection. Antibiotics change the normal balance between germs in the vagina. You are pregnant You are obese You have diabetes DiabetesDiabetes is a long-term (chronic) disease in which the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar in the blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article You are taking medicines or have an illness that suppresses your immune system.A yeast infection is not spread through sexual contact. However, some men may develop symptoms after having sexual contact with an infected partner. These symptoms may include itching, rash or irritation of the penis.ItchingItching is a tingling or irritation of the skin that makes you want to scratch the area. Itching may occur all over the body or only in one location...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article RashRashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Having many vaginal yeast infections may be a sign of other health problems. Other vaginal infections and discharges can be mistaken for a vaginal yeast infection. Symptoms Symptoms include:Abnormal vaginal discharge. Discharge can range from slightly watery, white discharge to thick, white, and chunky (like cottage cheese). Abnormal vaginal dischargeVaginal discharge refers to secretions from the vagina. The discharge may be:Thick, pasty, or thinClear, cloudy, bloody, white, yellow, or greenOdor...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Itching and burning of the vagina and labia Pain with intercourse Painful urination Painful urinationPainful urination is any pain, discomfort, or burning sensation when passing urine.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Redness and swelling of the skin just outside of the vagina (vulva) Exams and Tests Your health care provider will do a pelvic exam. It may show: Swelling and redness of the skin of the vulva, in the vagina, and on the cervix VulvaThe vulva is made up of the female genital parts that are outside the body. It includes the "lips" or folds of skin (labia), clitoris, and the openi...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article VaginaThe vagina is the female body part that connects the womb (uterus) and cervix to the outside of the body.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Dry, white spots on the vaginal wall Cracks in the skin of the vulvaA small amount of the vaginal discharge may be examined using a microscope. This is called a wet mount and KOH test.Vaginal dischargeVaginal discharge refers to secretions from the vagina. The discharge may be:Thick, pasty, or thinClear, cloudy, bloody, white, yellow, or greenOdor...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Wet mountThe vaginitis wet mount test is a test to detect an infection of the vagina.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sometimes, a culture is taken if:The infection does not get better with treatment The infection recursYour provider may order other tests to check for other causes of your symptoms. Treatment Medicines to treat vaginal yeast infections are available as creams, ointments, vaginal tablets or suppositories and oral tablets. Most can be bought without needing to see your provider. If you do need to see your provider, you may wish to ask them about the use of boric acid for yeast infections.Treating yourself at home is probably OK if:Your symptoms are mild and you do not have pelvic pain or a fever This is not your first yeast infection and you have not had many yeast infections in the past You are not pregnant You are not worried about other sexually transmitted infections (STI) from recent sexual contact Medicines you can buy yourself to treat a vaginal yeast infection are:Miconazole Clotrimazole Tioconazole Butoconazole When using these medicines:Read the package inserts carefully and use them as directed. You will need to take the medicine for 1 to 7 days, depending on which medicine you buy. (If you do not get repeated infections, a 1-day medicine might work for you.) Do not stop using these medicines early because your symptoms are better. Your provider can also prescribe a pill that you only take by mouth once.If your symptoms are worse or you get vaginal yeast infections often, you may need:Medicine for up to 14 days Azole vaginal cream or fluconazole pill every week to prevent new infections To help prevent and treat vaginal discharge:Keep your genital area clean and dry. Avoid soap and rinse with water only. Sitting in a warm, but not hot, bath may help your symptoms. Avoid douching. Although many women feel cleaner if they douche after their period or intercourse, it may worsen vaginal discharge. Douching removes healthy bacteria lining the vagina that protect against infection. Eat yogurt with live cultures or take Lactobacillus acidophilus tablets when you are on antibiotics. This may help to prevent a yeast infection. Use condoms to avoid catching or spreading other infections. Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays, fragrances, or powders in the genital area. Avoid wearing tight-fitting pants or shorts. These may cause irritation and sweating. Wear cotton underwear or cotton-crotch pantyhose. Avoid underwear made of silk or nylon. These can increase sweating in the genital area, which leads to growth of more yeast. Keep your blood sugar level under good control if you have diabetes. Avoid wearing wet bathing suits or exercise clothing for long periods of time. Wash sweaty or wet clothes after each use. Outlook (Prognosis) Most of the time, symptoms go away completely with proper treatment. Possible Complications A lot of scratching may cause the skin to crack, making you more likely to get a skin infection.A woman may have diabetes or weak immune system (such as in HIV) if:The infection recurs right after treatment The yeast infection does not respond well to treatment When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if:This is the first time that you have had symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection. You are not sure if you have a yeast infection. Your symptoms don't go away after using over-the-counter medicines. Your symptoms get worse. You develop other symptoms. You may have been exposed to an STI.Open ReferencesReferencesDinulos JGH. Superficial fungal infections. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 13.Eckert LO, Lentz GM. Genital tract infections: vulva, vagina, cervix, toxic shock syndrome, endometritis, and salpingitis. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 23.Oquendo Del Toro HM, Hoefgen HR. Vulvovaginitis. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 564.Pappas PG. Candidiasis. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 310.