Geisinger Discusses What Causes Yeast Infections

Geisinger brings answers to your burning questions about yeast infection causes, symptoms and how to find fast relief.

By Lauren Williams, Geisinger Women’s health physician assistant

If you’re a woman, chances are high you’ve had the dreaded vaginal yeast infection: that itchy, uncomfortable feeling “down there,” with thick, sometimes clumpy discharge left behind in your underwear.  

If you’re one of the lucky ones who hasn’t, it’s likely you will someday. Vaginal yeast infections are common throughout a woman’s lifetime.  

A yeast infection, medically known as candidiasis, is a fungal infection that can impact the vagina and other parts of the body, such as the mouth and throat. 

While yeast is naturally present in the body, certain factors can disrupt the balance and trigger an overgrowth of the yeast called candida. This proliferation can overtake healthy cells and lead to a yeast infection. Factors such as poor hygiene, antibiotics and even pregnancy can put a woman at higher risk for developing a yeast infection. 

Fortunately, there are medications that are effective in treating vaginal yeast infections — sometimes even without a prescription. If you develop more than three yeast infections a year, however, talk to your doctor about a longer treatment plan.

The telltale sign of a vaginal yeast infection is itching, irritation or a burning sensation in the vaginal area, usually accompanied by thick, odorless, white discharge that can have the consistency of cottage cheese. 

Other common vaginal yeast infection symptoms include:

• Redness and swelling of the vulva (tissue surrounding the vagina)
• Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse
• Frequent urination and burning sensation when you pee
• Vaginal rash
• Small cuts or cracks in the skin of the vulva

Many factors can cause the population of healthy bacteria in the vagina to diminish, enabling yeast to quickly multiply and cause a yeast infection. Understanding the causes of vaginal yeast infections can help in prevention and effective management. 

If you have a weakened immune system due to cancer treatments or certain conditions like HIV/AIDS, your body will have a harder time controlling the growth of yeast. This can lead to an overpopulation of yeast and cause an infection. 

Chronic stress can have a negative impact on your immune system, making it more difficult for your body to control the levels of yeast in the vagina. 

Stress also causes your body to release the hormone cortisol, which raises your blood sugar level. Yeast feeds on sugar, which can lead to an overgrowth of the fungus. 

Yeast infections are common in pregnancy. Pregnancy causes a variety of systemic changes throughout the body, increasing the incidence of yeast infections. Although more common in pregnancy, vaginal yeast infections are not known to be associated with negative pregnancy outcomes.  

High blood sugar can cause the body to excrete extra sugar through sweat, urine and mucus. This increase in sugar in the mucous membranes of your vagina feeds the yeast, creating an ideal place for yeast to grow and thrive.

Antibiotics are designed to kill harmful bacteria, but they can also kill the good bacteria in the body that normally prevents an overgrowth of yeast. This imbalance can lead to an infection. 

Tight underwear or clothing that doesn’t allow air flow can cause irritation and sweating. Yeast thrives in warm, moist conditions. Spending too much time in a wet swimsuit or sweaty gym clothes also can have the same effect. 

Using harsh soaps or douching can cause irritation and disrupt the natural balance of good bacteria in your vagina, leading to an overgrowth of yeast. 

Yeast infections can be quite uncomfortable, but treatment is available for fast relief. 

Antifungal medications are the most common treatment. They work by killing the fungi that cause the infection. For mild to moderate yeast infections, or for treating yeast infections during pregnancy, over-the-counter antifungal creams (i.e., Monistat^®), ointments or vaginal suppositories can be used. 

Prescription-strength antifungal creams, ointments or suppositories are often recommended for more severe or recurring infections. 

Yeast infections should clear up in about 5 to 7 days with treatment. However, severe cases may take longer. Just be sure to complete the full course of medication to make sure the infection is fully cleared and doesn’t return.

It’s a good idea to see your doctor if it’s the first time you’ve had symptoms of a yeast infection, symptoms continue after treatment or if you’ve had three or more in one year. If you have similar symptoms, but are unsure of the cause, talk to your doctor for further testing. Your provider may want to rule out other conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis or sexually transmitted infections. 

While in some cases yeast infections can’t be prevented, following a few self-care measures and maintaining optimal vaginal health can help decrease your risk.

• Keep the vaginal area clean and dry. Wash the area with mild, unscented soap and warm water. Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing and change out of wet bathing suits or sweaty workout clothes as soon as possible.
• Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton underwear. This allows for better air circulation and helps to keep the area dry. Synthetic fabrics like nylon or polyester can trap moisture and heat, promoting the growth of yeast.
• Avoid using scented pads, tampons, soaps and detergents. They may contain irritants that can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and increase the risk of infection.
• Wipe from front to back when using the bathroom. This can help prevent the spread of bacteria and yeast from the anus to the vagina.
• Try a probiotic. There is some evidence taking probiotics may help prevent yeast infections.

If you do wind up getting a yeast infection — and it’s likely you will at some point — the good news is most cases are mild and treatment is very effective.

For more health and wellness topics, visit Geisinger.org/balance.