What is a vaginal yeast infection?
Vaginal yeast infections are most often caused by a type of fungus called Candida albicans. Candida naturally lives in your body, in places such as your mouth, throat, gut, and skin, as well as your vagina. Under normal conditions, a small amount of Candida doesn’t cause health problems.
Under certain circumstances, however, Candida’s growth can get out of control and cause an infection. This yeast overgrowth often results from:
- Using antibiotics
- Pregnancy
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Impaired immune system
- Taking hormonal medications
In rare cases, a vaginal yeast infection may be caused by a fungus other than Candida. Your Bella Women's Care provider can help determine the type of infection, pinpoint its likely cause, and recommend a treatment plan.
What symptoms develop due to a yeast infection?
Although your symptoms may range from mild to severe, yeast infections have a reputation for causing extreme itching. You may experience one or more of these symptoms:
- Vaginal itching
- Vaginal pain
- Vaginal rash
- Thick, white, odor-free discharge
- Watery vaginal discharge
- Itching and irritation of the vulva (the tissues surrounding the vaginal opening)
- Redness and swelling of the vulva
You may also develop burning during intercourse or when you urinate.
How is a vaginal yeast infection treated?
Your Bella Women's Care provider determines your course of treatment based on the severity of your yeast infection and whether you’ve had multiple infections.
If this is your first yeast infection and your symptoms are mild, chances are you’ll undergo a short course of antifungal medications. Antifungal treatments are usually inserted into your vagina, but in some cases, your doctor may prescribe a one-time oral medication.
When you’ve had several yeast infections or severe symptoms, you may need a longer course of vaginal antifungal therapy or multiple doses of oral medication.
When should I use over-the-counter yeast infection treatments?
A variety of antifungal treatments are available in your local pharmacy. However, it’s important to talk with your Bella Women's Care provider before self-treating because:
You may not have a yeast infection
Studies show that two-thirds of women who purchase over-the-counter yeast infection treatments don’t have a yeast infection. For example, a bacterial vaginal infection can cause similar symptoms, and this type of infection needs a different medication.
You may be at risk for developing medication resistance
Overuse of antifungal medications can make your body resistant to treatments for yeast infections.
If you develop vaginal itching, pain, or discharge, call the team at Bella Women’s Care or schedule an appointment using the online feature.
