Yeast Infection
What is Yeast Infection?
A yeast infection happens when a fungus called Candida grows out of control in your body. Candida normally lives on your skin and inside your body in small amounts. When the balance of bacteria and yeast shifts, Candida can multiply and cause symptoms.
Yeast infections can affect different parts of your body. The most common type happens in the vagina, but yeast can also overgrow in your mouth, throat, skin folds, and urinary tract. Most yeast infections are not serious and respond well to treatment. However, people with weakened immune systems may experience more severe or recurring infections.
Your body's natural defenses usually keep yeast under control. When something disrupts this balance, yeast can thrive and cause uncomfortable symptoms. Understanding what triggers yeast overgrowth helps you prevent future infections and maintain better health.
Symptoms
- Itching and irritation in the affected area
- Burning sensation, especially during urination or intercourse
- Redness and swelling of the vulva or affected skin
- Vaginal pain and soreness
- Thick, white discharge that looks like cottage cheese
- Watery vaginal discharge in some cases
- Rash with a distinct appearance on skin folds
- White patches in the mouth or on the tongue
- Cracking at the corners of the mouth
- Pain or difficulty swallowing if the throat is affected
Some people with yeast infections in the urinary tract may have no symptoms at all. Others may notice burning during urination or cloudy urine. If you have symptoms that last more than a few days, getting tested can help identify the cause.
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Causes and risk factors
Yeast infections occur when something disrupts the natural balance of microorganisms in your body. Antibiotics kill both harmful and helpful bacteria, which can allow yeast to grow unchecked. High blood sugar levels from diabetes create an environment where yeast thrives. A weakened immune system from illness, stress, or certain medications makes it harder for your body to control yeast growth. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation, or from birth control pills can also trigger infections.
Lifestyle factors play a role too. Wearing tight, non-breathable clothing traps moisture and heat, creating ideal conditions for yeast. Staying in wet swimsuits or sweaty workout clothes for too long increases risk. Poor diet high in sugar and refined carbs can feed yeast overgrowth. Douching or using scented feminine products disrupts the vaginal environment. Sexual activity can sometimes transfer yeast, though yeast infections are not considered sexually transmitted infections.
How it's diagnosed
Doctors diagnose yeast infections by examining your symptoms and the affected area. For vaginal yeast infections, a healthcare provider will perform a pelvic exam and may take a small sample of discharge to examine under a microscope. This helps confirm the presence of yeast and rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.
For urinary tract yeast infections, a urine test can detect the presence of yeast. Rite Aid offers testing through Quest Diagnostics that includes a yeast biomarker in urine samples. This helps identify yeast in your urinary tract as part of a panel with over 200 biomarkers. Testing twice a year helps you monitor your health and catch potential issues early, especially if you have recurring infections or risk factors like diabetes.
Treatment options
- Antifungal medications available as creams, ointments, tablets, or suppositories
- Over-the-counter treatments like miconazole or clotrimazole for mild infections
- Prescription antifungal medications like fluconazole for more severe or recurring cases
- Keep the affected area clean and dry to prevent yeast growth
- Wear loose, breathable cotton underwear and avoid tight clothing
- Change out of wet swimsuits and workout clothes quickly
- Reduce sugar and refined carbohydrate intake to limit yeast food sources
- Add probiotic-rich foods like yogurt to support healthy bacteria balance
- Avoid douching and scented feminine hygiene products
- Manage underlying conditions like diabetes to reduce infection risk
Concerned about Yeast Infection? Get tested at Rite Aid.
- Simple blood draw at your nearest lab
- Results in days, not weeks
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
Yeast infections typically cause thick white discharge, itching, and burning sensations. However, bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infections, and sexually transmitted infections can have similar symptoms. Getting tested helps identify the exact cause so you can receive the right treatment.
Yes, men can develop yeast infections, though they are less common. Male yeast infections usually affect the tip of the penis, causing redness, itching, and irritation. Men with diabetes or weakened immune systems face higher risk. Treatment involves antifungal creams and keeping the area clean and dry.
Recurring yeast infections often point to an underlying cause like uncontrolled diabetes, weakened immune system, or hormonal changes. Antibiotic use, high-sugar diet, and tight clothing can contribute to repeat infections. Testing your blood sugar and working with a doctor to identify triggers helps break the cycle. Some people need longer treatment courses or preventive antifungal medication.
Most mild yeast infections clear up within three to seven days with treatment. Over-the-counter antifungal creams typically work in one to seven days depending on the product. Prescription oral medications like fluconazole often work within one to three days. If symptoms persist beyond a week of treatment, contact your doctor.
While some people try home remedies like yogurt or tea tree oil, medical antifungal treatments are more reliable and faster. Home remedies lack strong scientific evidence for yeast infections. If you prefer natural approaches, discuss options with your doctor. Never put anything in your vagina without medical guidance, as this can worsen symptoms or cause new problems.
Yeast infections are not considered sexually transmitted infections because Candida naturally lives in your body. However, sexual activity can sometimes transfer yeast between partners. Men can develop symptoms after contact with a partner who has a yeast infection. Using protection and both partners getting treated can prevent passing it back and forth.
Reducing sugar and refined carbohydrates helps limit yeast growth because these foods feed Candida. Cut back on white bread, pastries, candy, soda, and processed foods. Some people find limiting alcohol, especially beer and wine, also helps. Focus on whole foods, vegetables, lean proteins, and probiotic-rich foods to support healthy bacterial balance.
Stress weakens your immune system, making it harder for your body to keep yeast in check. Chronic stress can disrupt hormone levels and increase cortisol, which affects your body's natural defenses. Managing stress through sleep, exercise, and relaxation techniques may reduce your risk of infections. Stress often combines with other factors like poor diet or medication use.
If you have had yeast infections before and recognize the symptoms, over-the-counter treatments are often appropriate. However, see a doctor if this is your first infection, if symptoms do not improve after treatment, or if you get more than four infections per year. Pregnant women and people with diabetes should always consult a healthcare provider.
Wear breathable cotton underwear and avoid tight pants or synthetic fabrics. Change out of wet clothes quickly and keep skin folds clean and dry. Eat a balanced diet low in sugar and rich in probiotics. Avoid unnecessary antibiotic use and scented feminine products. Control blood sugar if you have diabetes and manage stress levels for better immune function.