What Is a Yeast Infection? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Updated on April 1, 2026
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A vaginal yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida. It causes itching and burning on the skin around your vulva and can change the consistency of your vaginal discharge.
Yeast infections are common and typically not serious. They are treated with antibiotic medications and usually resolve within a few days to two weeks.
Signs and Symptoms of Yeast Infections
- Vaginal itching or soreness
- Burning
- Pain during sex
- Pain when urinating
- Thick white discharge
Severe infections can cause a rash, swelling, and cracks in the wall of the vagina.
Causes and Risk Factors of Yeast Infections
Candida occurs naturally in the vagina and is also found in the mouth, in the digestive tract, and on the skin. Most of the time, it doesn't cause any symptoms. But if the microorganisms in your vagina become out of balance, too much yeast can grow, leading to a yeast infection.
The following factors increase your risk of a yeast infection:
- Pregnancy and Hormones Changes in your hormones can disrupt the balance of Candida in your vagina. This includes being pregnant, taking hormonal birth control, and your menstrual period.
- Antibiotics Antibiotics that treat infections kill beneficial bacteria, which can lead to an overgrowth of Candida.
- Weakened Immune System Conditions or treatments that suppress your immune system can make you more susceptible to a yeast infection.
- Diabetes If your blood sugar is high, you may release excess sugar in your urine. This can encourage yeast and other bacteria to grow.
Although vaginal yeast infections are more common in women who are sexually active, they do not spread through sexual contact.
How Is a Yeast Infection Diagnosed?
Other conditions can cause symptoms similar to yeast infections, such as bacterial vaginosis (a vaginal infection caused by bacteria) and trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted infection). Because of this, it's important to see a doctor for a diagnosis if you have symptoms of a yeast infection.
To diagnose a yeast infection, your doctor will perform a pelvic exam to check for these signs:
- Swelling and redness on your vulva, on your cervix, and in your vagina
- Cracks in the skin of your vulva
- Dry, white spots on your vaginal wall
Your doctor may also take a sample of vaginal discharge to test for these situations:
- The presence of Candida under a microscope
- The pH (acidity level)
- Fungal culture, for recurring infections or if treatments aren't effective
Treatment and Medication Options for a Yeast Infection
Vaginal yeast infections are treated with over-the-counter or prescription antifungal medications. These are either applied inside the vagina or taken by mouth. The type of medication your doctor recommends will depend on the severity of the infection.
Male sex partners can also get yeast infections on the head of the penis, known as balanitis. While evidence suggests that yeast infections aren't transmitted through sexual intercourse, balanitis can be treated with topical antifungal medications.
Mild to Moderate Yeast Infections
Medications for mild or moderate yeast infections are available as creams and ointments, or as suppositories you insert into your vagina. You typically take them for three to seven days. They include these options:
- miconazole (Monistat)
- terconazole (Terazol)
- clotrimazole (Lotrimin)
- tioconazole (Gynecare)
- butoconazole (Femstat)
- nystatin (Mycostatin)
Severe or Recurring Yeast Infections
If your symptoms are severe or a yeast infection doesn't go away with other treatments, your doctor may prescribe an oral medication:
- fluconazole (Diflucan)
- oteseconazole (Vivjoa), for people who aren't pregnant and have recurring infections
- ibrexafungerp (Brexafemme)
- flucytosine (Ancobon)
You may take multiple doses of an oral antifungal medication for up to two weeks, then once a week for six months.
Boric acid therapy also treats yeast infections that don't respond to other treatments. It is a capsule containing boric acid that you insert into your vagina. It can be fatal if taken by mouth and is not safe for people who are pregnant.
Poll
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Lifestyle Changes and Prevention of Yeast Infections
You can help prevent yeast infections and ease symptoms with the following lifestyle changes:
- Wear cotton underwear.
- Keep the area around your genitals clean and dry.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing.
- Avoid feminine hygiene sprays, fragrances, and other products around your genitals.
- Avoid douching, which can remove healthy bacteria.
- Manage your blood sugar, if you have diabetes.
- Avoid wearing a wet swimsuit or sweaty clothing for long periods.
- Don't take antibiotics you don't need or for longer than prescribed.
How Long Does a Yeast Infection Last?
For mild yeast infections, you may need to take medication for one to seven days. If your symptoms are more severe or you have recurring yeast infections, you may need treatment for one to two weeks or longer.
Complications of Yeast Infections
Complications aren't common with yeast infections, but severe cases may cause intense burning and itching, which can lead to raw, cracked, or bleeding skin.
You may also experience some side effects with antifungal treatments:
- Gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
- Headaches
- Abdominal pain
- Skin rashes
While rare, long-term use of certain antifungals may cause liver or kidney damage.
FAQ
What is a yeast infection?
Yeast lives naturally in the body and on the skin. When it grows out of control, it causes a yeast infection. The most common are vaginal yeast infections, which cause itchiness and discomfort. With treatment, most yeast infections clear up within a week.
What are the medical causes of a yeast infection?
Several conditions are associated with an increased risk of yeast infections. They include pregnancy; certain types of medication, including some contraceptives (birth control pills, patches, vaginal rings, IUDs), antibiotics, and steroids; immune-suppressing diseases, including HIV; diabetes; and stress and lack of sleep, which can weaken the immune system.
What lifestyle habits can contribute to a yeast infection?
These habits may lead to an overgrowth of yeast and a possible infection:
- Eating a diet high in sugar
- Using scented soaps, bubble baths, and feminine sprays
- Douching
- Poor vaginal hygiene
- Wearing clothing that keeps the vaginal area warm and moist, such as synthetic underwear and pajama bottoms, tight jeans, and spandex
How is a yeast infection treated?
Several drugs treat vaginal yeast infections; they are available either over the counter or by prescription. Medications include antifungal creams, ointments, suppositories, medicated tampons, and oral tablets. Talk to your doctor if this is your first yeast infection; symptoms may indicate other health issues and can require different treatment.
The Takeaway
- A vaginal yeast infection is inflammation of the vagina caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida. It causes itching, burning, and changes in your vaginal discharge.
- Candida is found naturally in your vagina and other areas of your body, but it can cause a yeast infection if it becomes out of balance. This can happen due to antibiotics, a suppressed immune system, diabetes, and hormone changes from pregnancy or birth control.
- Oral and topical antifungal medications treat yeast infections. With treatment, a yeast infection can last from a few days to two or more weeks, depending on the severity. Lifestyle changes like maintaining proper hygiene, wearing loose and dry clothing, and managing blood sugar can help prevent yeast infections.
- Oral antifungal medications may not be safe if you are pregnant. Contact your doctor if you experience symptoms of a yeast infection or are concerned about side effects of antifungal medications.
Resources We Trust
- Cleveland Clinic: Can I Have Sex When I Have a Yeast Infection?
- Mayo Clinic: Vaginitis
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Diabetes and Women
- American Pregnancy Association: Yeast Infection During Pregnancy
- Office on Women’s Health: Vaginal Yeast Infections
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
- Jeanmonod R et al. Vaginal Candidiasis. StatPearls. February 3, 2024.
- Symptoms of Candidiasis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. April 24, 2024.
- Vaginal Yeast Infection. MedlinePlus. July 12, 2023.
- Vaginal Yeast Infection. Cleveland Clinic. May 20, 2025.
- Diabetes and Women. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. May 15, 2024.
- Vaginitis. Mayo Clinic. December 22, 2021.
- Yeast infection (vaginal): Diagnosis and Treatment. Mayo Clinic. November 19, 2024.
- Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. July 22, 2021.
- Vaginitis. Harvard Health Publishing. October 19, 2023.
- Yeast infection (vaginal): Diagnosis and Treatent. Mayo Clinic. November 19, 2024.
- Yeast infection (vaginal): Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic. November 19, 2024.
- Clinical Care of Fungal Diseases: Antifungals. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. October 24, 2024.
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Kara Smythe, MD
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Kara Smythe, MD, has been working in sexual and reproductive health for over 10 years. Dr. Smythe is a board-certified fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecolog...
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