Vaginal candidiasis (vaginal yeast infection): Symptoms, causes and treatments

Reviewed by Dr. Richard Fox, MD — If you are looking for information about vaginal candidiasis, you must be feeling uncomfortable. But is there a quick, at-home way to deal with the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection?

Let’s find out.

What is vaginal candidiasis?

Vaginal candidiasis is a fungal infection often caused by a type of yeast called Candida albicans. Some infections can result from other forms of Candida.

C. albicans It is found naturally in the body and on the skin. It is most common in the mouth, throat, and intestines, as well as the vagina in women.

A healthy vagina contains a natural balance of yeast and beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus. But certain conditions can cause C. albicans To multiply and lead to infection.

Different medical terms for vaginal yeast infection include:

• Vaginal candidiasis
• Vulvovaginal candidiasis
• Candida vaginitis

Symptoms of vaginal candidiasis

The classic symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection can be very uncomfortable and include:

• Pain and soreness
• Pain during intercourse (burning sensation)
• Pain and discomfort when urinating (burning sensation)
• Unusual vaginal discharge (thick and white with a cottage cheese appearance or thin and watery)
• Itching and irritation near the vagina or vulva
• hasty

Most cases of yeast infections are mild. However, they can become severe. Symptoms of a severe or complicated yeast infection are:

• Redness around the vulva
• swelling
• Cracks in the vaginal wall
• Vaginal rash

These symptoms can be similar to other vaginal infections. If you’ve never had a yeast infection or your symptoms seem unusual, make an appointment with your gynecologist.

What causes yeast infections?

Vaginal yeast infections are very common and can be the result of factors ranging from the fabric of underwear to diet.

Some of the most common causes of yeast infections include:

• Use of antibiotics
• Pregnancy
• Use of hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills).
• Diabetes
• Unhealthy diet (high in sugar)
• Menstruation (high levels of estrogen)

Risk factors associated with complicated yeast infections include:

• Symptoms of an overactive yeast infection
• Experiencing four or more yeast infections per year
• Infection caused by rare fungi
• Having a weak immune system (due to medications or HIV)

Treatment of vaginal candidiasis

The most effective treatment for yeast infections is antifungal medications. Two of the most popular medications are fluconazole and miconazole.

• Fluconazole: A single-dose pill treats most types of yeast infections. Symptoms take a few days to disappear, and treatment is very effective.
• Miconazole: Over-the-counter (OTC) topical cream. It comes in different formulations that can treat yeast infections in three, five, or seven days. It can be messy and takes a little longer to kill the infection than fluconazole, but it may relieve the itch faster.

Severe or recurring yeast infections can be treated with:

• Multiple doses of fluconazole
• Boric acid, nystatin, or flucytosine (in the form of suppositories)

Tips to prevent vaginal yeast infections

The best way to combat vaginal yeast infections is to take preventative measures. Of course, these measures can’t guarantee that you won’t get a yeast infection, but they may reduce your risk.

This infection is very common and may occur on its own. However, you can reduce your risk of developing a vaginal yeast infection by:

• Shower immediately after exercising
• Remove any wet clothing or swimwear as soon as possible
• Avoid very tight clothes
• Avoid wearing a pantyliner every day (lock in moisture)
• Choose breathable cotton underwear (over spandex, silk, lace, polyester, etc.)
• Limit your intake of sugar and processed foods
• Avoid douches, vaginal sprays or lotions
• Use antibiotics only when necessary

Other preventive techniques may include:

• Vaseline/petroleum jelly: Applying Vaseline to the vulva may help relieve itching and act as a barrier against yeast.
• Probiotics: Probiotics are healthy bacteria that may help balance vaginal microbial populations. There is no sound data on the effects of probiotics, but including more of them in your diet, via food or supplements, is unlikely to cause any harm.
• food: Foods like papaya, Greek yogurt, and kefir are all rich sources of probiotics that are easy to include in your diet.
• Nutritional supplements: If you use supplements, look for options with a higher percentage Lactobacillus Colony forming units (CFU).

Home remedies for yeast infections can be risky

There is a lot of information about potential home remedies to treat yeast infections. However, almost none of the treatments are supported by scientific data. Perhaps most importantly, too much of it may worsen symptoms.

Yogurt (topical or included)

There are women who strongly support the topical use of plain probiotic yogurt on the vulva. Some even advocate inserting it into the vagina for convenience. However, research on the effectiveness of these methods is very limited.

You should not apply yogurt containing probiotics directly to the vulva or vagina without discussing it with your doctor first. It can lead to irritation, and natural sugars can enhance it even further Candida growth.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is another natural remedy for yeast infections. A safe way to administer this treatment is to add half a cup to a lukewarm bath for half an hour to help fight or kill the yeast. However, there is little data to prove that it works.

Avoid direct application of apple cider vinegar to the vagina. Doing so may disrupt the pH balance and bacterial composition and increase the risk of infection.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is another home remedy you can find in your pantry. But again, there is little data to support its effectiveness. Applying pure organic coconut oil to the vagina may provide some antifungal and anti-itch support, but there is very little evidence that it will help.

Treat yeast infection at home

A vaginal yeast infection won’t go away overnight. If you want to get rid of your symptoms as quickly as possible, most infections can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams at your local pharmacy. They work, and they act fast.

If your infection doesn’t clear up with over-the-counter medications, you may need a prescription from your gynecologist.

Home remedies such as sitting in the bathtub with apple cider vinegar or applying coconut oil may provide some relief. But be careful that these options are often ineffective, and certainly won’t work quickly. It may also lead to further irritation.

If you regularly suffer from yeast infections, talk to your doctor about some stronger treatment options.