Yeast Infection
Also known as Candidiasis, Thrush, Vaginal candidiasis
This article is general health information for the selected condition. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace clinical judgement. If you have questions or need treatment advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
What is yeast infection?
Yeast infection is overgrowth of Candida, a fungus normally present in small numbers on skin and mucous membranes. It commonly affects the vagina, mouth and skin folds. It is not usually sexually transmitted. Recurrent or unusually severe infection can be a first clue to undiagnosed diabetes or immune suppression.
Causes
- Overgrowth of Candida albicans and related species
- Antibiotic use disrupting normal bacterial flora
- Raised oestrogen in pregnancy or with hormonal contraception
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Immunosuppression including HIV and steroid use
- Moisture and occlusion in skin folds
Symptoms
- Intense vulval and vaginal itching
- Thick white discharge without strong odour
- Soreness and burning, particularly on passing urine
- Redness and swelling of surrounding skin
- Pain during sex
- White patches in the mouth in oral thrush
- Red itchy rash in skin folds
Risk factors
- Recent antibiotic course
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes, particularly if poorly controlled
- Inhaled corticosteroid use without rinsing
- Immunosuppressive therapy
- Tight non breathable clothing
Diagnosis
- Clinical assessment of symptoms and appearance
- Vaginal pH testing, typically normal in candidiasis
- Microscopy and culture for recurrent or atypical cases
- Blood glucose or HbA1c testing where infections recur
- Speciation for non albicans Candida in resistant cases
Treatment
- Topical antifungal creams or pessaries such as clotrimazole
- Single dose oral fluconazole, avoided in pregnancy
- Nystatin suspension or miconazole gel for oral thrush
- Longer suppressive courses for recurrent infection
- Optimising diabetes control
- Rinsing the mouth after inhaled steroids
- Keeping skin folds dry and using breathable clothing
Self care
- Use antifungal cream or pessary as directed
- Wear loose cotton underwear and avoid tight synthetic clothing
- Avoid perfumed soaps, douches and bubble baths
- Wash with water or an emollient rather than soap
- Change out of wet swimwear promptly
- Rinse the mouth after inhaled steroids to prevent oral thrush
- Keep skin folds clean and dry
When to see a doctor
Book an appointment if:
- Symptoms not improving after treatment
- Four or more episodes in a year
- First episode, to confirm the diagnosis
- Pregnancy, since oral treatment is avoided
- Symptoms with pelvic pain or fever
- Recurrent oral thrush in an adult, which needs a cause sought
Some symptoms need emergency care rather than an appointment. See the warning signs listed above.
Prevention
- Avoid unnecessary antibiotic courses
- Wear breathable underwear and avoid prolonged dampness
- Rinse the mouth after inhaled corticosteroids
- Manage diabetes well
- Avoid douching and perfumed products
- Consider suppressive treatment for frequent recurrences
Outlook
Yeast infections respond quickly to antifungal treatment, usually within a few days. Recurrent infection affects a minority and often needs a longer suppressive course. Persistent or repeated infection should prompt a search for an underlying cause such as undiagnosed diabetes or a non albicans species.
Common questions
Is a yeast infection sexually transmitted?
Not generally. Candida is part of normal flora and overgrows for reasons such as antibiotics or hormonal change. Partners do not usually need treatment unless they have symptoms.
When should recurrent infections be investigated?
Four or more episodes in a year warrants review. Undiagnosed diabetes, non albicans Candida species and other conditions such as bacterial vaginosis or lichen sclerosus should be considered.
Are probiotics effective?
Evidence is limited and inconsistent. They are unlikely to be harmful, but antifungal treatment remains the reliable approach, alongside addressing underlying triggers.
References
Important: Dard AI is not a medical device and does not diagnose, treat, or replace clinician judgement. This article is general information only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about diagnosis and treatment, and seek emergency care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.