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Vaginal Yeast Infections
Overview
Some degree of
vaginal discharge is normal. Normal discharge usually looks
clear or cloudy-white and appears yellowish when it dries on
clothing. It may contain white flecks or be thin and stringy.
The amount and consistency of normal vaginal discharge may vary
at different times in your menstrual cycle.
Abnormal vaginal
discharge and itching can be caused by many things including a
reaction to products that can irritate the vaginal area and
sexually and non-sexually transmitted infections. The following
symptoms and advice pertain only to yeast infections.
Yeast exists
normally in the vagina, but an overgrowth of yeast can cause a
“yeast infection.” Hormonal changes (menopause, pregnancy, or
using a hormonal birth control method), antibiotic use, stress,
nutritional status, and certain medical conditions such as
diabetes or HIV disease can result in yeast overgrowths. Most
yeast infections can be treated without a visit to a healthcare
provider.
Signs and Symptoms
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Itching, burning, redness and/or irritation around your
vaginal opening, vulva (external female genitalia), or anus.
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Increased vaginal discharge—varying from thin, yellowish
discharges to thick, white discharges often described as
looking like cottage cheese or paste.
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External pain or burning when you urinate.
Self-Care Measures
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Use an OTC vaginal anti-fungal cream, ointment or
suppository.
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Use an OTC vaginal anti-itch medication on your external
genital area, if needed.
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Yeast infections aren’t usually spread by sexual
intercourse, but they can be. Therefore:
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Ideally, avoid sexual intercourse until
your infection is gone. If you do have intercourse, use
condoms, and use dental dams to cover your vulva/vaginal
area for oral sex. Use a water-based lubricant to reduce
friction and discomfort during intercourse.
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Wash sex toys with soap and water every
time you use them—even if you don’t have a yeast
infection.
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Shower instead of bathing. Gently pat your genitals dry.
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The following can help when you have a yeast infection and
can help to prevent them:
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Don’t douche or use other potentially
irritating products such as feminine hygiene sprays,
bubble bath, or perfumed or deodorant body washes,
soaps, tampons, or sanitary pads.
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Use only white, unscented toilet paper.
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Avoid high-sugar diets. Eating sugar can
promote the growth of yeast.
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Wear cotton underwear.
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Don’t wear wet bathing suits or damp
clothing for long periods of time.
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Eat yogurt daily (especially yogurt with
“active cultures”) or take OTC acidophilus supplements.
Check the expiration date of supplements, and keep them
refrigerated.
Red Flags
Check in with the
nurse if there is...
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Fever of 100.5 degrees F (38 degrees C) or higher.
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Pelvic or back pain.
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Vaginal itching or discharge that doesn’t improve or gets
worse after using OTC yeast infection medication for 2 or 3
days.
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Fishy- or foul-smelling discharge.
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Irregular menstrual bleeding.
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Genital sores, bumps, or blisters.
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Repeated yeast infections over a 2-month period. This could
indicate an underlying medical condition that needs to be
evaluated.
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