Vaginal yeast infection Health Article

Symptoms

• Abnormal vaginal discharge
  • Ranges from a slightly watery, white discharge to a thick, white, chunky discharge (like cottage cheese)
• Inflammation of the vulvar skin
• Pain with intercourse
• Painful urination
• Redness of the vulva
• Vaginal and labial itching, burning

Signs and tests

A pelvic examination will be done. It may show inflammation of the skin of the vulva, within the vagina, and on the cervix. The health care provider may find dry, white plaques on the vaginal wall.

A wet prep (microscopic evaluation of vaginal discharge) shows Candida.

Treatment

Generally, the first incidence of yeast infection should be treated by your health care provider.

After the first infection, if you develop another infection and you are absolutely certain it is a yeast infection, you can treat it at home with over-the-counter vaginal creams such as miconazole or clotrimazole. Symptoms that don't go away should be evaluated by your gynecologist or primary health care provider.

Medications for vaginal yeast infections are available in either vaginal cream/suppositories. Oral medication should be avoided during pregnancy.

Expectations (prognosis)

The symptoms usually disappear completely with adequate treatment.

Complications

Chronic or recurrent infections may occur. This may be from inadequate treatment or self-reinfection.

Secondary infection may occur. Intense or prolonged scratching may cause the skin of the vulva to become cracked and raw, making it more susceptible to infection.

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if this is the first time that you have vaginal yeast infection symptoms, or if you are unsure if you have a yeast infection. (If you are sure that you have a yeast infection, you can treat the disorder with over-the-counter medications.)

Call your health care provider if symptoms don't go away after using self-treatment vaginal creams, or if you have or develop other symptoms.