Yeast Infections

What is a Yeast Infection?

A yeast infection, sometimes known as “thrush,” is a vaginal infection that causes itchiness, soreness, and thick, white, odorless, clumpy discharge. It is caused by the fungus candida albicans.

What are the symptoms?

• Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance

• Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva

• A burning sensation, especially during intercourse or while urinating

• Redness and swelling of the vulva

• Vaginal pain and soreness

• Vaginal rash

• Watery vaginal discharge

What causes it?

All vaginal microbiomes contain this fungus. It is only a problem when there is an overgrowth of it. An overgrowth can be caused by a number of things, but some of the most common are:

• Douching the vagina

• Using scented hygiene products

• Taking antibiotics 

• Eating too much sugar, or diabetes 

• Hormonal imbalances

• Sitting in wet clothes for a long time

How is it treated?

During a pelvic exam the doctor would swab the vagina to get a sample of the vaginal dischage and send it to a lab to be tested.

Yeast infections are easy to treat with a short course of prescribed anti-fungal medication. This might be in the form of a tablet, a cream, a pessary, or a combination. Anti-itch creams to calm the affected area are also available.