Managing Yeast Infections

 

Most women know the tell-tale signs: that persistent itch, irritation, and sometimes a cottage cheese-like discharge – classic symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection. Yeast infections are extremely common; about 3 out of 4 women will experience at least one in their lifetime. Though they’re not usually serious, they can be very uncomfortable and inconvenient. The good news is that yeast infections are generally easy to treat once you recognize what you’re dealing with. In this article, we’ll discuss how to identify a yeast infection (and not confuse it with other issues), effective treatments – including medications and home care – and ways to prevent those pesky infections from coming back.

Is It Really a Yeast Infection?

The vagina has a delicate balance of flora, including the yeast, Candida. A yeast infection happens when something upsets that balance (like antibiotics, hormonal changes, or diabetes) and yeast overgrows, leading to irritation. However, other infections can cause somewhat similar symptoms, so it’s important to ensure that what you have is truly a yeast infection. Here’s how to differentiate:

• Yeast Infection: The hallmark symptom is intense itching and irritation of the vulva and vagina. There may be redness and swelling of the vulvar skin. Discharge, if present, is often thick, white, and clumpy – resembling cottage cheese. It typically doesn’t have a strong odour. Some women also feel a burning sensation, especially during urination or sex (because the irritated skin is sensitive). Mild yeast infections might have minimal discharge and just a lot of itch. If the infection is more severe, the discharge could be more abundant and even have a slightly greenish tint (though greenish discharge is not common in yeast infections – it could suggest another type of infection, so take note of other symptoms too). 

• Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): BV is an overgrowth of certain bacteria in the vagina. Its key symptom is a thin, grey or off-white discharge with a fishy odour, especially after sex. It usually does not cause intense itching like yeast does. Women with BV often report a strong, unpleasant smell and maybe mild irritation, but not the severe itch of yeast infection. 

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): A UTI affects the bladder/urethra, not the vagina, but sometimes the burning when urine hits irritated vulvar tissue can make a woman think she has a UTI. UTIs cause pain or burning specifically during urination, a near-constant urge to pee, and often pelvic or lower abdominal pain. They typically do not cause vaginal itching or discharge. If you feel internal pelvic pressure and your urine is cloudy or bloody, that’s more indicative of a UTI. In contrast, with a yeast infection, any burning is more superficial (external) and related to irritated skin, and is often accompanied by itch and discharge which UTIs lack. 

• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Some STIs can be confused with yeast infections. For example, herpes can cause pain, itching, and even discharge – but herpes is usually marked by visible sores or blisters on the vulva which are quite painful. The sores can cause a burning sensation and discomfort that might initially be mistaken for a yeast infection, but herpes lesions are a clear differentiator (small bumps or open ulcers). Trichomoniasis, another STI, can cause a frothy yellow-green discharge with a foul odour and vaginal itching, but it’s typically more malodorous and requires specific antibiotic treatment. Genital warts (HPV) or other lesions typically don’t mimic yeast symptoms much. The key point: new bumps, blisters, or sores on the genital area are not caused by yeast and should be evaluated as possible STIs. Yeast infections do not cause visible bumps or lesions.

Effective Treatments

Once you’re fairly certain it’s a yeast infection, the next step is treatment. Thankfully, uncomplicated yeast infections can often be treated easily with over-the-counter remedies. The goal is to eliminate the overgrowth of Candida yeast.

• Over-the-Counter Antifungal Medications: These are readily available at pharmacies and are highly effective for most yeast infections. They typically come in the form of vaginal creams, suppositories, or tablets that you insert into the vagina, usually at bedtime.
• Oral Prescription Medication: The go-to prescription pill for yeast infection is fluconazole (Diflucan). It’s a single-dose oral antifungal. You take one pill (150 mg is standard) by mouth, and it works from the inside out. For many women, this is super convenient – no mess, and it usually clears the infection just as effectively as the creams.

Treatment Tips and Do’s and Don’ts

• DO complete the full treatment course. Even if you feel relief after a day or two of cream or after taking the fluconazole pill, make sure to finish the regimen as directed. Stopping early may allow some yeast to survive and the infection could return.

• DO use the external cream for itch relief (if provided). Many antifungal kits include a tube of 2% miconazole or similar cream to apply to the vulva and external skin. This can dramatically reduce itching and burning on the sensitive skin while the internal treatment takes effect. Use it 2-3 times a day thinly on the irritated areas for relief.

• DON’T just treat the itch without treating the cause. As mentioned, anti-itch creams or even things like hydrocortisone cream might ease symptoms but won’t cure the infection. Always pair symptom relief measures with actual antifungal treatment.

• DON’T douche. Douching is never recommended, especially during an infection. It can actually push infection further or upset the natural balance more. Yeast infections are not caused by lack of cleanliness, and douching can make things worse by washing away the good bacteria that help keep yeast in check. Similarly, avoid vaginal deodorant sprays, perfumed wipes, or harsh cleansers – these can irritate the area and alter pH, prolonging the infection or making you more susceptible.

• DON’T use tampons during treatment. It’s better to use pads if you happen to be on your period or have discharge while treating a yeast infection. Tampons can absorb some of the medication you’re inserting and also can be irritating to already inflamed tissues. Once the infection is cleared, you can resume tampon use.

• DO abstain from sexual intercourse (or use protection) until the infection clears. Not only is sex likely to be uncomfortable when you have a yeast infection, but you can also pass the yeast to your partner. Yeast infections aren’t considered classic STIs, but yeast can be transferred. Men can get an itchy rash on the penis from yeast (balanitis), and couples can end up ping-ponging the infection back and forth. It’s best to wait until you’ve completed treatment and symptoms are gone before resuming intercourse.

• DO keep the area cool and dry. Yeast thrives in warm, moist environments. Wearing breathable cotton underwear and loose-fitting bottoms (skirts, loose pants) can help air circulate. If you’re at home, you might even go without underwear for brief periods to let the area air out. At night, consider sleeping without underwear (just a loose nightgown or PJ pants) to promote ventilation.

• DON’T wear tight pants or damp clothing for long. During an active infection, avoid leggings, tights, or skinny jeans, as these can trap heat and moisture. If you exercise and get sweaty, or if you go swimming, change out of wet clothes (gym clothes or swimsuits) promptly. Sitting around in a wet bathing suit is an invitation for yeast to multiply.

Conclusion

Yeast infections are an annoying fact of life for many women, but armed with knowledge and the right treatments, you can minimize the misery. Remember that while yeast infections are common and usually easily treated, you shouldn’t hesitate to seek medical advice if you’re uncertain about what’s going on, or if infections become frequent. There’s no need to suffer in silence or be embarrassed – healthcare providers see this all the time and can help make sure you get the right relief. With proper management, that awful itch will be gone, and you can get back to feeling normal and comfortable again. In the end, managing yeast infections is about balance – balancing the vaginal flora, balancing treatment strength with gentleness, and balancing healthy habits to keep the yeast in check. You’ve got this under control!

 

Sources:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – “Vaginal Candidiasis Treatment” (2024).
• Mayo Clinic – “Yeast infection (vaginal) – Diagnosis & treatment” (2023).
• Cleveland Clinic – “Vaginal Yeast Infection (Candidiasis)” (2022).