Itching, burning and a thick white discharge are typical of a yeast infection – but other infections can feel similar. How to tell them apart, treatment options and when to see a doctor.
What is a yeast infection?
A vaginal yeast infection happens when Candida – a yeast that normally lives in the body in small amounts – overgrows. It's very common: most women have at least one in their lifetime. It isn't considered a sexually transmitted infection.
Symptoms
- Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva
- Burning, especially when urinating or during sex
- Redness and swelling of the vulva
- A thick, white discharge that looks like cottage cheese and usually doesn't smell – or a watery discharge
- Soreness, or small cuts or cracks in the skin
Yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis or an STI?
Several conditions cause similar symptoms but need different treatment:
| Yeast infection | Bacterial vaginosis (BV) | Trichomoniasis (an STI) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discharge | Thick, white and clumpy | Thin and gray-white | Frothy, yellow-green |
| Smell | Usually none | Fishy, often stronger after sex | Can have a strong smell |
| Itching | Common, often intense | Mild or none | Common |
| Treatment | Antifungal | Prescription antibiotic | Prescription antibiotic, for partners too |
Many women who think they have a yeast infection turn out to have something else, so it's worth seeing a doctor or nurse if you're not sure – especially the first time.
What makes a yeast infection more likely
- Taking antibiotics
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes that isn't well controlled
- A weakened immune system
- Hormonal birth control or hormone therapy
- Douching
Treatment
- Over-the-counter vaginal creams or suppositories, such as miconazole or clotrimazole, come as 1-, 3- or 7-day treatments.
- Fluconazole 150 mg is a single tablet taken by mouth, available with a prescription. Symptoms usually improve within a few days. Longer courses are used for severe or repeat infections.
- If you're pregnant, see your doctor: a 7-day vaginal cream is the usual treatment, rather than fluconazole tablets.
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your other medicines – fluconazole interacts with some, including certain blood thinners.
- Avoid sex until the infection has cleared. Some creams can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms.
PharmacyFarm dispenses fluconazole 150 mg after our pharmacist has verified your prescription.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor or nurse if:
- It's the first time you've had these symptoms
- You're pregnant
- Symptoms don't go away after treatment, or come back within 2 months
- You have 4 or more yeast infections a year
- You have a fever, pain in your lower belly, or a discharge that smells bad
- You might have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection
- You have diabetes or a weakened immune system