Yeast infections: top facts
An itch, a burn. That’s how it starts. And then it gets worse. Most women are familiar with this feeling: getting a yeast infection.
Yeast infections are very common and are sometimes confused with STDs. Get all your facts and what to do to make it better here.
What is it?
Every woman has a so-called vaginal flora. That’s the normal balance of bacteria and yeast of the vagina. That keeps the vagina healthy and clean.
When the flora changes though, it can lead to a yeast infection. That means that yeast overpowers the rest of the good bacteria and cause a yeast infection.
Your vagina and vulva will feel itchy. There may be redness, swelling, and a burning sensation, especially when peeing or when you have sex. Your discharge may also be different than usual, either white and thick or clear and watery.
Yeast infections are also called candidiasis or thrush. About 3 out of 4 women will get a yeast infection at least once in their lives.Are they dangerous?
Thankfully, most yeast infections are harmless. Even if you don’t treat them, they will usually go away on their own.
Sometimes, yeast infections can be a sign of a bigger problem though. So if you have them frequently, or with very severe symptoms, you should see a healthcare professional to make sure there’s nothing more serious going on.Why do we get yeast infections?
Many things can cause the fungus Candida albicans to grow out of hand. A very common one is being on antibiotics – the medication will attack most bacteria, including the good bacteria that usually keep the fungus in check.
Other causes are stress, too much alcohol, or some hormonal birth control methods.
Is it an STD?
The type of yeast that can cause yeast infections is always present around the vulva and vagina and even in other parts of your body.
That’s why yeast infections aren’t considered STDs because they are usually not passed on from one person to the next. While it is possible, it doesn’t happen often.When do you need to get medical care?
Even though most yeast infections don’t necessarily need treatment, they can be annoying and uncomfortable. It’s best to see a healthcare professional. Once they have confirmed that you have a yeast infection, they can give you creams to help with the itching and burning. They might also give you oral tablets to treat the yeast overgrowth.
You should always see a healthcare professional if your infection seems very heavy, lasts for more than a few days, or if you are pregnant or have diabetes.Can men get yeast infections?
Yes, it is possible for men to get yeast infections, but that’s not very common. The symptoms are similar: a thick, white substance on the penis, white patches, an itch, and a rash.
One of the biggest risks is having unprotected sex with a partner who has a yeast infection, but bad hygiene, especially in men who aren’t circumcised, is another common cause. Other risks include being on antibiotics for a long time, having diabetes, or having difficulties with tour immune system, for example, if you are HIV-positive.
Do you have questions about yeast infections or sexual health in general? Head to our discussion board, where our moderators can help you out.
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Recent Comments (45)
Can using soap like detol to…
Can using soap like detol to clean the v keep this infection away?
Hi Jael, using soaps…
Hi Jael, using soaps particularly strongly perfumed soaps will actually increase the chances of getting yeast infections. Warm water is sufficient for cleaning the vagina, if you must use soap use mild soaps like baby soap. Check out the following article;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/female-body/8-tips-to-keep-your-vagina-happy-and-healthy
Is it right to insert a…
Is it right to insert a finger inside my vagina while bathing.
Hi Carol, there is nothing…
Hi Carol, there is nothing wrong with you exploring your own body. Have a look at the following article;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/female-body/vulva-and-vagina
Home remedies for yeast…
Home remedies for yeast infection
Hey Bella, Check out the…
Hey Bella, Check out the following article for more information on how to keep the vagina healthy and happy including how to manage yeast infection;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/female-body/8-tips-to-keep-your-vagina-happy-and-healthy
Ould it be that I was…
Ould it be that I was 9mfected with an STI? I feel Pain in the vagina when having sex and when urinating after sex.
Hey there, pain during sex…
Hey there, pain during sex can be caused by a number of reasons one of which is the presence of an infection in the vagina. Other reasons include, having dry sex – where penetration happens before the vagina is moist or has sex lubricated and the position during sex. Getting to know what is causing the pain is the first step toward finding a solution. Have a look at the following article for additional information;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/making-love/sex-problems-how-to-overcome-them/painful-sex-time-to-listen-up
How do I take care of the…
How do I take care of the bad smell?
Hey Sheilla, Vaginal odour,…
Hey Sheilla, Vaginal odour, or smell, is normal. Every vagina has its own, individual scent, and you shouldn’t try to change or disguise it. However, changes in odour can be a sign for something not being right. Have a look at the following article for additional information;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/female-body/vaginal-discharge-and-odour-top-facts
The vagina odour is very…
The vagina odour is very annoying especially after menses what should I do please?
Hello Peace, proper hygiene…
Hello Peace, proper hygiene habits can help combat the usual odors associated with menstruation. This can be as simple as making sure you change tampons, liners, or pads every few hours. Daily showers are also important, and you can help prevent period odors by cleaning the outside of your vagina only. After menses, try to cut out tight clothes and wear cotton panties instead of silk/polyester based fabrics. Consider probiotics. Probiotics, which are good for your bacteria, can help maintain the pH balance of your vagina. Furthermore, maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated can also help and lastly, wash your genital area before and after intercourse. If the odor is accompanied by unusual symptoms, you should skip the home treatment and consult your doctor.For example, if your vaginal odor is stronger than normal and seems to be getting stronger, you may need an appointment. Likewise, a “fishy” smell is a reason to make an appointment. A foul smell is a symptom of a vaginal infection. These odors could be signs of a problem that’s not improving. You may need your doctor to prescribe medication or prescription treatment. You don’t want to delay treatment. An untreated infection can affect your ability to get pregnant later in life.
What could be the cause of…
What could be the cause of reddish rashes in the inner labia
Hi concerned, rashes on your…
Hi concerned, rashes on your inner labia could be caused by any number of things kindly see a medical practitioner at your earliest convenience for a proper diagnosis and advice on the way forward.
When my fiance use a condom…
When my fiance use a condom I feel itching inside vagina when I itch I get small rashes why?
Hello Edinah, you may be…
Hello Edinah, you may be experiencing a case of an allergy to latex which is the material used to make male condoms. You could try using female condoms which are made by a different material that has not be reported to cause allergies. Have a look at the following article;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/safe-sex/female-condoms-top-facts
Nice info, thanks for…
Nice info, thanks for sharing. Reading about the info on yeast gives me concern that my girlfriend has yeast. She has feeling itchy for two days now. Her vagina is swollen and we have had sex and it was a war with the pains. Thick sticky white discharge on her vagina. Pls could it be yeast or just pains of being without sex for 3weeks?
Hi Iva, not having sex for…
Hi Iva, not having sex for three weeks doesn’t cause one to experience pain when they choose to. Secondly, while vaginal discharge is normal, where there is a drastic change from what is normal for an individual and when the change is accompanied by a bad smell and pain, either while having sex or during urination, it could be a sign of an infection. Your girlfriend seems to have atleast two of these signs. It is important that she seeks medical, advice to get what infection it is and get the right treatment.
I discovered I have…
I discovered I have gonorreah, but a nurse prescribed a medicine for me both oral and injection, both I still have whitish sporesvin my vagina
I don’t understand
Hi Hellen, did you get a…
Hi Hellen, did you get a test to confirm that you indeed have Gonorrhoea? Have you completed you treatment? I suggest you go to a health facility for a check up and treatments if it will be necessary. This article provides more information on Gonorrhoea;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/safe-sex/stds-stis/gonorrhoea
pain after sex and those…
pain after sex and those other signs of uti and when i dnt do sex i dnt see those signs, plz.
Hi Shantel, sex is a common…
Hi Shantel, sex is a common cause of UTIs in women because sexual intercourse introduces bacteria into a woman’s urinary tract. Here are some steps you can take to minimize bacteria buildup and reduce your risk of getting UTIs from sex; urinate before sex, and promptly after, clean your genital and anal areas before and after sex, stay hydrated and drink plenty of water; this will help rid your urinary tract of bacteria. When you notice signs of UTI do consult your doctor as soon as possible.
I’ve had this infection for…
I’ve had this infection for the last 2 years. I’ve tried lots of medication from the doctors but they don’t work cause I keep having it over and over again. What should I do cause the last time I had a check up the doctor told me its already in my blood..
Hi there, usually over the…
Hi there, usually over the counter treatment will help clear the infection. You may want to consider what could be causing the infection to recur as part of the process to get a solution. Do discuss with your doctor to see what could be causing the infection and address that as you treat the existing infection. All the best.
Please how can I get rid of…
Please how can I get rid of yeast infection and what drugs is recommended I tested positive of it of late or preferable home remedies
Hello Kaicy, a good place to…
Hello Kaicy, a good place to start is to consider what is causing the infections. If you get treatment without addressing the cause, the infection will recur. Have a look at the following article for more information, you will also see some options for treatment. It maybe useful to discuss the treatment with your healthcare provider. https://lovemattersafrica.com/safe-sex/stds-stis/candida-yeast-infection
How can husband and wife…
How can husband and wife treat an infection that is over 3 years and sometimes they used to discharge,and moreover the man used to urinate like ten times in day
Hey Kathn, have they sought…
Hey Kathn, have they sought a second opinion from a different doctor? It maybe useful to seek a second opinion if there has not been a change from the doctor you have been seeing. Also, follow through the treatment to completion plus any other instructions provided by the doctor to ensure the treatment does work. All the best.
How to treat infections
How to treat infections
Hello Ismaheel, thank you…
Hello Ismaheel, thank you for reaching out to us. If you feel you have an infection or witness any symptoms, it is advised to see a healthcare professional who will advise on a courseof treatment.
There are these whitish…
There are these whitish substances that I’ve been noticing around my vagina and few weeks back,I tried inserting a finger and I brought out a substantial amount of it?.Saw a doctor and was given some tablets.felt better but as at last night when having my bath,I decided to put my finger in and I found em like before ?. I thought it was as a result of the contraseptive I was taking(of which I stopped). Now I’m really worried. What do I do?
Hi Dora, first, vaginal…
Hi Dora, first, vaginal discharge is normal and one should only be concerned when there is a change in color, texture, quantity, odour and especially when it is accompanied with itching or pain. I suggest you go back to your doctor for a review and further advice. In the meantime have a look at the following article;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/female-body/vaginal-discharge-and-odour-top-facts
I hv yeast infection,…
I hv yeast infection, somtyms watery/thick, but it dose nt smell, but smtyms itching.hv been taking drugs prescribe frm my doctor, but seem nt 2 stop
Hello Thelma, thank you for…
Hello Thelma, thank you for reaching out to us. If it keeps recurring then this is a clear indicator that this is a medical issue and we strongly advise you see a medical professional for a comprehensive diagnosis.
Here is a list of health institutions that should be of help
https://lovemattersafrica.com/get-help/clinics
What if it keeps reoccurring
What if it keeps reoccurring
Hello Gladys, thank you for…
Hello Gladys, thank you for reaching out to us. If it keeps recurring then this is a clear indicator that this is a medical issue and we strongly advise you see a medical professional for a comprehensive diagnosis.
Here is a list of health institutions that should be of help
https://lovemattersafrica.com/get-help/clinics
I’ve had itching, redness…
I’ve had itching, redness and yellow-ish with little clumps discharge.ive taken antibiotics and have used an antifungus cream but the smell is gone. It been roughly 3 weeks now. The itchiness still there and the discharge. What should I do, I’m scared
Hi Aisha, thank you for…
Hi Aisha, thank you for reaching out to us. Since this is a medical issue we strongly advise you see a medical professional for a comprehensive diagnosis.
Here is a list of health institutions that should be of help
https://lovemattersafrica.com/get-help/clinics
Pls I always have itches…
Pls I always have itches close to my vagina n when I scratch it do bleed at times
Hello Clara, thank you for…
Hello Clara, thank you for reaching out to us. What you are experiencing could be a form of infection and since this is a medical issue we strongly advise you see a medical professional for a comprehensive diagnosis.
Here is a list of health institutions that should be of help
https://lovemattersafrica.com/get-help/clinics
Please having a hot seat…
Please having a hot seat bath helps to cure the infection
Hi Joy, thank you for…
Hi Joy, thank you for reaching out to us and asking a great question. Unfortunately when it comes to ifection a sitz bath cannot help cure you. The best thing to do is visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment for the infection you may be experiencing. A sitz bath is a warm, shallow bath that cleanses the perineum, which is the space between the rectum and the vulva or scrotum. A sitz bath can also provide relief from pain or itching in the genital area. In addition to its use in cleansing, the sitz bath’s warm water increases blood flow to the perineal area. This can promote faster healing. A sitz bath also relieves itching, irritation or minor pain. Common reasons why you might want to consider using a sitz bath include also recently having surgery on the vulva or vagina, recently having given birth, recently having haemorrhoids surgically removed, having discomfort from haemorrhoids, having discomfort with bowel movements but as mentioned before, for the best cure to infection, please visit your doctor as soon as possible. Stay safe and have a wonderful weekend!
I’m having a whitish…
I’m having a whitish discharge during sex and it’s not ejaculation,and itches around my v,and pains during intercourse please what should I do?
Hello Faith, thank you for…
Hello Faith, thank you for reaching out to us. Whitish discharge during sex is in fact normal. However, if it is accompanied by pain and or an odour then you should see a medical practitioner for a proper diagnosis and advice on the way forward.
I have irregular…
I have irregular menstruation, what is the remedy please