Vaginal yeast infections are quite common in women. They are health issues that manifest with irritation, discharge, and intense itching in the tissues called the vulva. 75% of women in society experience a vaginal yeast infection at least once in their lives.

Vaginal yeast infections are not sexually transmitted. However, regular sexual activity is a risk factor for vaginal yeast infections.

What Causes Vaginal Yeast Infections?

Vaginal yeast infections occur due to an imbalance in the number of microorganisms, particularly Candida, which naturally exists in the vaginal area.

If there is an imbalance in the female body that reduces the number or effectiveness of these beneficial bacteria, Candida can multiply and cause an infection. Excessive or unconscious use of antibiotics reduces the amount of a beneficial bacterium called Lactobacillus that naturally resides in the vagina. In such cases, the risk of yeast infection increases.

Other factors that cause vaginal yeast infections include:

• Pregnancy
• Diabetes
• Weakened immune system
• Excessive consumption of sugary and unhealthy foods
• Hormonal health problems
• Use of birth control pills or hormone therapies that raise estrogen levels
• Stress
• Smoking and alcohol
• Irregular sleep and poor habits

What Are the Symptoms of Vaginal Yeast Infections?

Vaginal yeast infections show different symptoms in different patients. Common symptoms include:

• Severe itching in the vaginal area
• Itching in the tissues around the vulva
• Swelling, pain, redness, or rash around the vagina
• Whitish-gray, lumpy, cheese-like vaginal discharge. Some women describe this as resembling cottage cheese. Sometimes, a watery discharge may also be seen.
• Burning during urination or intercourse
• Pain during intercourse
• Sometimes, symptoms may subside on their own over time. This duration is directly related to the severity of the symptoms and findings.

How Is Vaginal Yeast Diagnosed?

Diagnosing vaginal yeast infections is relatively easy. The doctor first reviews the patient’s medical history, which is important for accurate diagnosis. Then, the history of yeast infections is discussed.

A gynecological examination is then conducted, including analysis of the cervix, vaginal wall, and external genital areas. Based on the observations during the examination, a diagnosis is made. In the next step, some cells are taken from the vagina and sent to a laboratory for a definitive diagnosis. Sample collection is especially important in recurrent cases.

How Is Vaginal Yeast Treated?

The treatment of each yeast infection should be customized for the patient. Therefore, the doctor plans the most appropriate treatment based on the severity of symptoms. For milder infections, creams, ointments, tablets, or suppositories are usually prescribed. If treatment instructions are not followed in simple yeast infections, recurrence is possible. For serious or complicated infections, the treatment options include:

• Daily cream, ointment, tablet, or vaginal suppository treatment for a specific period depending on the infection
• Oral medication in two or three doses

In case of recurring infections, the risk of yeast in the sexual partner should also be analyzed, and if necessary, both partners should be treated. Treatments supporting the immune system such as ozone phytotherapy should also be included. If the patient is pregnant, HIV-positive, diabetic, or has a weakened immune system, a different treatment approach is required.