Figure Out If It’s Really A Yeast Infection
As Dr. Brandye pointed out, there are many things that you might confuse for a yeast infection, like BV, a UTI, or STIs like herpes. Here are some telltale signs to help you differentiate, especially if you’re not sure if you should pick up some Monistat, drink cranberry juice, or call your doc.
Yeast infections vs. Bacterial Vaginosis
Yeast infections have lots of itching and irritation and don’t usually have a lot of discharge, but if there is, it’s white and looks like cottage cheese, explains Dr. Brandye. A more severe yeast infection might cause you discharge with a greenish tint to it. On the other hand, bacterial vaginosis will usually have discharge with a fishy odor.
Yeast infections vs UTIs
Dr. Brandye also adds that sometimes urine coming into contact with the vulva may cause burning, which makes women think they’re experiencing a UTI and not a yeast infection, but UTIs have different symptoms, such as pelvic pain, pain when you urinate, and super frequent urination with with only a small amount of pee coming out.
Yeast infections vs STIs
If you notice any new bumps or lesions, it might not be a yeast infection and could be an STI. These bumps might not always be painful, but things like herpes can cause pain and irritation that may mimic a yeast infection, Dr. Brandye says. However, the pain from these lesions would be more localized to where the lesions are.
Will An Infection By Candida Albicans Make It Difficult For Me To Eat
Candida albicans infections located in your mouth can make eating difficult. You may have pain while eating or swallowing and lose your sense of taste. If you notice an overgrowth of yeast in your mouth that looks white and lumpy, similar to the texture of cottage cheese, contact your healthcare provider for treatment.
How Is A Yeast Infection Diagnosed
As straightforward as it might seem, most doctors will discourage you from diagnosing and treating a yeast infection yourself.
This is because vaginal infections caused by bacteria, as well as some sexually transmitted infections and some chronic conditions more common with age, may have symptoms very similar to those caused by yeast infections, but they require different treatments. Since yeast infection treatments have become available over the counter , many women simply visit the closest drugstore and buy an antifungal cream.
But sometimes these products are bought and used by women who dont actually have a vaginal yeast infection, wasting time and money and potentially worsening the vaginal itchiness and irritation.
One study showed that only 34 percent of the study participants who purchased OTC antifungal products accurately diagnosed themselves with a yeast infection. The other women in the study actually had other types of vaginal inflammation, including bacterial vaginosis and the STI trichomonas vaginalis.
If this happens, it can become very difficult to treat a yeast infection when one actually does develop.
Because of this, the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends that, for a first episode of a possible yeast infection, women see a physician to get a proper diagnosis.
However, if symptoms dont improve or they come back again, or if symptoms are different from past yeast infections, an office visit is warranted.
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What Does A Yeast Infection On The Scalp Look Like
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Can A Yeast Infection Be Prevented
You can prevent some yeast infections by doing these things:
- Use good oral hygiene to help prevent yeast infection in your mouth . This includes brushing and flossing your teeth every day and using mouthwash as needed.
- Wear cotton underwear to help to prevent a vaginal or genital yeast infection. If you are a woman and get vaginal yeast infections often, you may want to take probiotics.
- Keep areas where skin rubs up against skin dry and try to reduce friction.
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How Long To Wait For Sex After Yeast Infection Treatment
If you have a yeast infection, its better not to have sex because it slows down the healing process and can be passed back and forth from partner to partner. Although candidiasis isnt a sexually transmitted infection, your partner could end up with thrush from unprotected sex, depending on their immune response.
Sex can also make your symptoms worse because the vaginal tissue is already inflamed and sore and its likely to be uncomfortable too. Often, women report the itching getting worse after sex.
Youre better off waiting until all of your symptoms have cleared up after a course of treatment.
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What Is Bacterial Vaginosis
BV symptoms can be similar to those of a yeast infection. You may experience itching, burning when you pee and abnormal discharge. Unlike yeast infection discharge, BV discharge can be smelly and discolored.
BV is the most common form of bacterial vaginal infection in women ages 15 to 44. If left untreated, BV can cause other health complications.
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Symptoms Of A Yeast Infection
Aside from discharge, there are other symptoms of yeast infections, such as:
- Redness and swelling of the vulva
Bleeding or a brown or green discharge with a strong odor needs to be checked out by a doctor, says Hugh Taylor, MD, chair of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at the Yale School of Medicine and Yale Medicine. This can be a sign of other health conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis or STIs like trichomoniasis or chlamydia.
Common Yeast Infection Symptoms To Look For
It is estimated that 3 out of 4 women experience at least one episode of vaginal yeast infection during their childbearing years about half will have at least one recurrence . A big a part of the diagnosis of vaginal yeast infection is based on physical symptoms you can look and feel.
To determine if you have a vaginal yeast infection, look for the following common yeast infection symptoms:
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What Causes Yeast Infections In Dogs
Yeast infections in dogs are usually secondary problems. This means that there is some other issue that is weakening the skins defense mechanisms to allow the yeast to grow in higher numbers than normal.
It is very common to see yeast infections in a dogs ears or on their skin if they have food allergies or environmental allergies. Other underlying issues that may cause yeast infections in dogs include hormonal problems or other diseases that suppress the immune system.
There are no studies to confirm that any of the following cause yeast infections on a dogs skin:
-
Carbohydrates or sugar in food
Should I Callmy Doctor Or Nurse If I Think I Have A Yeast Infection
Yes. Seeing your doctor or nurse is the only way to know for sure if you have a yeast infection and not a more serious type of infection.
The signs and symptoms of a yeast infection are a lot like symptoms of other more serious infections, such as STIs and bacterial vaginosis . Ifleft untreated, STIs and BV raise your risk of getting other STIs, including HIV, and can lead to problems getting pregnant. BV can also lead to problems during pregnancy, such as premature delivery.
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How Do You Prevent A Penile Yeast Infection
You can help prevent a penile yeast infection by avoiding sexual contact with a partner who has a yeast infection.
You should also avoid having sex with anyone while you have an active yeast infection, as you could pass the infection back to your partner. This could cause the two of you to pass an infection back and forth.
To lower the risk of getting a yeast infection or passing one along, do the following:
- Wear an external condom each time you have sex to help reduce your chances of developing a yeast infection.
- If you are uncircumcised, clean under the foreskin with soap and water, and return your foreskin to its usual position after you have sexual intercourse.
Does Yogurt Prevent Or Treat Yeast Infections
Maybe. Studies suggest that eating eight ounces of yogurt with “live cultures” daily or taking Lactobacillus acidophilus capsules can help prevent infection.4,5
But, more research still needs to be done to say for sure if yogurt with Lactobacillus or other probiotics can prevent or treat vaginal yeast infections. If you think you have a yeast infection, see your doctor or nurse to make sure before taking any over-the-counter medicine.
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Special Cases: Chlamydia In Infants And Hiv
Newborn infants are also at risk for chlamydial infections if their mother has an untreated infection at the time of delivery. Newborn infants can contract chlamydia trachomatis as they travel through the birth canal and develop eye infections or pneumonia . For this reason, chlamydia testing should be routine during pregnancy.
Having an STI, like chlamydia, can also increase your chances of contracting HIV if you are exposed it to it, or spreading HIV if you are already infected . If you think you have chlamydia, or any STI, it is important for you to seek help immediately from your healthcare provider or an STI clinic. Many clinics provide free or low-cost STI testing. This will all help keep you, your sexual partners, and your community healthy.
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When To See Your Healthcare Professional
As you pay attention to your vaginal discharge, you will learn to recognize what is normal for you, and what may be signaling a problemespecially if you experience other symptoms at the same time, like pain, itching and irritation. Only you know your body. If you have vaginal discharge that doesnt seem normal for you , talk to your healthcare professional.
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If You’re Diabetic Always Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels
People who have diabetes may also have higher risks of yeast infections, says Dr. Sophocles. If yeast infections are persistent for you, it’ll be helpful to manage your blood sugar closely, adds Dr. Sophocles. Why? Well the yeast feed on sugar, so the more sugar that’s in your bloodstream, the more that yeast can thrive.
What Is A Yeast Infection
Candidiasis is by far the most common type of yeast infection in human skin.Candidiasis is infection with Candida species. More than 20 species of Candida exist. The most common is Candida albicans. These fungi live on all surfaces of our bodies and only occasionally cause infection. Various types of Candida yeast infections are possible, including the following:
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What Should I Watch For While Using This Medication
Visit your care team for regular checkups. If you are taking this medication for a long time you may need blood work. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not improve. Some fungal infections need many weeks or months of treatment to cure.
Alcohol can increase possible damage to your liver. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
If you have a vaginal infection, do not have sex until you have finished your treatment. You can wear a sanitary napkin. Do not use tampons. Wear freshly washed cotton, not synthetic, panties.
Applying Oils Down There Might Not Be The Best Remedy Either
Other natural remedies for yeast infections you may hear about are coconut oil and tea tree oil. But take caution, the docs say. “I would suggest you avoid the tea tree oil or coconut oil in the vaginal area because research doesnt suggest they work, and they may cause more harm than good,” says Dr. Rainford. Tea tree oil can actually be irritating if you put it near your vulva. And coconut oil, while generally safe for your skin, “is not consistently effective at curing yeast,” Dr. Sophocles points out.
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Why Does My Dog Have Leathery Skin
A Matter of Lichenification When a dog presents with hairless, thickened, leathery skin with a darkened color this is often the result of lichenification. Lichenification is the medical term used to depict a thickening of skin that occurs as result of deposits of dead skin cells that adhere to the skins surface.
Whats The Difference Between A Yeast Infection And Bacterial Vaginosis
Infectious Diseases, Women’s Health
Sometimes vaginitisor vaginal inflammationcan be so mild you may not think anything out of the norm is happening. Other times, vaginitis is accompanied by pain and discomfort, which may point to a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.
The problem? Both issues share common symptoms, which can make it hard to distinguish which one you are experiencing.
Rachel Urrutia, MD, an OB-GYN at UNC Medical Center and assistant professor at the UNC School of Medicine, explains the difference between the two and when you should see a doctor.
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Tests That Help Determine Yeast Infection Presence
The two most common tests for a yeast infection are the vaginal wet mount and the KOH test.
For the vaginal wet mount, your doctor or a lab technician will mix a sample of your vaginal discharge with a salt solution, put it onto a glass slide, and look at it under a microscope.
If there are an abnormally large number of Candida microbes and white blood cells , you have a yeast infection.
The wet mount can also help rule out other infections, including bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis.
Instead of using a salt solution, the KOH test uses potassium hydroxide.
If, after diagnosis, your infection doesnt get better with treatment or comes back several more times within a year , your doctor may order a culture test of your yeast.
A culture test will help determine if a Candida species other than C. albicans is causing your chronic infection some yeast species are resistant to the drugs used to treat a C. albicans infection.
How Is A Yeast Infection Treated
Yeast infections are usually treated with antifungal medicine. See your doctor or nurse to make sure that you have a vaginal yeast infection and not another type of infection.
Your doctor or nurse can also give you a single dose of antifungal medicine taken by mouth, such as fluconazole . If you get more than four vaginal yeast infections a year, or if your yeast infection doesn’t go away after using over-the-counter treatment, you may need to take regular doses of antifungal medicine for up to six months.
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Can I Take A Bath With A Yeast Infection
Kay Wright | Answered November 12, 2020 As a rule, showers are better than baths when youre in the process of treating a yeast infection. If you do take a sitz bath with Epsom salt, apple cider vinegar, boric acid, or any other home remedy while youre treating your yeast infection, dont soak for……
What Does A Yeast Infection Look Like
Yeast infection looks like cottage cheese discharge which has a thick chunky curd like appearance. Yeast infection is usually odorless, although some people describe the yeast infection smell as similar to bread yeast. The discharge color is usually milky white or light yellow.
To learn what a yeast infection looks like in men: yeast infection in men.
In this guide
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What Can I Expect If I Have A Yeast Infection Under My Breasts
You can typically treat yeast infections under your breasts at home. You’ll need an over-the-counter antifungal medication. But if the rash doesnt go away within a couple of weeks, call your healthcare provider. You may need a stronger treatment option.
Be sure to keep the area under your breasts clean and dry to prevent future yeast infections.
How Long Does A Yeast Infection Under My Breasts Last
It may take a couple of weeks to get rid of a yeast infection under your breasts. After you start antifungal treatment, the rash should start to clear up within a week or two. But yeast infections can be difficult to treat. If your symptoms persist, call your healthcare provider.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Yeast infections under your breasts are common. You can typically treat them with antifungal medications. But yeast infections under your breasts can take time and patience to get rid of. If you have symptoms of a yeast infection under your breasts, see your healthcare provider. They can give you proper treatment options so youll be feeling better as soon as possible.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 05/09/2022.
References
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Candidiasis. Accessed 5/9/2022.
- Kalra MG, Higgins KE, Kinney BS. Intertrigo and secondary skin infections. Am Fam Physician. 2014 89:569-573. Accessed 5/9/2022.
- Merck Manual. Candidiasis . Accessed 5/9/2022.
- MedlinePlus. Candida infection of the skin. Accessed 5/9/2022.
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services.Policy
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services.Policy
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