Vaginal yeast infection is an infectious disease of the vagina that affects many women at some point in their lives. This infection in the vaginal area is caused by an overgrowth of yeasts that occur naturally in the body. The most common pathogen is Candida albicans. If the yeast overgrows in the vagina, it can lead to an inflammatory reaction with unpleasant symptoms such as itching, burning, and discharge. A vaginal yeast infection— medically known as vaginal mycosis or vaginal thrush —is generally not a cause for concern and is easily treatable, but it can be very bothersome for the affected woman and impair her well-being. There are various factors that can contribute to a vaginal yeast infection, such as hormonal fluctuations or poor intimate hygiene.
In order to react and act quickly in the event of a vaginal yeast infection, it's important to know the symptoms, causes, and treatment options. You'll find all the information you need in this article!
Recognizing vaginal yeast infection: Symptoms
The symptoms of vaginal mycosis can vary from woman to woman. Typical signs, however, include severe itching, redness, and swelling in the genital area. Some sufferers also experience an unusual discharge that is described as crumbly, white to yellowish, and similar to curd. This is usually odorless, but this also varies. Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse, inserting tampons, or urinating can also occur. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned, a visit to your gynecologist is advisable for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Good to know: Some women don't have symptoms, meaning they are unknowingly carriers of the fungus. In this case, only a smear test can provide clarity.
The results of a vaginal pH self-test help you detect bacterial infections (elevated pH) and vaginal yeast infections (no elevated pH) early on, in combination with your own symptoms. It's incredibly easy to use and can be done quickly, hygienically, and painlessly at home. Try it out!
Is vaginal yeast infection possible without discharge?
Of course, it's also possible to have a vaginal yeast infection without discharge. Not all typical symptoms, such as itching, burning, or discharge, always occur. In some cases, the symptoms are barely noticeable, such as mild swelling, redness, or irritation in the vaginal area. Sometimes the infection causes no symptoms at all.
Vaginal yeast infection: causes and risk factors
There are many triggers for vaginal yeast infections. Whether it's hormonal fluctuations, immune deficiency, medication, or improper intimate hygiene – when the vaginal environment, which is normally acidic and hostile to pathogens, becomes unbalanced, harmful pathogens like the yeast Candida albicans have an easy time multiplying and establishing a presence.
Diabetes mellitus
Conditions such as diabetes mellitus can increase the risk of vaginal mycosis. In this case, the immune system, which normally protects us against viruses, fungi, and bacteria, is weakened. When it can no longer perform this function properly, fungal infections are not uncommon.
menstruation
Vaginal yeast infections often occur during menstruation. The reason: During menstruation, the uterus sheds its mucous membrane cells. This releases glycogen, which is metabolized by the lactobacilli and converted into glucose. This provides the yeast with the nutrients it needs for growth.
Taking antibiotics
Taking antibiotics can disrupt the vaginal environment. Normally, the body is able to keep such infections under control, but when the immune system in the genital area is weakened, the fungi can multiply more quickly.
Cortisone preparations and medications for rheumatism can have the same effect – they have an immunosuppressive effect, meaning the body's immune system is suppressed and can no longer function properly.
Tight, airtight clothing
Synthetic or tight-fitting clothing leads to a build-up of heat in the lower body area – ideal conditions for the spread of yeast fungi and the resulting inflammation!
Nutrition
Nutrition also plays a major role in vaginal yeast infections. Therefore, it's crucial to eat a balanced diet low in sugar and rich in vitamins and nutrients! This strengthens the immune system and can reduce the risk of vaginal thrush.
Excessive or incorrect intimate care
We often overdo it with intimate hygiene, even though we don't need harsh shower gels or perfumed soaps to clean this area. Believing we're doing our body good, we actually achieve the exact opposite: the vaginal environment is disrupted, and the natural protective barrier becomes permeable. Learn what's important for proper intimate hygiene in our blog post.
pregnancy
A vaginal yeast infection during pregnancy is not uncommon. During pregnancy, estrogen levels in the body rise sharply. This changes the vaginal flora, which in turn promotes the development of a vaginal yeast infection.
Other risk factors may include: neurodermatitis, allergies, thyroid dysfunction, cancer, taking the contraceptive pill, unprotected sex, and stress.
Good to know: Some women don't have symptoms, meaning they are unknowingly carriers of the fungus. In this case, only a smear test can provide clarity.
Treating vaginal yeast infections correctly
If you experience symptoms such as itching in the genital area, burning pain when urinating, unusual discharge, redness, or swelling, you should make an appointment with your gynecologist. In most cases, a diagnosis can be made quickly through a consultation and physical examination. If in doubt, a swab will also be taken to test the vaginal environment for yeast. This also allows us to identify the exact pathogen. However, this is not crucial for further treatment.
Once a diagnosis of vaginal yeast infection is confirmed, treatment begins. To prevent the yeast infection from spreading further, an antifungal medication is prescribed. Common active ingredients include clotrimazole, miconazole, fenticonazole, ciclopirox, nystatin, and amphotericin B. Vaginal suppositories, vaginal tablets, and creams applied using an applicator are available. The duration of treatment depends on the active ingredient and the severity of the vaginal yeast infection. Treatment typically lasts one to six days. After this time, the yeast infection should be gone.
A lactic acid treatment has proven effective in supporting a healthy vaginal flora after a yeast infection. It can help stabilize and maintain a healthy vaginal flora and prevent vaginal infections.
Treating vaginal yeast infections with home remedies – a good idea?
You often read tips online that vaginal yeast infections can be treated with various home remedies. Whether it's tampons soaked in cottage cheese or tea tree oil, garlic cloves, or probiotic yogurt – the effectiveness of these products is unproven. Moreover, such experiments are definitely not helpful. Therefore, it's best to stay away from them! In the worst case, they can further irritate the vaginal flora and worsen symptoms. Antifungals – medications used to treat yeast infections – can help combat yeast infections.
Chronic vaginal yeast infection – when the infection keeps coming back
If you are plagued by the symptoms of vaginal thrush at least four times a year, or if the infection doesn't go away, you probably have chronic vaginal yeast infection. In cases of recurring or persistent infection, initial topical treatment is followed by maintenance treatment over a longer period – usually six to 12 months. During this time, affected individuals take an oral antifungal medication, usually in tablet form, once a week.
Prevent vaginal yeast infections: What you can do
There are several measures you can take to minimize your risk of vaginal mycosis. Here are some preventative tips:
- Wash your underwear at a minimum of 60 degrees Celsius. This ensures that bacteria and fungi are completely killed. It goes without saying that you should change your underwear daily.
- Wear breathable cotton underwear. Avoid synthetic fabrics, as they promote a warm and moist environment that attracts bacteria and fungi. The same applies to tight-fitting clothing. Plastic-coated pads and panty liners are also taboo.
- Maintain thorough, but not excessive, intimate hygiene. Heavily perfumed shower gels, soaps, and intimate sprays have no place in this area. They can disrupt the natural vaginal environment and encourage the growth of fungi. Instead, keep it simple when cleaning the external intimate area: Water and a mild lactic acid intimate wash foam are perfectly sufficient.
- Don't spontaneously switch between vaginal and anal intercourse. Hygiene also plays an important role during sex. There's a risk that bacteria from the anal region will enter the intimate area.
- Always wipe from front to back. This golden rule should always be kept in mind after using the toilet. This will prevent germs from migrating into the vagina.
- Avoid sugary foods as much as possible. Yeast loves sugar! It's the ideal breeding ground for the pathogens. Therefore, make sure you eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients.
- Dry your intimate area thoroughly after showering or bathing. This prevents a warm, moist environment in which bacteria and fungi can thrive.
Always seek medical advice
Important note: This article contains only general information and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a doctor.
Our recommendation: If symptoms persist or worsen, you should definitely seek medical advice. This applies especially to pregnant and breastfeeding women. We advise against self-treatment! Only a visit to your gynecologist can fully determine whether you are actually experiencing vaginal yeast infection. This will also allow you to quickly receive effective treatment tailored to your needs.
Consult a doctor if…
- you experience symptoms such as itching, swelling, unusual discharge and/or burning pain when urinating or having sex.
- you have never had a vaginal yeast infection before.
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- the symptoms have not disappeared on their own after three days at the latest.
- you notice a vaginal yeast infection again within a few weeks or months.
The discharge from vaginal yeast infections is usually odorless. If the discharge smells unpleasant or even fishy, it may be bacterial vaginosis—a disease caused, as the name suggests, by bacteria.
A vaginal yeast infection usually manifests itself through severe itching in the genital area, burning pain when urinating, inserting a tampon or during sexual intercourse, redness and swelling, as well as a white-yellowish, crumbly, odorless discharge.
A vaginal yeast infection is not contagious, but the pathogen that most commonly causes it can be transmitted through sex or physical contact. It is the yeast Candida albicans, which is actually part of the natural vaginal flora. Only when this flora becomes unbalanced does it proliferate excessively, leading to inflammation.
To avoid any misunderstandings: A vaginal yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted disease!
A yeast infection in the vagina is most effectively treated with a prescription antifungal medication, also known as an antimycotic. In addition to vaginal suppositories and vaginal tablets, creams have also proven effective in treating yeast infections.
More articles
The female intimate area – structure and function
Complaints in the intimate area are widespread. Redness, irritation, itching, and burning when urinating are common. The foundation of a woman's intimate health is formed by lactic acid bacteria, which...
Read more
Proper care of the intimate area – tips for a healthy vaginal environment
Disorders in the external genital area can affect the vaginal environment, and vice versa. Therefore, it is important to properly care for the external genital area and protect it from...
Read more
Vaginal pH: why is vaginal pH so important, how to measure it and what to do if you experience symptoms
Vaginal pH plays an important role in women's health and well-being. An imbalance in vaginal pH can lead to various conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis. Therefore, it's important to know...
Read more
