What is a vaginal yeast infection? (Vaginal Yeast Infection)

Severe itching, burning, and a white, milky discharge from the vagina is a common health problem that many women are embarrassed to discuss with their doctors. In medical terms, this fungal infection is called Vaginal Yeast Infection / Vulvovaginal Candidiasis .

Let's learn scientifically about the causes of yeast infections, red warning signs, and proper treatment methods through a discussion with Dr. Priya, 28-year-old Rashmi, who was suffering from severe itching in her genital area, burning during urination, and a white, odorless, milky discharge.

Doctor-patient dialogue: "Is this a contagious social disease, doctor?"

Rashmi (fearful and embarrassed): "Dr. Priya, I have severe itching and burning around my vagina. It hurts when I urinate and have sex. I also have a thick, white, odorless discharge that looks like milk clots. Is this a social disease, doctor? How can I get relief from this?"

Dr. Priya (comforting Rashmi): "Rashmi, first of all, don't be scared. This is not a sexually transmitted disease (STD). This is a very common fungal infection of the vagina."

A type of yeast called Candida naturally lives in our vagina. Normally, the beneficial bacteria (Lactobacilli) present there control the growth of this yeast. However, due to a decrease in the body's immunity, the destruction of beneficial bacteria due to antibiotics taken for other diseases, hormonal changes (pregnancy or birth control pills), or uncontrolled diabetes, this type of yeast can grow abnormally and cause infection. This is a major type of vaginitis .

🚨 Red Flags that require immediate medical attention

Although a yeast infection is usually easily cured, immediate medical attention should be sought if the following complications occur:

1. Severe skin lesions and cracks: The skin around the vagina becomes severely red, swollen, and sores or painful cracks (fissures) appear on the skin surface.
2. Frequent recurrence of infection: Yeast infections occurring more than 4 times a year (Recurrent Vaginal Candidiasis).
3. Bad-smelling or different discharge: Discharge that is green, gray, or yellow and has a foul or foul odor (this is a sign of a bacterial infection or sexually transmitted disease).
4. Abdominal pain and fever: Severe abdominal pain and fever occur with infection.
5. Special health conditions: pregnant mothers, diabetics, or people with severely weakened immune systems (e.g., those infected with HIV or receiving chemotherapy).

🛠️ Action Steps to Get Relief from Yeast Infection

• Step 1: Never douche or wash the inside of the vagina . This changes the pH of the vagina and completely destroys the beneficial bacteria.
• Step Two: See an obstetrician-gynecologist or family doctor as soon as symptoms appear.
• Step Three: Use antifungal medications prescribed by your doctor. This usually includes fluconazole, which is a pill that you take, or miconazole and terconazole, which are vaginal creams that you put in your vagina or apply.
• Step Four: Abstain from sexual intercourse completely during treatment (antifungal creams can dissolve the rubber in condoms, which can make birth control methods ineffective).
• Step Five: Wear loose-fitting cotton underwear.

📊 Do's & Don'ts

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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#### Can a vaginal yeast infection be transmitted to your partner?

Yes, it is possible to pass it on to your partner through sexual intercourse. If your partner has a yeast infection, the chances of him getting infected are very low if he is a male. However, if your partner also has genital itching or redness, he should also seek treatment. If your partner is female, she is more likely to get infected.

#### Why do yeast infections occur when taking antibiotics?

Antibiotics kill both harmful bacteria in the body and beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, which control the growth of yeast in the vagina. When beneficial bacteria are destroyed, Candida can grow unhindered.

#### Can a yeast infection go away on its own without treatment?

No. A vaginal yeast infection will not go away on its own without antifungal medication. Delaying treatment can worsen the infection and cause cracks in the vaginal skin, severe sores, and severe pain.

#### Is it safe to take Fluconazole tablets for yeast infection during pregnancy?

No. Oral antifungal medications such as Fluconazole can harm the fetus during pregnancy, especially in the first 3 months. Therefore, doctors recommend only safe vaginal creams or pessaries such as Clotrimazole for pregnant women.

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📖 Sources and Scientific References

• NHS (UK) Guidance on Thrush in Men and Women: NHS Thrush Overview (Accessed 2026)
• PubMed Central (PMC) Clinical Review: Treatment of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (PMC10298539)