[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/10\/yeast-infection-care\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/10\/yeast-infection-care\/","headline":"When to Seek Care After a Yeast Infection","name":"When to Seek Care After a Yeast Infection","description":"<p>Yeast infections are common but easily treatable. But symptoms can be similar to other vaginal infections. Learn about treatments and when to call the doctor. <\/p>","datePublished":"2025-10-09","dateModified":"2026-01-16","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/women-regions","name":"UPMC Magee-Womens","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/women-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc-magee-womens-hospital\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GettyImages-1157591976-e1759950159648.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GettyImages-1157591976-e1759950159648.jpg","height":866,"width":2000},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/10\/yeast-infection-care\/","about":["Health Topics A-Z","Women's Health"],"wordCount":1134,"articleBody":"Itching and burning in your genital area may signal a vaginal yeast infection. But these symptoms are also possible signs of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or other problem.Read on to learn about yeast infections, how they differ from other vaginal infections, and when to call the doctor.What Is a Vaginal Yeast Infection?A vaginal yeast infection happens when there\u2019s an overgrowth of Candida, a yeast that exists alongside bacteria in the vagina. When the balance alters, the yeast can grow excessively and cause an infection.The medical name for a vaginal yeast infection is vaginal candidiasis.Yeast infections are uncomfortable and common. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 75% of all women will have a yeast infection in their lifetime. Yeast infections mainly affect women in their childbearing years.Yeast infection symptoms can range from mild to severe. They include:Burning when you pee.Itching and burning of the vulva (outer part of your genitals).Painful sex.Red, swollen vulva.Swelling or cracks in the vagina.Vaginal discharge that looks white and lumpy, like cottage cheese.Can a Yeast Infection Mean Something More Serious?Yeast infections can share symptoms with more serious types of vaginal conditions.\u00a0It&#8217;s easy to confuse signs of STIs or bacterial vaginosis versus a yeast infection.Bacterial vaginosis (BV) \u2014 BV happens when there\u2019s too much bacteria in the vagina. Symptoms include burning, itching, and a fishy odor from the vagina. You may have increased white, gray, or yellow discharge.STIs \u2014 Itching, burning, and an unusual or foul-smelling discharge are possible signs of an STI. But many STIs have few symptoms. If you\u2019re sexually active, you should get tested regularly for STIs.How to tell if it\u2019s not a yeast infectionYou should consult your doctor for testing and treatment. A misdiagnosed vaginal infection could lead to more serious problems. That\u2019s because treatments for yeast infections don\u2019t work on BV or STIs.Can a yeast infection lead to complications?Yeast infections are usually not serious, and you can easily treat them. However, there is a chance of more significant issues to occur from those with a weakened immune system or poorly controlled diabetes.What Causes Yeast Infections?Doctors don\u2019t always know what causes yeast infections. But the following risk factors make an overgrowth of yeast more likely.A weak immune system \u2014 A weakened immune system and infections go hand in hand.Clothes that trap heat and moisture \u2014 Tight-fitting clothes that don\u2019t let your skin breathe create the ideal environment for yeast to grow.Diabetes \u2014 Poorly controlled blood sugar creates a breeding ground for yeast.Hormonal birth control \u2014 Higher doses of estrogen can lead to yeast infections.Irritating products \u2014 Soaps, deodorants, douches, and powders can encourage yeast growth.Pregnancy \u2014 Hormones produced during pregnancy can increase the risk of infections.Sexual activity \u2014 Yeast infections aren&#8217;t STIs. But sex introduces new bacteria into the vagina, and that can throw off the yeast-bacteria balance.Taking antibiotics for another condition \u2014 Antibiotics may kill the bacteria that keep yeast levels balanced.What causes recurring yeast infections?Recurring yeast infections can mean a more serious problem. They may signal uncontrolled diabetes or an immune system problem like HIV. Let your doctor know if you have four or more yeast infections per year.Home Remedies for Mild Yeast InfectionsYou can treat mild yeast infections at home, especially if you\u2019ve had one before and recognize the symptoms. Try:Applying certain oils with anti-fungal properties \u2014 Many women find relief by using coconut oil on the infected area. Diluted tea tree oil may have a similar effect.Consuming probiotics \u2014 Yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchee all contain good bacteria that can help keep yeast under control. You can also take probiotic pills.Taking over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal treatment \u2014 One effective form is a vaginal cream that you apply for up to a week.If your home yeast infection treatment isn&#8217;t working after a week, call your doctor.When to See a Doctor for a Yeast InfectionIs it a yeast infection or something else? It\u2019s not always easy to tell, but when in doubt, it\u2019s always best to check with your doctor.There are definite signs your yeast infection needs medical attention. Call the doctor if you:Are pregnant.Have never had a yeast infection before.Have pelvic pain or a fever.Have recurrent yeast infections (four or more per year).Have yeast infection symptoms that won\u2019t go away.Notice changes in your vaginal discharge.Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and how long they\u2019ve been happening. They may do a pelvic exam and take a sample of vaginal discharge for testing.Yeast infection treatment from your doctor is usually an antifungal treatment. These come in creams, ointments, vaginal suppositories, and pills.If your yeast infection doesn\u2019t clear up or gets worse, your doctor may prescribe additional medicines that are taken by mouth. These include:DiflucanFlucytosineNystatinPregnancy and Yeast InfectionsIf you have yeast infections during pregnancy, treatment is even more important. An untreated yeast infection can lead to complications like a miscarriage or a premature birth.Don\u2019t take OTC treatments without seeing your doctor first. Your doctor can tell you which medicines are safe to take while you\u2019re pregnant.Preventing Yeast InfectionsEven a mild yeast infection can feel uncomfortable. But you can take the following steps to prevent them from occurring:Change tampons and pantyliners often.Choose breathable underwear made from cotton.Don\u2019t sit in a wet bathing suit or sweaty workout clothes.Don\u2019t use douches, feminine washes, or any kind of soap in your vulva area.Don\u2019t wear tight underwear, pants, or pantyhose, and consider sleeping without underwear if it is comfortable.Eat more yogurt or take probiotic supplements.Finish any antibiotics your doctor prescribes.Manage your blood sugar if you have diabetes.Towel-dry your genital area after a bath or shower.Use condoms during sex to stop new bacteria from entering your vagina.Wash menstrual cups, cervical caps, or diaphragms after every use.SourcesU.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health. Vaginal yeast infections. Accessed July 2025. https:\/\/womenshealth.gov\/a-z-topics\/vaginal-yeast-infections\/ WomensHealth.govMedlinePlus. Vaginal yeast infection. Accessed July 2025. https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/001511.htm\u00a0MedlinePlus.govCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC). Accessed July 2025. https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/std\/treatment-guidelines\/candidiasis.htm\/ Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care. Overview: Vaginal yeast infection (thrush). Accessed July 2025. https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK543220\/ NIH.govCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. About Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). Accessed July 2025. https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/bacterial-vaginosis\/about\/index.html\/\u00a0CDC.govUrology Care Foundation. Yeast Infections. Accessed July 2025. https:\/\/www.urologyhealth.org\/urology-a-z\/y\/yeast-infections\/ UrologyHealth.org"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2025","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"10","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/\/10\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"When to Seek Care After a Yeast Infection","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/10\/yeast-infection-care\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]