Itching, vaginal discharge and irritation, and other symptoms can bother you. But yeast infections don't often cause other health problems. Some medicines can increase your risk of getting a yeast infection. These include antibiotics, birth control pills, hormones, and steroids. You may also be more likely to get a yeast infection if you are pregnant, have diabetes, douche, or wear tight clothes.
With treatment, most yeast infections get better in 2 to 3 days. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if:. Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if:.
Author: Healthwise Staff. Gabica MD - Family Medicine. Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. Every year, millions of cases of vaginitis vaginal inflammation affect women of all ages, but they are especially susceptible during the reproductive years. Knowing your body well and understanding your symptoms, causes, risk factors and treatment options will help you decide upon a course of action that is right for you.
Not all women will experience noticeable symptoms of a yeast infection. If the infection is mild, the symptoms may be subtle. A yeast infection can cause an itching or burning sensation in the vagina, as well as a thick or clumpy white discharge. The severity of a yeast infection depends on how much the Candida multiplies before it is treated. Yeast infections may be:. A mild yeast infection may go away on its own, but this is rare. It is always a good idea to treat a yeast infection, even if it is mild.
If yeast infections are not treated properly, they are more likely to return. Treatments for yeast infections soothe the affected area and target the overgrown Candida fungus. This double action reduces the itching and burning and restores a healthy balance of yeast and bacteria. Doctors recommend over-the-counter antifungal drug treatments called azoles for mild to moderate yeast infections. These are available as:.
These treatments may irritate when first applied, but after a few days of use, the yeast infection symptoms should start to fade. A course of treatment typically lasts between 3 and 7 days. Normally, the yeast infection will have cleared in this time. A range of yeast infection treatments are available for purchase over the counter or online.
For more severe yeast infections, a doctor may prescribe a longer course of prescription azole treatment. Prescription azole treatment typically lasts between 7 and 14 days.
The yeast infection should clear up within this time frame. Science has not backed all home remedies, but recent studies have medically tested the following methods:. Tea tree oil is another promising home remedy for yeast infections. A study found that tea tree oil is effective in fighting off all types of Candida fungus. To use tea tree oil for a yeast infection, pour a few drops across the top and sides of a tampon and insert the tampon into the vagina.
Leave in place for a few hours and then remove. It is important to consult a doctor before you decide to go this route, especially if you have not experienced a yeast infection before or are unsure if your symptoms indicate a yeast infection. How long does a yeast infection last?
Without treatment, it takes 3—7 days to recover from a yeast infection. It can take 1—2 weeks to recover from a moderate to severe yeast infection. If you are experiencing symptoms of a yeast infection, it is important to seek medical treatment for the following reasons:.
In mild cases of yeast infection, the problem may go away by itself. However, without knowing the cause of your yeast infection, choosing not to treat your infection may make it worse. Other forms of yeast infection, like a yeast infection of the breast common during breastfeeding , may take longer to completely go away.
Talk to your doctor to make sure you are choosing the right treatment option for your yeast infection. If you decide to let a yeast infection go away on its own, you should be especially wary of these symptoms which may indicate a more serious problem. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should contact your doctor and seek treatment immediately. Your genital health is a personal and important subject. Even in these cases, it is best to be cautious and ask your doctor for their recommended treatment plan.
The sooner you are diagnosed and begin treatment, the sooner you can get back to living free of discomfort. All our visits with patients are confidential and convenient and require as little as a phone or video consultation. This can be especially helpful for addressing personal health problems, especially when they are of a sensitive nature.
Our team of medical professionals has extensive experience consulting with patients about their treatment options, including both over-the-counter and prescription medicines. Our top doctors can help you understand your symptoms and what treatment options are right for you. Book an appointment at PlushCare today. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Vulvovaginal Health.
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