There are several types of at-home yeast infection tests that are available for purchase, including vaginal pH test strips and self-collection kits that allow you to collect a sample at home and mail it to a laboratory for nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT).
The most effective treatment for any fungal infection is to take antifungal medications. There are many medications available, from oral medications to topical creams, ointments, and suppositories for vaginal yeast infections.
Mild yeast infections may clear up in as few as three days. Sometimes, they don't even require treatment. However, moderate to severe infections may take one to two weeks to clear.
Plain yogurt that contains Lactobacillus and no natural sweeteners might help treat the infection and ease the symptoms. But be sure to only use plain yogurt. Yogurt that contains added sugar will likely make the infection and its symptoms worse because sugar causes the yeast to multiply.
Sometimes, yeast infections might go away on their own. If they're going to do so, the infection should resolve itself within a week. But you might want to get it checked out anyway. Untreated yeast infections can cause the Candida bacteria to spread throughout your bloodstream.
The main cause of a yeast infection is the overgrowth of yeast on an area of the body. The yeast species Candida albicans causes common yeast infections, but other species of Candida can also cause an infection. They may need different treatment.
Because Candida exists naturally on your skin, it's normal for some of these organisms to rub onto another person when you touch. Most of the time this Candida transfer is harmless, so yeast infections are not highly contagious.
The typical symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are itching, an unpleasant burning feeling and pain. The membranes lining the vagina become red and have a whitish coating. The symptoms may get worse a few days before your period starts.
If you are using a vaginal medicine, don't have sex until you have finished your treatment. But if you do have sex, don't depend on a latex condom or diaphragm for birth control. The oil in some vaginal medicines weakens latex. Don't douche or use powders, sprays, or perfumes in your vagina or on your vulva.
Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva. A burning sensation, especially during intercourse or while urinating. Redness and swelling of the vulva. Vaginal pain and soreness.
Some STDs can cause irritation, itching, and discharge—symptoms that can be mistaken for a yeast infection. These include trichomoniasis, herpes, and genital warts. If you are unsure if you have a yeast infection or sexually transmitted illness, see your doctor or sexual health clinic.
Foods containing simple sugars, including many fruits. White flour and other glutenous grains. Anything fermented with yeast, such as alcoholic drinks. Some dairy products, including whole milk.
Infections might be the cause. You may have bacterial vaginosis, a yeast infection, or an STI. Menopause-related hormonal changes, diabetes, or skin conditions are other possible causes. Or irritation from and allergic reactions to detergents and other products could be at work.
Some people blame many common symptoms on the overgrowth of the funguslike organism Candida albicans in the intestines. They may say this fungus causes symptoms such as fatigue, headache and poor memory. This condition is sometimes called yeast syndrome.
Studies show that two out of three women who buy yeast infection medicine don't really have a yeast infection. Instead, they may have an STI or bacterial vaginosis (BV). STIs and BV require different treatments than yeast infections and, if left untreated, can cause serious health problems.
A healthy vagina has yeast naturally present in balanced levels. When there is an imbalance and yeast overgrows, it can cause a yeast infection. The stages of yeast infections may be classified as mild, moderate, or severe: Mild: You are experiencing some symptoms with some discomfort.
Taking an antifungal medication for three to seven days will usually clear a yeast infection. Antifungal medications — which are available as creams, ointments, tablets and suppositories — include miconazole (Monistat 3) and terconazole.