Vaginal yeast infection

What is a vaginal yeast infection?

A vaginal yeast infection happens when there’s an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans. Our bodies have friendly bacteria that help us in different ways, for example, to digest food. But if they grow too much they can be harmful.

Candida albicans belongs to a fungi family that is normally found on the skin, in the bowel and vaginal area. Fungi normally grow in warm and moist environments like the vagina. Healthy vaginas will contain a mix of bacteria and some yeast cells. However, if quantities of this fungus increase it can lead to an infection and symptoms can become worse.

Yeast infections can cause symptoms such as irritation, discharge and intense itchiness around the vagina and the vulva. However, they aren’t known to cause any further long-term health issues.

A vaginal yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it can be triggered by having sex. Other triggers include taking antibiotics, using certain soaps, and wearing tight-fitting clothing.

Who can get a vaginal yeast infection?

Vaginal yeast infections can affect women at any stage of life. They’re very common – around 70 to 75% of women of childbearing age will have a yeast infection at some point.^[1] Although in most cases it’s not clear why a vaginal yeast infection occurs, there are certain factors that can lead to symptoms developing. When the natural defenses in the vagina are altered, it can result in an infection. This can happen with women who suffer from certain health conditions.

Women who are more prone to yeast infections, also known as candidiasis or monilia, include pregnant women, people who are taking antibiotic medication, people who suffer from diabetes, and people who have a weaker immune system (for example, if you’re receiving chemotherapy). All women are also prone to recurring episodes of vaginal yeast infections. In this case, clinicians will offer alternative treatments for recurrent yeast infections.

How common are vaginal yeast infections?

Vaginal yeast infections are incredibly common and can occur at any time. This type of yeast infection occurs with millions of women globally, and research has shown that it’s expected to continue. Recurrent vaginal thrush affects between 103 million and 172 million women per year across the world.^[2] The age group that is most commonly affected is 25 to 34 year olds.

It’s believed that there could be a relationship between vaginal yeast infections and oestrogen. You can be more vulnerable to yeast infections during your reproductive years, between starting your period and starting the menopause. Hormone changes are also seen during pregnancy, so you may be susceptible during this time too. There are also suggestions that hormone and contraceptive pills could trigger vaginal thrush, but this hasn’t been confirmed.

What causes vaginal yeast infections?

There isn’t always a clear cause for a vaginal yeast infection. It occurs when the number of natural fungi in the body increases. One of these is Candida albicans, which is found in the vagina and is harmless in small quantities. These fungi support the body and help it function properly to keep yeast controlled. But different triggers and health conditions can alter quantities of these natural defences, and go against your body’s necessary balance. This leads to vaginal thrush symptoms arising.

Candida albicans is a common fungus that leads to yeast infections. It belongs to the candida fungus family. Other types of fungus within this family can lead to more complicated infections which require more aggressive treatment.

What are the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection?

The different symptoms you can experience if you have a yeast infection include: 

• Vaginal discomfort such as itching or a burning sensation
• Vaginal discharge (thick and white discharge)
• Itching around the vagina
• Soreness of the vulva
• Pain while urinating and/or during sex, including stinging or burning

Symptoms of vaginal yeast infections are usually minor and will heal by themselves. However, you may find that symptoms are uncomfortable, and don’t let you carry out your usual daily activities. In this case, you should let a doctor know. They can advise you about an alternative treatment. 

If the vaginal yeast infection you’re experiencing is severe, you’ll have symptoms that include:

• redness around the vagina and vulva, which extends to the labia majora and perineum
• swelling around the vagina
• scratch marks on the vulva

If you have any of the following symptoms then it might be that you don’t have vaginal thrush:

• discharge that smells or is coloured
• bleeding after sex or between your periods
• the need to urinate much more frequently
• a rash around the vulva

Can vaginal yeast infections lead to other problems?

Yeast infection symptoms can be uncomfortable and stressful, particularly if they’re recurring. If a vaginal yeast infection isn’t treated for a long time, this could lead to risks with other parts of the body. Some symptoms that are similar to vaginal thrush could indicate other issues. For example, skin rashes near the vagina might be due to other infections. 

There can also be an increased risk of you getting a sexually transmitted disease (STD) when you have a yeast infection. Yeast infections aren’t directly associated with the development of STDs, but the lesions (small cuts) made by scratching, and the microscopic tears in the affected skin, could allow some bacteria or viruses that cause STDs to enter the body more easily.

It’s unlikely that vaginal yeast infections will lead to any serious health problems. Vaginal yeast infections won’t damage your vagina or your uterus, and it won’t hurt your baby if you’re pregnant. 

If you have recurring vaginal yeast infections that are making you feel upset, depressed, or anxious, or if it’s affecting normal activities such as your sex life, then it’s important to talk to a physician. They can advise you on how to deal with your situation and talk to you about the different treatments available.