Yeast Infection: What It Is, Why It Happens, and How to Kick It
So your vulva’s on fire, your discharge looks like a dairy product, and you’re suddenly Googling: “can you scratch your vagina off?” First of all, take a breath. You’re not alone — and no, you didn’t do anything wrong. It’s probably a yeast infection.
Yeast infections are incredibly common. And while the name might sound like something you'd expect to be gross or shameful, the truth is they’re just a very normal overgrowth of a fungus that lives in and on your body. They're manageable, treatable, and most importantly — not your fault.
What Exactly is a Yeast Infection?
A yeast infection happens when there’s an overgrowth of Candida, most commonly Candida albicans. This type of yeast is a normal part of the skin and vaginal environment — it’s always there, just hanging out.
Usually, it stays in balance thanks to helpful bacteria. But when that balance is thrown off, yeast can take over — and that’s when the symptoms start. It’s not about hygiene. It’s about overgrowth.
What Are the Symptoms?
You might have a yeast infection if you’re experiencing:
- Intense itching or irritation in the vulva or vagina
- A thick, white, cottage cheese–like discharge
- Redness, swelling, or raw-feeling skin
- Pain during sex or tampon use
Symptoms can range from mild to completely unhinged — either way, they’re valid and worth treating.
Why Do People Get Them?
Yeast infections can be triggered by a bunch of common things, like:
- Antibiotics, which kill off helpful bacteria
- Hormonal shifts, including birth control, periods, or pregnancy
- Tight or non-breathable clothing that traps moisture
- High-sugar diets (yeast feeds on sugar)
- Douching or scented products near the vulva
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Weakened immune system
And sometimes? There’s no clear reason. Bodies are weird. That doesn’t make it any less real.
How Is It Diagnosed?
You can treat a yeast infection based on symptoms, especially if you’ve had one before and you know what it feels like.
But — and this is important — if it’s your first infection, or if your symptoms don’t go away or keep coming back after treatment, your provider should take a vaginal swab and send it for a yeast culture. That’s how you confirm the diagnosis and check for resistant strains like Candida glabrata, which require different treatment.
How Do You Treat It?
Over-the-counter:
- Miconazole (Monistat) or clotrimazole creams or suppositories
- Options range from 1-day to 7-day treatments
Prescription:
- Oral fluconazole (Diflucan) — usually a single pill, though repeat dosing may be needed
- For resistant or recurrent infections:
- Stronger antifungal medications
- Longer courses of treatment
- Boric acid suppositories (vaginally inserted, and surprisingly effective)
Whatever option you choose, make sure to complete the full course — even if your symptoms improve early. If you stop too soon, the yeast may come back with a vengeance.
Don’t overdo it on your own. If symptoms persist, get checked by a provider.
What If It Keeps Coming Back?
If you’re getting yeast infections four or more times a year, that’s considered recurrent yeast, and it’s time to dig deeper.
Here’s what to ask your provider about:
- A vaginal swab and yeast culture to rule out resistant strains
- Longer treatment plans, like weekly fluconazole for 6 months
- Boric acid as a monthly preventative
You might also consider supportive tools, like:
- Probiotics
- Vaginal pH balancing gels
Other things to keep in mind:
- Reduce processed or high-sugar foods (yeast loves sugar)
- If you have diabetes or an autoimmune condition, managing that with the right provider can make a big difference
Can You Prevent a Yeast Infection?
You can’t guarantee it — but these tips might help:
- Wear cotton underwear and avoid fabrics that trap moisture
- Change out of wet clothes (like swimsuits or gym leggings) quickly
- Avoid douching or using scented soaps
- Wipe front to back
- Support vaginal flora with a healthy diet
What Not to Do
Don’t assume every vaginal itch is yeast - it could also be:
- Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
- Contact dermatitis
- Vulvodynia
- Lichen sclerosis or other lichen dermatoses
And please skip the DIY treatments:
- Garlic, yogurt, essential oils — none of these actually treat yeast.
They can irritate the delicate tissue and make things worse.
Bottom Line
Yeast infections are annoying, itchy, and sometimes straight-up unfair. But they’re common, treatable, and absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.
Whether it’s your first or your fifth, you deserve relief and real information.
You’re just human. And we’re here to help you understand what’s going on and how to take care of yourself when your body needs support.
