Vaginal Yeast Infection: Information & Doctors Specializing in Vaginal Yeast Infections

A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection of the female genital area. It causes inflammation of the vaginal lining and the vulva. This fungal infection is also known as a vaginal yeast infection or vaginal mycosis.

According to estimates, more than 75 percent of women experience a vaginal yeast infection at least once in their lifetime. This makes vaginal yeast infection one of the most common infections in the female genital area.

In most cases, a yeast fungus is the cause of a vaginal yeast infection, particularly the yeast Candida albicans. This fungus accounts for 80 to 90 percent of all cases of vaginal mycosis. Another 5 to 10 percent of vaginal yeast infection cases are caused by the yeast Candida galbrata.

Yeast thrives best in a moist environment at a temperature of around 37 degrees Celsius. This is why it can multiply particularly well in the vagina. 

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How a vaginal yeast infection develops

Normal, healthy vaginal flora includes various fungi and other microorganisms, such as lactic acid bacteria. The acidic vaginal environment, with a pH below 4.5, suppresses their growth. This creates a natural balance, and infections do not normally occur.

An infection can only occur if the vaginal flora becomes unbalanced. When this happens, the pathogens can multiply and cause an infection.

Factors Contributing to a Vaginal Yeast Infection

Factors that promote the growth of yeast and thus a vaginal yeast infection include, among others

• A weakened immune system: Infections or illnesses weaken the immune system, thereby promoting the growth of yeast.
• Stress and psychological strain: Prolonged stress suppresses the immune system. The number of immune cells in the blood decreases, and natural killer cells become less active. This is why many women are more susceptible to vaginal yeast infections during periods of ongoing stress and psychological strain.
• Hormonal fluctuations: Hormonal changes occur primarily during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. The birth control pill also causes hormonal changes.
• Metabolic disorders: In cases of diabetes and other metabolic disorders, yeast can feed on elevated blood sugar levels and multiply more rapidly.
• Medications:
  • Antibiotics, such as those used to treat bladder infections: Antibiotics also kill microorganisms like lactic acid bacteria. This makes the vaginal environment alkaline, allowing yeast to multiply unchecked.
  • Cortisone: Cortisone medications weaken the immune system.
• Excessive intimate hygiene: Intimate sprays and vaginal douches often contain alkaline soap, which alters the natural vaginal flora in favor of yeast.
• Tight-fitting clothing and synthetic underwear: Vaginal yeast infections thrive in a warm and moist environment. Air-impermeable clothing can trap heat, creating an ideal breeding ground for yeast.
• Yeast feeds on sugar, among other things. A diet high in sugar can promote the growth of yeast.

The typical symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection can be grouped into three so-called primary symptoms:

• Itching and burning in the vaginal area
• Increased vaginal discharge
• Redness and swelling

Severe itching and painful burning in the vaginal area: This usually affects both the external genital area of the labia (vulva) and the vaginal opening. The burning sensation may intensify when urinating. For affected women, the itching and burning are usually the most unpleasant symptoms.

Increased discharge: Every woman begins to experience what is known as “white discharge” at puberty. This milky-white discharge serves to keep the vaginal mucous membranes moist and flush out bacteria. If the discharge

• in texture to resemble crumbly, curdled milk and
• its color changes from white to yellowish,

this is a key symptom of a vaginal yeast infection. The discharge remains virtually odorless. If the discharge has a strong fishy odor, this is more indicative of a bacterial infection than a vaginal yeast infection.

Redness and swelling: The skin affected by the yeast infection becomes red and swollen. The redness and swelling are a natural defensive reaction of the affected tissue to the pathogen.

Symptoms can vary in severity, and not all symptoms need to be present. Sometimes the symptoms are so mild that the affected person is completely unaware of the infection.

The severity of the infection usually peaks three days after onset.

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Some women may also experience pain during sexual intercourse. This is particularly common in women with long-lasting infections or those who frequently suffer from vaginal yeast infections.

Asymptomatic vaginal yeast infection

Clear symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection with typical complaints do not always appear. In such cases, the affected woman usually only discovers by chance that she has a vaginal yeast infection. Vaginal yeast infections are often detected during a routine gynecological exam. The infection may also be identified during microscopic examination of a vaginal swab taken after the exam.

Such an asymptomatic vaginal yeast infection generally does not require treatment. Treatment is recommended only during pregnancy, as a vaginal yeast infection poses certain risks at that time.

In a vaginal yeast infection, fungal pathogens multiply in the vagina and cause an infection © Kateryna_Kon | AdobeStock

Self-Treatment of a Vaginal Yeast Infection

Women who have had a vaginal yeast infection before can often recognize the typical symptoms on their own. In such cases, self-treatment with an antifungal medication is an option. These medications are available over the counter at pharmacies. They eliminate the infection and quickly relieve the unpleasant symptoms.

However, a visit to the doctor is necessary if

• you’re unsure whether the itching and discharge are actually caused by a vaginal yeast infection,
• you are experiencing these symptoms for the first time,
• you are under 18,
• you are pregnant,
• the symptoms are unusually severe,
• the symptoms persist despite treatment with an antifungal medication,
• the vaginal yeast infection occurs more than four times a year.

To make a diagnosis, the gynecologist usually begins by taking a medical history. During this process, the doctor asks the patient detailed questions about her symptoms and any associated signs.

This is followed by a gynecological examination of the genital area. During this examination, the doctor takes a swab from the vaginal mucosa for microscopic examination.

In most cases, a vaginal yeast infection is already visible to the naked eye based on the characteristic changes in the mucous membrane of the vagina and vulva.

The swab is used to confirm the diagnosis. The tissue sample is examined under a microscope, which allows fungal pathogens to be detected. However, to identify the exact pathogen, a fungal culture must be grown. In the laboratory, the fungus from the tissue sample is placed on a culture medium. After a few days or weeks, the culture has grown enough to identify the pathogen.

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Vaginal yeast infections are treated with antifungal medications, known as antimycotics. These medications inhibit the growth of the vaginal yeast and kill it. The active ingredients in these medications include, among others,

• imidazoles (e.g., clotrimazole, miconazole, fluconazole, fenticonazole),
• nystatin, or
• povidone-iodine.

They are usually

• inserted into the vagina as vaginal suppositories or tablets,
• applied topically as a cream or ointment to the affected areas, or
• inserted into the vagina using an applicator.

This treatment lasts one to six days, depending on the dosage and severity of the vaginal yeast infection.

Antifungal medications can also be administered as tablets. In this case, they act systemically, i.e., throughout the entire body. Normally, local treatment with suppositories, cream, etc., is sufficient to kill the fungus. If the treatment is ineffective or the fungus returns quickly, the doctor will prescribe systemic therapy.

There are many rumors circulating about home remedies for vaginal yeast infections, but these should be taken with a grain of salt. Many of the suggested remedies do more harm than good.

Many women hope that alternative medicine and natural remedies will provide a gentler and more gentle treatment. For this reason, they often turn to home remedies when treating a vaginal yeast infection. These remedies are based on advice passed down from friends or rumors found online.

Below, we briefly present the most common rumors circulating about home remedies for vaginal yeast infections. We’ll also explain how useful—or harmful—these home remedies actually are.

Does yogurt help with vaginal yeast infections?

A commonly promoted alternative home remedy for vaginal yeast infections is yogurt. It is supposed to be inserted into the vagina using a vaginal sponge or a tampon. Yogurt contains lactic acid bacteria. These are said to stabilize the vaginal environment, which has been disrupted by the yeast infection, and to suppress the fungus.

While lactic acid bacteria are indeed necessary for maintaining the vaginal flora, However, the lactic acid bacteria in yogurt are not sufficient to combat a vaginal yeast infection. Once the fungal pathogens have multiplied to the point where a vaginal yeast infection develops, lactic acid bacteria are powerless to stop it.

Only antifungal medications can help kill the fungal pathogens in this case.

In addition, yogurt contains other bacterial cultures that have no place in the natural vaginal environment. It also

• chemical additives,
• preservatives, and
• possibly sugar

may be present. A yogurt treatment can therefore cause irritation of the vaginal lining and inflammation, and may even worsen the vaginal yeast infection.

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How effective are vaginal rinses with vinegar or tea tree oil?

Vaginal rinses with vinegar are intended to lower the pH of the vagina and thus restore its acidic environment. Tea tree oil is supposed to be used either heavily diluted with water as a vaginal rinse or as an additive in a sitz bath. This is said to have a disinfecting and germ-killing effect.

In fact, the effectiveness of these home remedies for vaginal yeast infections has not been proven. On the contrary: Both vinegar and tea tree oil are far too harsh for the sensitive vaginal lining and can irritate it even more. This can lead to a worsening of vaginal yeast infection symptoms.

The fungal pathogens also cannot simply be rinsed out with a vaginal rinse.

Vaginal douches damage the vaginal flora and further disrupt its balance.

Do garlic cloves work as a home remedy for a yeast infection?

Another myth is that inserting garlic cloves helps with a yeast infection. Garlic cloves, much like tea tree oil, are said to have a disinfecting and germ-killing effect. That’s why it’s often recommended to insert garlic cloves—possibly along with a yogurt tampon—into the vagina.

However, you should avoid using this home remedy for vaginal yeast infections. Strong garlic is far too harsh for the delicate vaginal flora. It can dry out the vaginal mucosa and thus make the yeast infection worse rather than better.

Do sitz baths with herbal additives help?

Sitz baths with herbal additives such as

• chamomile,
• sage,
• yarrow,
• calendula,
• oak bark extract,
• horsetail, or
• other herbs

are another popular home remedy for vaginal yeast infections. The belief behind this is that herbal baths can essentially “wash away” the yeast infection.

Sitz baths with herbal additives can indeed have a relaxing effect. Sometimes they also provide short-term relief from symptoms. However, they have no real therapeutic benefit.

Sitz baths with herbal additives can neither cure vaginal yeast infections nor address their underlying causes. You should even be cautious when using essential oils in herbal baths, as these can potentially irritate the vaginal mucosa.

Can homeopathy cure a vaginal yeast infection?

The effectiveness of homeopathic remedies has not yet been proven in scientific trials. Nevertheless, many people rely on them.

There are also a number of homeopathic remedies available for treating vaginal yeast infections. However, these are not suitable for treating a vaginal yeast infection on their own.

At most, they should be considered a complementary treatment method.

Conclusion: How should home remedies for vaginal yeast infections be evaluated?

It’s better to rely on conventional medicine, even for a vaginal yeast infection. Most home remedies for vaginal yeast infections are ineffective or may even make the condition worse.

That’s why it’s better to treat a vaginal yeast infection using the latest, proven medical knowledge and antifungal medications.

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As a rule, a vaginal yeast infection that is treated consistently resolves quickly and without complications.

In the case of chronic vaginal yeast infection—known in medical terms as chronic recurrent vaginal mycosis—repeated, long-term antifungal therapy is usually necessary.

Various lifestyle habits and precautions can help prevent a vaginal yeast infection. These include, in particular,

• regular and proper cleansing of the genital area
• preventive measures during your period
• Wearing appropriate clothing
• using condoms

Proper intimate and toilet hygiene

Excessive intimate hygiene can actually be harmful to the vaginal flora. Therefore, avoid

• harsh or perfumed soaps
• intimate sprays
• vaginal douches
• frequent bubble baths

They disrupt the natural balance of the vaginal flora and thus promote the growth of vaginal yeast infections. Instead, you should clean your external genital area at regular intervals using only

• plain water
• pH-neutral soap
• intimate wash containing lactic acid

at regular intervals.

When using the restroom, be sure to wipe from front to back—never the other way around.

Preventive Measures During Your Period

Airtight or plastic-coated panty liners or pads can trap heat and moisture, which promotes the growth of vaginal yeast pathogens. Therefore, wear only breathable panty liners. 

Use small or very small tampons during the last few days of your period. Tampons can also increase the risk of a vaginal yeast infection in women with sensitive skin.

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The Right Clothing

Avoid wearing tight-fitting, synthetic clothing and underwear. Instead, opt for lightweight cotton underwear, which should ideally be changed daily. After bathing, do not let wet swimwear dry on your body; remove it immediately.

If you already have a vaginal yeast infection, change your towels and linens daily as well. Do not share them with your partner, as this can lead to transmission.

Special detergents are available at pharmacies to kill the pathogens in clothing, linens, and towels.