Patient Education for Vaginal Yeast Infection
What You Need to Know About Your Infection
Vaginal yeast infections are extremely common—about 75% of women will experience at least one episode in their lifetime, and they are not sexually transmitted infections. 1, 2
Understanding Your Condition
What causes it: Your vagina normally contains some yeast (Candida). A yeast infection occurs when too much yeast grows in the vagina, disrupting the normal balance. 3
Common symptoms you may experience: 1
- Vaginal itching (the most specific symptom)
- Thick white discharge that looks like cottage cheese
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Vaginal soreness or swelling
- Pain during sex (dyspareunia)
- Redness and irritation of the vulva
Risk factors that increase your chances: 3, 2
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Taking antibiotics
- Using birth control pills
- Certain clothing choices and hygiene practices
Treatment Options Available
Over-the-Counter Medications
You should only self-treat with over-the-counter preparations if you have been previously diagnosed with a yeast infection by a healthcare provider and recognize the same symptoms returning. 1
- Available OTC options include: 1
- Clotrimazole 1% cream (5g intravaginally for 7-14 days)
- Clotrimazole 2% cream (5g intravaginally for 3 days)
- Miconazole 2% cream (5g intravaginally for 7 days)
- Miconazole suppositories (various strengths and durations)
Prescription Medications
Oral fluconazole (Diflucan): A single 150mg tablet taken by mouth is highly effective, with cure rates exceeding 90%. 1, 3
Prescription topical azoles: Various creams and suppositories available for 3-7 day courses achieve 80-90% cure rates. 1
Important Instructions While Taking Treatment
If Using Oral Fluconazole
Take exactly as prescribed, with or without food. 3
Birth control consideration: If you could become pregnant, use contraception while taking fluconazole and for 1 week after your final dose. 3
Drug interactions to discuss with your provider: Fluconazole interacts with many medications including certain heart rhythm drugs (quinidine, pimozide), blood thinners, diabetes medications, and cholesterol-lowering drugs. 3
If Using Topical Treatments
Complete the full course of therapy even if symptoms improve earlier. 1
Local burning or irritation may occur but is usually mild. 1
When to Seek Medical Care
You must contact your healthcare provider if: 1
- Your symptoms persist after completing over-the-counter treatment
- Symptoms return within 2 months
- You experience four or more episodes per year (recurrent infection)
- You are pregnant
- You have never been diagnosed with a yeast infection before
- You develop new or different symptoms
Sexual Partner Considerations
Your sexual partner does not routinely need treatment because yeast infections are not sexually transmitted. 1
Exception: Male partners with symptoms (redness, itching, or irritation on the penis) may benefit from topical antifungal treatment. 1
Avoid sexual intercourse until treatment is completed and symptoms have resolved. 1
Special Situations
If You Are Pregnant
Only use topical azole treatments during pregnancy—oral fluconazole may be associated with birth defects and should be avoided. 1, 3, 2
Treatment is safe and important during pregnancy to relieve symptoms. 1
If You Have Recurrent Infections
Recurrent infection is defined as 4 or more episodes per year. 1, 4
You will need longer initial treatment (7-14 days) followed by maintenance therapy with fluconazole 150mg once weekly for 6 months. 1, 5
Your provider should obtain vaginal cultures to identify the specific yeast species, as some types require different treatment. 1
Prevention Tips
- Factors you can modify to reduce recurrence risk: 3
- Discuss with your provider about personal hygiene practices
- Consider clothing choices (avoid tight-fitting synthetic materials)
- Manage underlying conditions like diabetes
- Discuss alternatives if you have frequent antibiotic use