Vaginal Yeast Infection: Causes, Symptoms, and What to Do

Vaginal Yeast Infection: Causes, Symptoms, and What to Do

A vaginal yeast infection is a very common infection caused by the overgrowth of a naturally present fungus, Candida albicans. It's harmless but uncomfortable. Most women have at least one in their lifetime, and many have several. It's not a "dirty" disease or a sign of poor hygiene: it's simply the result of a temporary imbalance in the intimate flora.

Normally, the vagina is home to an ecosystem of good bacteria (lactobacilli) that keep the environment slightly acidic. This acidity stops fungi and germs from multiplying. When that balance is disrupted, the Candida already present in small amounts takes the opportunity to overgrow: that's when symptoms appear.

How to recognize it

Typical symptoms:

• itching and irritation of the vulva, sometimes intense
• burning, especially when urinating or during intercourse
• thick white discharge, lumpy, "cottage-cheese"-like, usually without a strong odor
• a red, swollen vulva, sometimes with small cracks
• discomfort or tenderness around the vaginal opening

Intensity varies a lot from person to person. Some have only mild itching, others a marked discomfort that disrupts daily life. The absence of a strong odor is a good clue for telling a yeast infection apart from other infections.

Why it happens

A yeast infection appears when the balance of the vaginal flora is disrupted. Contributing factors:

• a recent course of antibiotics (they unbalance the flora by also killing the good bacteria)
• excessive intimate washing or harsh products (scented soaps, aggressive gels, wipes)
• moisture (a wet swimsuit kept on too long, tight clothing, synthetic underwear)
• hormonal changes (pregnancy, cycle, the pill, menopause)
• stress and fatigue, which lower your immune defenses
• poorly controlled diabetes (sugar promotes fungal overgrowth)
• your period, when the vaginal pH shifts

Good to know: a yeast infection is not an STI. You don't necessarily catch it through intercourse, and you can get one without having a partner. There's no "fault" to look for: it's a common part of how the female body works.

What to do

• A local antifungal treatment (pessary + cream) sold over the counter without a prescription is often enough. Ask your pharmacist, who can guide you.
• Use the treatment all the way through, even if symptoms fade before the end: this is what prevents relapses.
• To ease itching in the meantime, a soothing cream or simply cool compresses can help.
• Avoid repeated intimate washing: one wash a day with water or a mild, pH-neutral product, on the outside only (never a vaginal douche).
• Choose cotton underwear and avoid tight clothing while you heal.
• Dry yourself well after showering or swimming, patting rather than rubbing.
• During treatment, it's better to avoid intercourse or to use a condom: some pessaries can weaken latex.

What doesn't help (common myths)

• Washing more often: on the contrary, this worsens the imbalance. The vagina cleans itself.
• Vaginal douching: it destroys the protective flora and encourages recurrences.
• Applying yogurt locally or "home" remedies: with no proof of effectiveness, they may even irritate further.
• Systematically treating your partner: this is only useful if they also have symptoms.

Yeast infection or something else?

Not all itching is a yeast infection. To help you see more clearly:

• Yeast infection: thick white "cottage-cheese" discharge, itching, little to no odor.
• Bacterial vaginosis: gray or whitish discharge, more watery, with a characteristic fishy odor, often without itching.
• STI (chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas…): symptoms that can be similar, or absent, with possible abnormal discharge, pain, or bleeding.

If in doubt, or if your symptoms don't match exactly, don't self-treat repeatedly: a medical opinion allows the right diagnosis to be made.

Recurring yeast infections

We talk about recurrent yeast infections from several episodes a year. If that's your case, it doesn't mean you're "doing something wrong": it simply deserves a conversation with a health professional. They can look for a contributing factor (diabetes, medication, contraception, individual predisposition) and offer care suited to the long term, rather than treating each flare-up in isolation.

Yeast infections and pregnancy

Yeast infections are more common during pregnancy because of hormonal changes. They're not dangerous for the baby, but you shouldn't take any treatment without medical advice: some antifungals aren't recommended at this time. If you're pregnant and have symptoms, talk to your midwife or doctor, who will prescribe a suitable treatment.

Preventing recurrences

A few simple habits help keep the flora balanced:

• a gentle wash, just once a day, with no harsh product
• cotton underwear, changed every day
• taking off a wet swimsuit promptly
• avoiding scented panty liners day to day
• wiping from front to back after using the toilet

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if:

• it's your first yeast infection (to confirm the diagnosis)
• symptoms come back often (more than 3–4 times a year)
• the treatment isn't working after a few days
• you're pregnant, or you have a fever, pelvic pain, or foul-smelling discharge
• you have unusual bleeding or unexplained lesions

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you have any doubts or a recurrence, talk to your doctor or midwife.

Sources

• Ameli — Recognizing a vaginitis (yeast infection)
• Ameli — Vaginal yeast infection: what to do, when to see a doctor

Official sources, accessed in July 2026.