, one out of five women have Candida in the vagina without any symptoms. However, if the fungus grows out of control, symptoms of an infection can occur, such as itching and burning.<\/span><\/p>\nThe following are some things that can increase the risk of developing a yeast infection:<\/span><\/p>\n\nAntibiotics<\/b>. These medications can kill bacteria that normally keep the Candida albicans fungus in check, which can <\/span>lead to overgrowth<\/span> and a vaginal yeast infection.<\/span><\/li>\nUncontrolled Diabetes<\/b>. A woman with diabetes has an increased risk of developing a yeast infection because people with high blood sugar levels have excess sugar that can act as a fuel source for the growth of the fungus.<\/span><\/li>\nPregnancy<\/b>. Women who are pregnant may be at a higher risk for developing a yeast infection because their bodies undergo changes in hormone levels. Increased estrogen levels can disrupt the normal pH balance in the vagina of pregnant women, which can create a favorable environment for yeast to grow.<\/span><\/li>\nPoor Hygiene<\/b>. Wiping from back to front after using the bathroom can spread harmful bacteria and yeast from the anus to the vaginal area, which can lead to a yeast infection.<\/span><\/li>\nTight Clothes<\/b>. Wearing tight pants, underwear, or pantyhose all day long can increase the risk of vaginal yeast infections. Tight clothing can trap heat and moisture against the skin, which can promote the overgrowth of yeast.<\/span><\/li>\nPoor Diet and Nutrition<\/b>. Eating a diet high in sugar can increase the risk of developing a fungal infection, as excess sugar in the urine can act as a food source for Candida albicans in the vagina to grow quickly.<\/span><\/li>\nTaking oral contraceptives<\/b>. Some women who take <\/span>oral contraceptives<\/span> are more likely to develop yeast infections. The hormones in birth control pills may cause changes in the pH balance of the vagina, making it easier for Candida albicans fungus to grow.<\/span><\/li>\nWeakened immune system<\/b>. With a weakened immune system, it can be harder for the body to fight off an overgrowth of the Candida albicans fungus. People with a weakened immune system may also be taking steroids or antibiotics that can disrupt the balance of yeast and bacteria in the vagina.<\/span><\/li>\nUsing a douche<\/b>. Douching can increase the risk of developing a yeast infection by disrupting the natural balance of the vaginal flora. Using a douche can flush out the healthy bacteria in the vagina and cause a pH imbalance.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\nExcessive sweating<\/b>. Excessive sweating around the vagina can create a moist, warm environment for fungus to grow, which in turn may cause a yeast infection to develop. This may be a particular concern for women who live in hot, humid conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\nStress<\/b>. Stress can weaken the functions of the body\u2019s immune system, making you more susceptible to infections like yeast infections.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\nPotential yeast infection causes and risk factors are numerous, leading to yeast infections that can happen more often than we would like. However, yeast infections can be treated and managed through lifestyle changes and various treatment options.<\/span><\/p>\nAre yeast infections contagious?<\/span><\/h3>\nA vaginal yeast infection is not usually contagious or considered a sexually transmitted infection. However, it is caused by a type of fungus that can be passed from <\/span>person to person<\/span>. Therefore, a yeast infection can be passed through sexual contact with someone who has the infection on their genitals.<\/span><\/p>\nYeast infection treatment<\/span><\/h2>\nA vaginal yeast infection is treatable with over-the-counter medications, but it can be difficult to decide which one will work best. If you\u2019re unsure of which product to choose, consult a doctor or pharmacist for medical advice before buying any over-the-counter medicines.<\/span><\/p>\nA mild yeast infection can resolve on its own within two to three days, but a more severe infection can persist for one to two weeks or longer. If you experience severe yeast infection symptoms, consider visiting a healthcare provider for the best treatment options. For example, you may want to see a healthcare professional if the area around the vagina is red or inflamed. A healthcare provider can perform a physical exam as needed, assess symptoms, and differentiate between the types of vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis.<\/span><\/p>\nIs it safe to take OTC medications for vaginal yeast infection?<\/span><\/h3>\nIf you\u2019re wondering whether it\u2019s safe to use an OTC or prescription antifungal medication for a vaginal yeast infection, the answer is yes.<\/span><\/p>\nThere are many <\/span>over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications<\/span> available that are designed to treat yeast infections. Many of these medications work by creating an inhospitable environment for the yeast, while others work by killing off the yeast itself.<\/span><\/p>\nThe most common OTC medications used to treat vaginal yeast infections include <\/span>Monistat<\/span> (miconazole) and <\/span>Gyne-Lotrimin 3<\/span> (clotrimazole). You can get these at any pharmacy without a prescription. Monistat also comes in a gel form that you can apply directly to the vulva or vagina.<\/span><\/p>\nSome yeast infections may be <\/span>treated at home<\/span> with natural or herbal remedies and products, such as Greek yogurt and tea tree oil. However, more research is needed on home remedies. It\u2019s best to consult a healthcare provider for more information before self-treating a yeast infection, especially if you don\u2019t experience them often.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nCertain prescription medications, including <\/span>Diflucan<\/span> (<\/span>fluconazole<\/span>) and <\/span>Brexafemme<\/span> (ibrexafungerp), are effective treatments for vaginal yeast infections. These medications need to be prescribed by a doctor or healthcare provider and will often come in pill form\u2014though there are some prescription antifungal creams available as well.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/b>Vagisil vs. Monistat<\/b> <\/b>Monistat vs. Diflucan<\/b> <\/b>How much is fluconazole without insurance?<\/b><\/p>\nThe bottom line<\/span><\/h2>\nVaginal yeast infections are a common problem, and they can be a real pain. But they\u2019re relatively mild and easy to treat.<\/span><\/p>\nIt\u2019s important to identify the potential causes and risk factors of a vaginal yeast infection, what the symptoms are and when to see a doctor, and how to treat the infection using over-the-counter medications or prescription medications.<\/span><\/p>\nIf you still have questions about vaginal yeast infections, we encourage you to consult a healthcare provider to ensure you\u2019re getting the right treatment for your symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n\n \n \n
![](\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/singlecare\/images\/union.svg\")
<\/span>