Yeast infections are quite common for females to experience, but the fact that they’re common doesn’t make them any less bothersome. While almost 75% of females will have a yeast infection at one point in their lives, most yeast infections won’t cause serious symptoms or medical complications.

Our AFC Urgent Care Cleveland team provides further helpful info on yeast infections below, so read on.

What Causes a Yeast Infection?

While yeast infections can occur in moist areas on the body (mouth, throat and stomach), they most commonly occur in the vagina. A vaginal yeast infection, which is also sometimes called vulvovaginal candidiasis, happens when the healthy yeast that normally lives in the vagina grows out of control.

If vaginal chemistry gets thrown off balance, the normal yeast that lives in the vagina (medically known as “candida”) can grow too much and lead to an infection. Yeast infections can happen to males, too, but it’s not common.

Yeast Infection Risk Factors

• Normal changes in hormone levels (like during your menstrual cycle)
• Antibiotics, cortisone and other drugs
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes
• A weak immune system
• A natural reaction to another person’s genital chemistry

How Can I Make a Yeast Infection Go Away?

Yeast infections can usually be cured easily in a few days, and its best treatment is typically with anti-fungal medicine. Other adequate treatments include OTC medicated creams or suppositories for yeast infections.

Additionally, even though yeast infections can be really itchy, try not to scratch. It can make irritation worse or cause cuts in your skin, which can spread germs and lead to more infection. If you experience any of the symptoms we’ve listed below, you likely have a yeast infection.

Yeast Infection Symptoms

• Itching, burning or irritation of the vagina or vulva, which is the tissue surrounding the vagina
• Pain or soreness in the vagina
• Vaginal burning with intercourse or urination
• A thick, white, odorless discharge that resembles cottage cheese, or a watery discharge
• Rash

Do you need medical care? If so, don’t hesitate to stop by our AFC Urgent Care Cleveland center today!