Self-Care Pocket Guide • Vaginal Yeast Infections
Vaginal Yeast Infections

Overview

Some degree of vaginal discharge is normal. Normal discharge usually looks clear or cloudy-white and appears yellowish when it dries on clothing. It may contain white flecks or be thin and stringy. The amount and consistency of normal vaginal discharge may vary at different times in your menstrual cycle.

Abnormal vaginal discharge and itching can be caused by many things including a reaction to products that can irritate the vaginal area and sexually and non-sexually transmitted infections. The following symptoms and advice pertain only to yeast infections.

Yeast exists normally in the vagina, but an overgrowth of yeast can cause a "yeast infection." Hormonal changes (menopause, pregnancy, or using a hormonal birth control method), antibiotic use, stress, nutritional status, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes or HIV disease can result in yeast overgrowths. Most yeast infections can be treated without a visit to a healthcare provider.

Signs and Symptoms

• Itching, burning, redness and/or irritation around your vaginal opening, vulva (external female genitalia), or anus.
• Increased vaginal discharge—varying from thin, yellowish discharges to thick, white discharges often described as looking like cottage cheese or paste.
• External pain or burning when you urinate.

Self-Care Measures

• Use an OTC vaginal anti-fungal cream, ointment or suppository.
• Use an OTC vaginal anti-itch medication on your external genital area, if needed.
• Yeast infections aren't usually spread by sexual intercourse, but they can be. Therefore:
• Ideally, avoid sexual intercourse until your infection is gone. If you do have intercourse, use condoms, and use dental dams to cover your vulva/vaginal area for oral sex. Use a water-based lubricant to reduce friction and discomfort during intercourse.
• Wash sex toys with soap and water every time you use them—even if you don't have a yeast infection.
• Shower instead of bathing. Gently pat your genitals dry.
• The following can help when you have a yeast infection and can help to prevent them:
• Don't douche or use other potentially irritating products such as feminine hygiene sprays, bubble bath, or perfumed or deodorant body washes, soaps, tampons, or sanitary pads.
• Use only white, unscented toilet paper.
• Avoid high-sugar diets. Eating sugar can promote the growth of yeast.
• Wear cotton underwear.
• Don't wear wet bathing suits or damp clothing for long periods of time.
• Eat yogurt daily (especially yogurt with "active cultures") or take OTC acidophilus supplements. Check the expiration date of supplements, and keep them refrigerated.

Red Flags

CALL THE UHS 24-HOUR NURSE ADVICE LINE 475-NURS (475-6877) IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OCCURS:

• Fever of 100.5 degrees F (38 degrees C) or higher.
• Pelvic or back pain.
• Vaginal itching or discharge that doesn't improve or gets worse after using OTC yeast infection medication for 2 or 3 days.
• Fishy- or foul-smelling discharge.
• Irregular menstrual bleeding.
• Genital sores, bumps, or blisters.
• Repeated yeast infections over a 2-month period. This could indicate an underlying medical condition that needs to be evaluated.