What You Should Know About Vaginal Yeast Infections

Talking about vaginal health still makes a lot of people squirm. But that silence only adds to the confusion and misinformation, especially when it comes to vaginal yeast infections. 

So, here’s a clear, human, no-shame breakdown of what’s really going on with yeast infections, how to spot them, and what you can do about them.

What exactly is a vaginal yeast infection?A vaginal yeast infection happens when there’s an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida in the vagina. Now, don’t panic, Candida isn’t some foreign invader. It’s normally present in the vagina and other parts of the body in small, harmless amounts. 

But when the natural balance of bacteria and yeast gets thrown off (like when the vagina’s pH is disrupted), Candida can grow too much and cause an infection.

How do you know if you have one?

Yeast infections come with some telltale signs. If you’re dealing with any of the following, you might be looking at more than just a bad day.

Intense vaginal itching

Swelling or redness around your vulva

A thick, white discharge that looks like cottage cheese

Burning sensation when you pee

Pain or discomfort during sex

A weird, sometimes sour smell that doesn’t feel “normal”
It’s worth noting: these symptoms can feel a lot like an STI, but a yeast infection isn’t one. In fact, you can get a yeast infection even if you’ve never had sex before.

Can it be treated?Absolutely. Yeast infections are not a life sentence. With proper antifungal medication whether it’s a pill, a cream, or a vaginal suppository, you can start feeling better in a few days. Most treatments clear things up in about a week.

A tip: skip sex while treating the infection. Not only can sex make the irritation worse, but it might also mess with the healing process.

One thing you should not do? 

Many people think antibiotics are a cure-all, but in the case of yeast infections, they often do more harm than good. That’s because antibiotics kill both the bad and the good bacteria, bacteria that usually help keep Candida under control. When the good bacteria are wiped out, yeast can run wild.

What increases your risk?

Several everyday things can make you more likely to develop a yeast infection, like:

Wearing damp or unwashed underwear

Using non-water-based lubricants

Hormonal changes (from pregnancy, your period, or birth control)

Uncontrolled diabetes

Douching (seriously, your vagina cleans itself—stop helping)
Is It really that common?

Yes, and it’s way more common than people admit. Around 75% of women will have at least one yeast infection in their lifetime. 

So, the next time you feel embarrassed or alone dealing with one, remember: it’s probably happened to three out of four women in your friend group.

If your sexual partner is a woman, and you have a yeast infection, you can pass it to her. Yep, yeast infections can be shared through sex even though they aren’t classified as STIs.

Bottom line? Vaginal yeast infections are uncomfortable, yes. But they’re also normal, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of. The more we talk about them, the less scary and confusing they become.