VAGINAL YEAST INFECTION RISK FACTORS
In most women, there is no underlying health problem that leads to a yeast infection. There are several risk factors that may increase the chances of developing an infection, including:
●Antibiotics – Most antibiotics kill a wide variety of bacteria, including those that normally live in the vagina. These bacteria protect the vagina from the overgrowth of yeast. Some women are prone to yeast infections while taking antibiotics.
●Hormonal contraceptives (eg, birth control pills, patch, and vaginal ring) – The risk of yeast infections may be higher in women who use birth control methods containing estrogen. (See "Patient education: Hormonal methods of birth control (Beyond the Basics)".)
●Contraceptive devices – Vaginal sponges, diaphragms, and intrauterine devices (IUDs) may increase the risk of yeast infections. Spermicides do not usually cause yeast infections, although they can cause you to have vaginal or vulvar irritation. (See "Patient education: Birth control; which method is right for me? (Beyond the Basics)".)
●Weakened immune system – Yeast infections are more common in people who have a weakened immune system due to HIV or use of certain medications (steroids, chemotherapy, post-organ transplant medications).
●Pregnancy – Vaginal discharge becomes more noticeable during pregnancy, although yeast infection is not always the cause. (See "Patient education: Vaginal discharge in adult women (Beyond the Basics)".)
●Diabetes – Women with diabetes are at higher risk for yeast infections, especially if blood sugar levels are often higher than normal.
●Sexual activity – Vaginal yeast infections are not a sexually transmitted infection. They can occur in women who have never been sexually active, but are more common in women who are sexually active.
VAGINAL YEAST INFECTION DIAGNOSIS
Yeast infections can be diagnosed with an exam. During the exam, your doctor or nurse will examine your vulva and vagina and swab the vagina to get a sample of discharge. Do not begin treatment at home before being examined.
Self-diagnosis — Women with vulvar itching or vaginal discharge often assume that their symptoms are caused by a yeast infection and then use a non-prescription treatment. However, in one study, only 11 percent of women accurately diagnosed their infection; women with a previous yeast infection were only slightly more accurate (35 percent correct) [1].
Diagnosing and treating yourself:
●Wastes money (on non-prescription treatment)
●Wastes time; you will not feel better until you use the right treatment
●Can make you more itchy and irritated