How Long Does A Yeast Infection Last?

A fungus, commonly Candida albicans i.e. an organism that is capable of causing severe discomfort, is the most common cause of vaginal yeast infection. As high as 75% of all women are reported to suffer from a fully symptomatic yeast infection, at least once in their lifetime.

It is a very common phenomenon for women to have yeast as well as other kinds of bacteria in their vagina – However, while some of the women might suffer from uncomfortable symptoms that yeast infections bring along; up to 5% of these women are likely to experience severe infectious conditions.

What is a Yeast Infection?

Yeast happens to be a usual part of all healthy vaginas, but there are instances when the yeast present in the vagina grows and spreads a little too much, which then becomes the cause of infection. These yeast infections, also known as fungal infections can cause chronic discomfort and irritation. This can be also diagnosed by allergy testing services available at your nearest clinic

The vaginal yeast infection, which is a fungal infection – causes severe symptoms such as discharge, intense itchiness, as well as constant irritation in the vaginal area and the vulva i.e. the tissues that are present at the vaginal opening.

Vaginal yeast infections, which are also commonly called vaginal candidiasis are known to affect at least 3 out of every 4 women a minimum of once in their entire lifetime; while most women suffer from this yeast infection at least twice.

This vaginal yeast infection is not categorized under sexually transmitted infections – However, there are high chances of vaginal yeast infection at the time of first regular sexual activity.

Symptoms of Yeast Infection

There is a list of symptoms that a person can experience when suffering from yeast infections, and these symptoms can possibly range from mild, to moderate, and even to a severe extent. These symptoms are inclusive of:

• Vaginal pain and soreness
• Vaginal rash
• Itching as well as irritation in the vagina and vulva
• A burning sensation, while having intercourse or while urinating
• Redness and swelling of the vulva
• Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance
• Watery vaginal discharge

Types of Yeast Infections

Listed and described below are the most commonly occurring yeast infections:

Fungal Nail Infection

Responsible for affecting almost 14% of the general population – Fungal nail infection which is also known as “onychomycosis,” is a very commonly occurring type of yeast infection.

Vaginal Candidiasis

Candidiasis is an infection caused by yeast i.e. a specific type of fungus called Candida. It usually resides on the skin and is even present inside the body in places such as in the throat, gut, mouth, and vagina – but their presence does not cause any sort of problem. Things like hormones, medicines, or changes in the immune system can make infection more likely. The common term for candidiasis in the vagina is a vaginal yeast infection.

Ringworm

Caused by a fungus, ringworm is a commonly occurring skin-related yeast infection. It is named “ringworm” due to the circular rash that it forms over the skin, these rash are shaped like a ring, while also being itchy and red. The fungi that cause this infection can live on skin, surfaces, and on household items such as clothing, towels, and bedding.

This yeast infection called ringworm is also known by several other names. The medical terms used to describe this type of yeast infection are “tinea” or “dermatophytosis”. While other names that are used to refer to ringworm are based on the location where the infection is present on the body – for instance, this ringworm when formed on the feet is called “athlete’s foot.”

How Long Does a Yeast Infection Last?

How long will a yeast infection last, depends on the severity of that yeast infection – A mild yeast infection can be cleared up in a quick time period of three days, and at times they might not even require any sort of treatment to get better than soon. However, yeast infections that are ranging from moderate to severe conditions, may even take as long as one, or even maybe two weeks to be cleared up.

What is Meant By Over-The-Counter Treatments For Yeast Infection?

All the medications that are allowed to be sold to people in need without the requirement of any prescription are known as over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. When it comes to treating yeast infections, vaginal creams that are very effective for this kind of fungal infection can easily be obtained over the counter.

The most commonly available vaginal creams that can help people with yeast infections are:

• Clotrimazole
• Butoconazole
• Miconazole nitrate
• Tioconazole

Can Antibiotics Cause Yeast Infection?

The use of antibiotics is highly considered something that heightens the risk of leading to a yeast infection. Women who have been in contact with antibiotics consistently have been seen to suffer from yeast infections repeatedly.

Broad-spectrum, which is an antibiotic that is used to kill a wide range of bacteria, when consumed also kills the healthy bacteria in your vagina, which then leads to the overgrowth of yeast, causing yeast infection.

Can You Have Sex While Suffering From Yeast Infection?

Yes! Once you have been tested by the doctor, and the infection that you’re suffering from is confirmed to be a yeast infection – you can have sex without worrying about any risk of increasing the symptoms or even transmitting it to your partner. As long as you are comfortable during sexual intercourse, there is nothing to worry about.

Waiting Duration For Sex After Yeast Infection Treatment

People who are getting over-the-counter treatment for yeast infections should at least wait for a good 24 hours, once they have completed their medication course, to have sex again. And for people who are still experiencing symptoms of yeast infection, it would be better if you would wait a few more days.

– Disclaimer –
This blog is for informational & educational purposes only, and does not intend to substitute any professional medical advice or consultation. For any health related concerns, please consult with your physician, or call 911.