It is thought that 45% to 75% of women experience yeast infections (also known as vulvovaginal candidiasis) in their lifetime. It is thought that 45% to 75% of women experience yeast infections (also known as vulvovaginal candidiasis) in their lifetime. In over 80% of cases, infection is caused by an orgainism known as Candida albicans. This is a fungus that resides in the vagina of a significant number of women. Several situations allow overgrowth of Candida albicans including recent antibiotic use, pregnancy, and diabetes.

The signs and symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection often include itching, a thick white vaginal discharge often described as being similar to cottage-cheese, and redness of the vulvar and vaginal areas.

Treatment of a yeast infection is variable. The most common treatment involves using a topical antifungal cream in the vaginal area (such as Gyne-Lotrimin or Monistat). An applicator full of cream is placed in the vagina at bedtime from 1 to 7 days. The medication can be obtained over-the-counter, but should only be used by someone who has been diagnosed by a physician or has had similar symptoms in the past where a diagnosis was made. An oral treatment is now available by prescription and is given as a single dose. This is known as Diflucan. After a single treatment with this medication, symptoms often resolve in 3 to 4 days.

If you have chronic yeast infections, your physician may start you on a monthly regimen of treatment, usually for a total of 6 months.