About 75% of women will get at least one yeast infection in their lifetime. And up to 8% have more than four in a year — a condition known as recurrent yeast infections. You might wonder: Why do I keep getting yeast infections?
There isn't just one cause for frequent yeast infections. Hormonal changes, treatments with antibiotics, autoimmune diseases, and even some everyday habits can all play a role.
What Causes Recurring Yeast Infections?
A healthy vagina has a low pH, which means it's somewhat acidic. That acidity helps keep yeast from growing. But even small changes can throw off that balance and make it easier for a yeast infection to start.
A type of fungus called Candida albicans causes most yeast infections. Other kinds of fungus can also cause them, but antifungal treatments usually target only Candida albicans. If a different fungus is behind your infection, those treatments might not work as well.
Using antibiotics too often can reduce good bacteria in your vagina.
"Sometimes, you need antibiotics to treat other infections, and that can't always be avoided. But it's worth talking to your doctor about what other options might help," says Michael Shen, MD, medical director of adult primary and geriatrics at NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull in Brooklyn, NY.
Sometimes, it may seem as though you're getting new infections, but the first one may not have been fully treated. Be sure to follow treatment instructions carefully and finish all of your medicine.
Other things that may cause or raise your risk for recurring yeast infections include:
- Hormonal birth control, such as birth control pills, spermicidal creams, or jellies
- Contraceptive devices, such as IUDs, condoms, and diaphragms
- Hormonal changes due to menopause
- Eating too much sugar
- Wearing sweaty gym clothes or a wet bathing suit for too long
- Tight clothing that doesn't let your skin breathe
- Another infection, such as bacterial vaginosis (BV)
- Unprotected sex, especially if your partner is uncircumcised (yeast can grow under the foreskin and be passed to you during sex)
- A weak immune system due to HIV or an autoimmune disorder, such as lupus
- Medicines such as steroids, chemotherapy, or transplant drugs that affect your immune system
- High blood sugar from uncontrolled diabetes
When you have diabetes, high levels of sugar in your pee can feed yeast. And certain diabetes medicines, called SGLT2 inhibitors, cause your body to get rid of excess sugar through pee. This also increases the risk of yeast infections.
Eating Habits
Some people believe certain foods or diets promote the growth of yeast and lead to recurrent infections. There isn't enough research to prove it, but some studies suggest that high levels of sugar in your blood can create conditions for yeast to thrive and grow faster in the body.
The "Candida diet" claims to prevent yeast infections because it limits processed foods, simple sugars, yeast, and alcohol. But there's no proof that this diet gets rid of candida. People might just feel better because they’re eating healthier.
Others think that probiotics and natural antifungals can help, such as yogurt with live cultures, garlic, nuts, whole grains, oregano, cinnamon, sage, and cloves. But we need more research on this.
Symptoms of Recurring Yeast Infections
Yeast infections can cause a range of troublesome symptoms in the vaginal area.
Some of the common ones include:
- Itching
- Redness and swollen of the vagina and vulva (the area outside the vagina)
- Pain or burning sensation when you pee
- Thick, white vaginal discharge that some people say looks like cottage cheese
- Pain or discomfort, especially during sex
How Are Recurring Yeast Infections Treated?
One of the most common ways to treat a yeast infection is with over-the-counter antifungal creams or suppositories, such as clotrimazole, miconazole, or nystatin.
"If you have recurrent yeast infections, the most effective treatment is fluconazole," says Shen. "You start with three doses every 72 hours on days one, three, and seven. You take it once a week for six months. Then, you stop the medication to see if the infection comes back. If it does, you may need to continue treatment longer."
If you're pregnant, it's important to use only antifungal creams or suppositories. Taking antifungal pills can be unsafe for the baby.
Oteseconazole is another medication that works like fluconazole. "It's a bit stronger, but it's not safe for people who could become pregnant, because it can seriously harm a fetus," Shen says.
Daily habits that you can follow to help prevent repeated yeast infections include:
- Keep the outside of your genital area clean and dry.
- Avoid using scented soaps, vaginal sprays, or douches.
- Change tampons and pads regularly.
- Wear loose-fitting cotton underwear that lets your skin breathe.
- Change out of sweaty gym clothes or wet swimsuits as soon as you can.
- Take antibiotics only for as long as your doctor tells you.
Talk With Your Doctor
If you keep getting yeast infections, consult your doctor. They can help you figure out what's going on, including whether a different kind of infection or a medical condition might be causing your symptoms. An accurate diagnosis is the best way to get the right treatment and find relief.
Recurring Yeast Infections FAQs
Why do I keep getting yeast infections after sex?
Sex can upset the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina, which may lead to yeast infections. This can happen during vaginal or oral sex. Yeast infections aren't considered sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and can happen without any sexual activity.
Why do I keep getting yeast infections after my period?
Hormone changes during your period, such as changes in estrogen and progesterone, can upset the natural balance in your vagina, causing yeast to grow too much. Period blood can also make the area less pH-balanced, which helps with yeast growth.
How can I prevent frequent yeast infections?
Yeast grows easily in warm, damp areas of your body, so keep your vaginal area clean and dry. While more research is needed, some daily habits may lower your risk of frequent yeast infections. Avoid panty liners, tight clothing, sweaty gym clothes, wet swimsuits, douching, and certain lubricants. If your yeast infections are severe or fluconazole doesn't help, your doctor might order tests to find out what kind of fungus is causing the infection.
