Vaginal yeast infections (vaginal candidiasis, also called Candida infection) are common and usually not serious. They are caused by a yeast that normally lives in the body without causing harm. The main symptoms are white discharge that looks like soft cheese, along with itching and irritation. They are usually treated with an antifungal medicine in the form of a cream, a vaginal tablet or pessary, or an oral tablet, depending on the doctor's or pharmacist's assessment. They can recur due to diabetes, antibiotics, or pregnancy. [1]
What are vaginal yeast infections, and are they a sexually transmitted disease?
Vaginal yeast infections are a common fungal infection that affects women. They are usually harmless but uncomfortable, and they can come back more than once. [1] They are caused by a fungus called Candida, which normally lives in our bodies without causing any problems. [1]
Under normal conditions, the immune system keeps this fungus under control. However, if a person becomes ill or takes antibiotics, the fungus may multiply and cause an infection. [2] When the infection affects the vagina, it causes inflammation there (vaginitis). [2]
This infection is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection. However, sexual intercourse can be a trigger, and the infection can sometimes be passed on to a partner, though to a lesser degree, during sex. [1] There is therefore no need to feel embarrassed or blamed. It is a common medical condition that can be treated. To learn more about this condition, you can read the vaginal yeast infection page in our directory.
What are the symptoms of vaginal yeast infections?
Symptoms vary from woman to woman, but the most common ones, as mentioned by the UK's National Health Service (NHS), are:
- White vaginal discharge, often resembling soft cheese (cottage cheese), which usually has no unpleasant odor. [1]
- Itching and irritation around the vulva and vagina. [1]
- Pain or stinging during sexual intercourse or when urinating. [1]
In some cases, no symptoms may appear. [1]
Do fungal infections affect men and other parts of the body?
Yes. In men, burning and redness may appear around the head of the penis and under the foreskin, along with white discharge, sometimes an unpleasant odor, and difficulty retracting the foreskin. [1] The infection can also affect the skin in the armpits, groin, and between the fingers, causing an itchy red rash. [1] To learn about the different types of skin fungal infections, see the article Fungal Skin Infections: Ringworm, Pityriasis Versicolor, and Nail Fungus.
How do I tell the difference between fungal infections, normal discharge, and bacterial vaginosis?
Vaginal discharge is a normal part of the body's function, and a change in it does not always mean a fungal infection is present. For this reason, during the assessment, the doctor will make sure the condition is actually a fungal infection and rule out other infections. [1] You can read the article Vaginal Discharge: What Is Normal and What Are the Signs of Infection? to understand the difference.
Several conditions share almost the same symptoms, including bacterial vaginosis, which requires different treatment from fungal infections. You can find the details in the article Bacterial Vaginosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment and on the bacterial vaginosis page. For this reason, it is not advisable to guess and try random medications, especially if the symptoms are unfamiliar to you.
There is also something that can confuse mothers: diaper rash in infants can sometimes be fungal. You can find the difference in the article Diaper Rash: Proper Treatment and How It Differs from Fungal Infections.
Why do vaginal yeast infections occur, and why do they recur?
The fungus grows in warm, moist environments, and the infection appears when the natural balance of bacteria is disrupted. [1] Factors that may cause this include:
- Irritation or damage to the skin. [1]
- Taking antibiotics. [1]
- Uncontrolled diabetes. [1]
- Weakened immunity, such as in HIV infection or during chemotherapy. [1]
- Hormone replacement therapy. [1]
- Pregnancy. [1]
An infection is considered recurrent if it occurs more than 4 times within 12 months. [1] In this case, the doctor helps look for a possible trigger, such as the menstrual cycle or sexual intercourse. [1] If the cause is uncontrolled diabetes or certain medications, treating the cause is essential; otherwise, the infection will keep returning. The doctor may sometimes need to review the medications you are taking, and you must not stop any prescribed medication on your own.
When should you see a doctor, and when is an examination needed?
The British source recommends seeing a doctor in the following cases: [1]
- Symptoms of a fungal infection appear for the first time.
- The woman is under 16 years old or over 60 years old.
- Infections recur more than 4 times within 12 months.
- Treatment has not been successful.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Weakened immunity, such as from diabetes, HIV, or chemotherapy.
What happens at the appointment?
The doctor will ask you about your symptoms. If the diagnosis is not clear or the infection is recurrent, the doctor may examine the area and may take a swab of the discharge to determine the cause of the symptoms and rule out other infections. [1] Among the laboratory tests related to fungal infections is the "Fungal Culture Test," which is one of the tests listed on the MedlinePlus page. [2] The doctor decides which tests are appropriate for your case, including a blood sugar test if the infections are recurring. To learn about vaginal symptoms that warrant a doctor's visit, see this answer.
What is the treatment for vaginal yeast infections: cream, vaginal pessaries, or an oral tablet?
Treatment usually requires an antifungal medicine. It may be a tablet to swallow, a pessary (suppository) inserted into the vagina, or a cream to relieve irritation. [1] The infection usually clears within 7 to 14 days of starting treatment. [1] Antifungal medicines clear the infection in most people, but treatment may be more difficult when immunity is weakened. [2]
| Medication form | How it is used | Important notes |
|---|---|---|
| Antifungal cream | Applied topically to relieve irritation | May weaken condoms and the diaphragm [1] |
| Vaginal pessary (suppository) | Inserted into the vagina | The dose and duration of use are determined by the doctor or pharmacist [1] |
| Oral tablet | Swallowed | The usual dose is determined by the doctor or pharmacist, and it should not be taken during pregnancy without a doctor's advice [1] |
Follow the doctor's instructions and the medicine's package leaflet. Medicines on the Jordanian market are licensed, and their prices are regulated through the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA), so make sure to buy your medicine from a licensed pharmacy.
Can I buy treatment directly from a pharmacy?
In Britain, antifungal medicines can be bought from a pharmacy if the infection has been previously diagnosed and you know its symptoms. [1] It is advised not to use an antifungal more than twice within 6 months without consulting the pharmacist or doctor. [1] You can ask the pharmacist discreetly if you feel embarrassed. [1]
Does the partner need treatment?
There is no need to treat the partner unless he shows symptoms. [1]
What if the infection is recurrent?
Treatment may need to last longer, up to 6 months, for women who have infections more than 4 times within 12 months. [1] The doctor determines how many times the treatment should be used. [1] Do not extend the duration of treatment or repeat it on your own.
Are vaginal yeast infections dangerous during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Pregnancy itself is one of the factors that can make infection more likely. [1] Sources advise seeing a doctor if infection occurs during pregnancy or breastfeeding. [1] The MedlinePlus page discusses treating yeast infections in pregnancy with an over-the-counter medicine, but the choice of medication depends on your condition and the stage of pregnancy. [2]
The safe rule: do not take any oral antifungal tablet during pregnancy unless your doctor prescribes it, and do not use old vaginal pessaries or creams left over from a previous pregnancy. Tell the pharmacist that you are pregnant before buying any medicine. It is also helpful to visit an obstetrician-gynecologist or the nearest Maternal and Child Health Center of the Ministry of Health.
What can I do at home to relieve symptoms and prevent recurrence?
The British source recommends the following: [1]
- Wash the area with water and a medical emollient instead of soap.
- Dry the area thoroughly after washing.
- Wear cotton underwear.
- Avoid sexual intercourse until the infection clears if it is painful.
It also advises avoiding the following: [1]
- Soap and bath gel on the sensitive area.
- Vaginal douches and deodorants.
- Tight underwear or tights.
If you have sexual intercourse during treatment, keep in mind that antifungal creams may damage condoms and the diaphragm, so do not rely on them as a method of contraception during that period. [1] If you have diabetes, controlling your blood sugar is part of prevention, because uncontrolled diabetes is a factor that causes infection. [1]
When do vaginal yeast infections require a trip to the emergency room?
Simple vaginal yeast infections are not an emergency. However, there are signs that are not among its usual symptoms, so do not wait for the treatment to show results:
- Severe pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis.
- Fever, chills, or a general feeling of being unwell.
- Unusual vaginal bleeding.
- Foul-smelling discharge or symptoms that do not improve.
- Severe pain or swelling in the genital area.
In these cases, see a doctor as soon as possible. If the symptoms are severe or sudden, or if you are pregnant and experiencing bleeding or severe pain, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. It is also worth noting that Candida infection can rarely spread to the bloodstream and become life-threatening, especially in people with weakened immunity. [2]
How do I find the right doctor or clinic in Jordan?
An obstetrician-gynecologist usually evaluates this condition. You can start from the list of Obstetrics and Gynecology Doctors in Jordan, then select your governorate, such as Amman, Irbid, or Zarqa.
When reading any doctor's profile, check the following:
- Specialty: obstetrics and gynecology, or another specialty that suits your condition, such as endocrinology if diabetes is a possible cause.
- Clinic location, working hours, and the means of contact or booking as provided in the profile.
- The services and information the doctor provides about their clinic.
Useful questions to ask the doctor:
- Is this really a fungal infection, and do I need a swab or tests?
- Which medication form is most suitable for me, and how long will the treatment last?
- Do I need a blood sugar test or a review of my medications because the infection keeps returning?
- Can I use this treatment during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
- How can I protect myself from recurrence, and do I need preventive treatment?
The ClinicsJo directory does not provide remote medical consultations or prescriptions. It helps you reach doctors and clinics and contact them or book an appointment where the profile allows. If the issue is vaginal dryness rather than a fungal infection, you may find the article Vaginal Dryness After Menopause helpful.
Frequently asked questions
Is vaginal yeast infection a sexually transmitted disease?
Vaginal yeast infections are not classified as sexually transmitted diseases. They result from the Candida fungus, which is normally found in the body without causing harm. However, sexual intercourse can be a trigger, and the infection can sometimes be passed on to a partner, to a lesser degree. A partner does not need treatment unless he shows symptoms.
How long does it take for a vaginal yeast infection to clear after treatment?
The infection usually clears within 7 to 14 days of starting antifungal treatment. If your symptoms do not improve within this period or return quickly, see a doctor, as the condition may not be a fungal infection or may need a different assessment or treatment.
Can I use antifungal treatment during pregnancy?
Pregnancy is one of the factors that make infection more likely, and it is advised to see a doctor if infection occurs during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Do not take any oral antifungal tablet during pregnancy unless your doctor prescribes it, and tell the pharmacist you are pregnant before buying any medicine.
Why do my vaginal yeast infections keep coming back?
They may recur due to uncontrolled diabetes, taking antibiotics, weakened immunity, hormone therapy, pregnancy, or skin irritation. An infection is considered recurrent if it occurs more than 4 times within 12 months, and in that case the doctor looks for the cause and sets an appropriate treatment plan.
Should I use soap or a vaginal douche to clean the area?
It is not advisable to use soap, bath gel, vaginal douches, or deodorants on the sensitive area, as they may increase irritation. It is better to wash the area with water and a medical emollient, dry it well, wear cotton underwear, and avoid tight clothing.
Do antifungal creams affect condoms?
Yes, antifungal creams may damage condoms and the diaphragm, so they may not work as contraception as they should. If you have sexual intercourse during treatment, ask your doctor or pharmacist about a suitable alternative method, or avoid intercourse until the symptoms clear.
Sources and references
- Thrush in men and women — NHS (UK National Health Service). Accessed: 2026-10-26.
- Yeast Infections: MedlinePlus — MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine. Accessed: 2026-10-26.
