Vaginal Yeast Infection
(Yeast Vaginitis)
Medical Author:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor:
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
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Douching and Yeast Infection
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
 A Viewer Asks: Can douching cause a yeast infection? Also, is it okay to douche after a yeast infection?
Dr. Stöppler's Answer: All healthy women have bacteria and other organisms in the vagina. The balance of organisms and the normal acidity of the vagina both act to prevent overgrowth of specific organisms, leading to symptoms of a vaginal infection. Douching disturbs the normal environment of the vagina...
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What is yeast?
Yeast is a fungus scientifically referred to as Candida. The specific type of fungus most commonly responsible for vaginitis is
Candida albicans. Yeast is commonly present on normal human skin and in areas of moisture, such as the mouth and vagina. In fact, it is estimated that between 20%-50% of healthy women normally carry yeast in the vaginal area.
What is vaginitis?
Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina. Vaginitis is
very common and is reported by as many as 75% of women at some point in their
lives. Vaginitis can be caused by a number of infections, including bacteria
(such as Gardnerella and
gonorrhea), protozoans (such as
trichomonas), and yeast (Candida). Vaginal yeast
infection, which is the most common form of vaginitis, is often referred to as vaginal
Candidiasis.
What is vulvitis?
Vulvitis is inflammation of the external genital organs of the
female (the
vulva). The vulva includes the labia, clitoris, and entrance
to the vagina (the vestibule of the vagina). An inflammation of the vulva is referred to as
vulvitis. Vulvitis, like vaginitis, may be caused by a number of different
infections. Because the vulva is also often inflamed when there is inflammation
of the vagina, vaginitis is sometimes referred to as vulvovaginitis.
What causes vaginal yeast infections?
Vaginal yeast infections occur when new yeast is introduced into
the vaginal area, or when there is an increase in the quantity of yeast already
present in the vagina relative to the quantity of normal bacteria. For example,
when the normal, protective bacteria are eradicated by antibiotics (taken to
treat a urinary tract, respiratory, or other types of infection) or by immunosuppressive drugs,
the yeast can multiply, invade tissues, and cause irritation of the lining of
the vagina (vaginitis).
Vaginal yeast infections can also occur as a result of injury to
the inner vagina, such as after chemotherapy. Also, women with suppressed immune
systems (for example, those taking cortisone-related medications such as
prednisone) develop vaginal yeast infections more frequently than women with normal
immunity. Other conditions that may predispose women to developing vaginal yeast
infections include diabetes mellitus, pregnancy, and taking
oral contraceptives.
The use of douches or perfumed vaginal hygiene sprays may also increase a woman's risk of
developing a vaginal yeast infection.
A vaginal yeast infection is not considered to be a
sexually transmitted infection (STD), since Candida may be present in the normal
vagina, and the condition
does occur in celibate women. However, it is possible for men to develop
symptoms of skin irritation of the penis from a yeast infection after sexual intercourse with an infected partner.
Next: What are the symptoms of vaginal yeast infection and vulvitis? »
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