Why does my yeast infection keep coming back?
By Kendall @ Planned Parenthood | July 30, 2013, 7:52 a.m.
Category: Ask the Experts
Why does my yeast infection keep coming back? Will it ever go away?
Yeast infections are caused when a bacteria called candida (CAN-di-duh) grows too much. Most people have small amounts of yeast in their mouths and intestines. Healthy women also naturally have yeast in their vaginas. But sometimes this yeast grows too much and causes a yeast infection. Certain antibiotics, diabetes, a week immune system, and normal changes in your hormone levels can lead to yeast infections.
Many treatments for yeast infections, like creams, suppositories, vaginal tablets, or oral medicines have to be prescribed by a nurse or doctor. Some medicines for yeast infections are available without a prescription at drugstores. If you’ve been treating your yeast infection with medicine you got at the drugstore and it keeps coming back or hasn’t gone away at all, it’s important to see a health care provider. They can prescribe a more effective treatment.
If you’ve already been treated by a nurse or doctor and your yeast infection still isn’t going away, make sure you let your health care provider know. They can help you figure out exactly what’s going on with your body and what you can do about it. Read more about yeast infections and vaginitis here.