Recurrent Vaginal Yeast Infections

Topic Overview

A vaginal yeast infection is thought to be recurrent when:

• You have had four or more infections within 1 year.
• The infections have caused symptoms.
• The infections are not related to the use of antibiotics.

If you have a recurrent vaginal yeast infection, your doctor may do a culture to confirm that yeast is present. You may also be tested for certain conditions that could be making you more vulnerable to yeast overgrowth, such as diabetes.

The recommended first treatment for these yeast infections includes vaginal medicines for 7 to 14 days or a single dose of oral fluconazole, with a second dose repeated 3 days and a third dose 7 days later.^{footnote 1}

This first treatment is then followed by at least 6 months of maintenance therapy. This could be oral or vaginal medicines.

Some women who are treated for recurrent yeast infections do not see their symptoms improve. These women may have another condition that is causing symptoms like those of a yeast infection. Further testing and treatment may be needed.