If a non-albicans candida species, including Candida glabrata, is responsible for your vaginal yeast infection, it may cause a “complicated” infection. That means that the infection may be more likely to cause severe symptoms, respond less to treatment, or require a longer course of medications.
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Symptoms of complicated vaginal yeast include:
- Severe redness, swelling, or itching
- Painful vaginal sores, cracks, or tears
- At least four vaginal yeast infections within 12 months
Your vaginal yeast infection might be complicated if you’re pregnant, living with poorly managed diabetes, or have a condition like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that reduces the effectiveness of your immune system.
When to See a Doctor
If you’ve had a physician-diagnosed vaginal yeast infection in the past and feel certain that your latest symptoms are due to the same cause, you can ask your doctor about self-treatment with an over-the-counter medication.
However, if the symptoms recur, don’t improve, or differ from previous yeast infections, consulting a healthcare professional may help you find a solution. That’s because many common vaginal yeast infection symptoms may also occur due to several other factors, including:
- Herpes
- A urinary tract infection
- Bacterial vaginosis
- A sexually transmitted infection
You can also have similar symptoms with vaginal atrophy or lichen planus of the vulva or vagina, among other possible chronic issues.
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A doctor may need to test for these alternative causes.
If you have these symptoms and do not have a history of recurrent yeast infections, consult your physician for evaluation, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment for these other potential issues.
