How long does a yeast infection last?

The vagina contains an ecosystem made up of a variety of flora (including bacteria and fungi) that, when kept in balance, help it to operate the way it’s supposed to.

However, this balance of flora can be disrupted by a variety of factors.

A vaginal yeast infection occurs when certain of these flora overgrow and disrupt the delicate balance in the vaginal and vulvar tissues. This overgrowth can cause irritation, intense itching, and discomfort.

Candida albicans causes most vaginal yeast infections. This fungus inhabits your mucous membranes, including in the genital area. Normally, friendly bacteria keep this fungus in check.

Here are some common causes of Candida overgrowth.

• Vaginal acidity shifts: Changes in pH levels can create an environment where Candida fungus can multiply. Even in protected sex, this change can occur.
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics prescribed for certain conditions can affect the bacteria found in the vagina. When the levels of these bacteria reduce, it can create the conditions for fungal overgrowth.
• Diabetes: Elevated blood sugar levels create an ideal environment for Candida, since it can feed on excess glucose.
• Pregnancy: Hormonal shifts during pregnancy alter the vaginal environment.
• Other factors: Stress, a weakened immune system, tight clothing, and even hormonal contraceptives can nudge Candida toward overgrowth.

Yeast infection symptoms

This fungal infection can lead to the classic symptoms, including:

• A painful sensation when trying to urinate or having sex
• Itching, pain, or burning sensations in your vagina or vulva
• Redness or swelling of the vagina or vulva
• Thick, milky-coloured vaginal discharge that can resemble cottage cheese

How long a yeast infection lasts can be determined by several factors.

Mild infections

Mild yeast infections typically resolve within a few days. While they may cause discomfort, they often clear up spontaneously.

Moderate to severe infections

For more persistent infections, patience is key. These moderate to severe cases can linger for one to two weeks, or sometimes longer. The itch, redness, and discomfort may make daily life quite uncomfortable.

Seeking medical advice promptly is crucial. Antifungal creams, suppositories, or oral medications can speed up the process. Ignoring these infections risks prolonged discomfort and potential recurrence.

There are some things you can do to prevent recurring yeast infections.

Wear breathable underwear

Opt for cotton underwear. It doesn’t trap heat or moisture, keeping you dry and comfortable. Avoid tight-fitting undergarments that can raise your body temperature and create an environment for a yeast infection to emerge.

Keep things loose

Ensure your clothing—jeans, skirts, yoga pants, tights—aren’t too snug. Tight attire can raise the temperature and humidity in your groin area – ideal conditions for a yeast infection to grow.

Skip the douche

While douching may make some people feel cleaner, there is little scientific evidence to support any concrete benefits to this practice. Douching disrupts the delicate vaginal balance by removing beneficial bacteria. Regular douching has also been linked to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and bacterial vaginosis.

Avoid hot tubs and steamy baths

Hot and damp environments encourage the growth of yeast, which can cause fungal overgrowth within your vagina.

If you take regular baths, consider switching to showers for the duration of the infection, and ensure you dry yourself thoroughly after you’re done.

Change out of wet clothes

After swimming or a workout, swap any wet bathing suits or damp gym gear for dry clothes. It’s important to keep your groin area dry in order to limit the overgrowth of the fungus.

Wipe front to back

Always follow this golden rule in the bathroom. Prevent microorganisms from migrating where they shouldn’t be.

Manage diabetes

If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels diligently. Elevated glucose can fuel yeast overgrowth.

Yogurt with active cultures

Incorporate yogurt containing active cultures into your diet. These friendly bacteria in your gut with help regulate yeast even on your skin and genitals.

Yeast infections can share many symptoms in common with some STIs, like itching, redness, and unusual discharge from the genitals.

However, a yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth of fungi that already exist within the vagina, and so is not considered to be a sexually transmitted infection.

With that said, it’s possible to pass a yeast infection on to your sexual partner. Most commonly, it’s a severe infection. If you’re experiencing a yeast infection, you may want to forego sex while the infection clears up or while you seek treatment for it.

Maintaining your sexual health is vital to maintaining your overall health. Better2Know encourages everyone to be proactive about maintaining their sexual health, especially if they’re sexually active.

If you’re concerned about your sexual health, about STIs, or you’re simply curious, we encourage you to get in touch.

This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Steve Chapman, 29/10/2025.