Why do I keep getting yeast infections over and over?

By Sina Hartung, MMSC-BMI, Harvard Medical SchoolReviewed by Eureka Health Medical Group
Published: July 9, 2025Updated: July 9, 2025

Key Takeaways

More than four vaginal yeast infections in a year usually mean an underlying trigger—often uncontrolled blood sugar, antibiotic use, hormonal shifts, or an unbalanced vaginal microbiome. Identifying and fixing that trigger, rather than repeatedly treating the symptoms, is the key to breaking the cycle.

Why do yeast infections keep coming back in the same person?

Roughly 8 % of women experience recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. Persistent triggers—rather than the fungus itself—account for most repeat episodes, according to the team at Eureka Health. The goal is to uncover and remove those triggers.

  • Uncontrolled blood glucose feeds CandidaHigh glucose levels in blood and vaginal secretions make it easier for Candida albicans to grow; women with diabetes have up to four-times higher recurrence rates.
  • Broad-spectrum antibiotics wipe out protective lactobacilliA 7-day course of ciprofloxacin can reduce lactobacillus counts by 90 %, clearing the way for yeast overgrowth.
  • Estrogen spikes increase vaginal glycogenPregnancy, combined oral contraceptives, and hormone therapy raise estrogen, which indirectly increases glycogen—the preferred nutrient source for Candida.
  • Tight, non-breathable clothing traps moistureSynthetic leggings can keep vulvar skin humidity above 85 % for hours, an ideal environment for yeast.
  • Hidden immune deficits allow persistenceAdvanced HIV, chronic steroid use, or rare genetic IL-17 pathway disorders lower the body’s ability to keep Candida in check.
  • Recurrent candidiasis means four or more infections each yearClinicians classify vulvovaginal candidiasis as "recurrent" once a woman experiences at least four symptomatic episodes within 12 months—a pattern seen in roughly 8 % of women. (Verywell)
  • Yeast can ping-pong between sexual partnersHealthline notes that ongoing symptoms may be due to Candida being passed back and forth during sexual activity; treating only one partner can allow reinfection and prolong the cycle. (Healthline)

When should recurring itching and discharge send you to urgent care?

Most yeast infections are uncomfortable but not dangerous. However, some warning signs signal complications that warrant immediate medical review. “Severe vulvar swelling that prevents urination is never just ‘another yeast infection,’” cautions the team at Eureka Health.

  • Fever over 100.4 °F suggests systemic infectionYeast rarely causes fever; temperature elevation points to bacterial cellulitis or sepsis.
  • Foul-smelling gray discharge indicates bacterial vaginosis, not yeastMisdiagnosis delays correct treatment and can raise preterm birth risk during pregnancy.
  • Painful cracks or ulcers may signal herpes or lichen planusOver-the-counter antifungals will not heal these and can worsen pain.
  • Severe redness extending to thighs implies contact dermatitisThis can appear after self-treatment with perfumed wipes or douches.
  • Four or more infections in 12 months defines recurrent candidiasisHealthline notes that experiencing four or more vaginal yeast infections within a year is considered recurrent, a pattern that warrants clinician assessment for underlying causes such as diabetes or immune disorders. (Healthline)
  • Pregnancy or immune suppression plus symptoms merits same-day evaluationPortland Urgent Care advises seeking urgent care if you have itching or abnormal discharge while pregnant or immunocompromised, because complications can progress more quickly in these groups. (PortlandUC)

Which everyday habits quietly fuel repeat Candida overgrowth?

Small lifestyle choices can swing the vaginal pH and moisture balance toward yeast. “Women are often shocked that scented detergents, not their bodies, are to blame,” says Sina Hartung, MMSC-BMI.

  • Daily use of panty liners increases moistureNon-breathable liners hold secretions against skin, doubling surface humidity.
  • Scented soaps disrupt the acid mantleProducts with alkaline pH of 8–9 raise vaginal pH above the protective range of 3.8–4.5.
  • High-sugar diets feed both systemic and local glucose levelsA single 20-oz soda adds 65 g of sugar—fuel for Candida colonization.
  • Skipping cotton underwear impairs ventilationCotton wicks moisture; nylon keeps vulvar temperature about 1.5 °C warmer.
  • Hot yoga sessions without immediate showeringSweat-soaked leggings can keep yeast-friendly moisture in place for several hours.
  • Courses of antibiotics wipe out protective LactobacilliWebMD warns that frequent or recent antibiotic use disturbs the vaginal microbiome, giving Candida an easy opening for overgrowth in the ensuing days. (WebMD)
  • Estrogen-based birth control tilts the balance toward yeastEveryday Health reports that hormonal contraceptives such as pills or rings can raise estrogen and glycogen levels in vaginal tissue, conditions that favor recurrent Candida infections. (EverydayHealth)

What lab tests and treatments will your clinician consider for chronic yeast infections?

Diagnosis should be lab-confirmed before starting yet another antifungal. “Self-diagnosis is wrong in up to 50 % of cases we review,” notes the team at Eureka Health.

  • Microscopic wet mount to look for budding yeastA simple saline-KOH prep has 65–85 % sensitivity but gives results in minutes.
  • Vaginal culture to identify non-albicans speciesCandida glabrata causes up to 20 % of recurrent cases and responds poorly to standard azoles.
  • Hemoglobin A1c to screen for undiagnosed diabetesAn A1c ≥6.5 % is linked with a threefold increase in recurrence risk.
  • Long-course azole therapy may be necessaryGuidelines suggest 150 mg oral fluconazole every 72 h for 3 doses, then weekly for 6 months—always under medical supervision.
  • Topical boric acid for azole-resistant strains600 mg vaginal capsules used nightly for 2 weeks can eradicate 70-90 % of C. glabrata infections; safety in pregnancy is unproven.
  • Recurrent candidiasis means four or more episodes in 12 monthsAs many as 8 % of women fall into this category, prompting clinicians to order confirmatory cultures and consider maintenance therapy. (WebMD)
  • Simultaneous treatment of partners helps break the reinfection cycleGuidance for chronic cases stresses that "both parties must be fully treated"—for example, breastfeeding mother and infant—to avoid ping-pong transmission. (Healthline)

Frequently Asked Questions

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment, and personalized medical recommendations.

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