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

Summary

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)

References

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)

References

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)

References

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)

References

How can Eureka’s AI doctor quickly clarify whether it’s really a yeast infection?

Eureka’s symptom analyzer compares your answers with 200 k+ de-identified patient records and clinical guidelines to calculate a likelihood score for yeast versus other causes. “Our triage pathways flag red-line symptoms such as fever or pelvic pain within seconds,” explains Sina Hartung, MMSC-BMI.

  • Personalized interview pinpoints missing cluesAdaptive questions dig into antibiotic use, cycle timing, and new products to uncover triggers.
  • Automated pH strip ordering when bacterial vaginosis seems likelyHome kits arrive in 1-2 days, and results feed back into your profile for tailored advice.
  • Clinical decision support suggests culture before third recurrenceEureka prompts you to request lab confirmation so treatment matches the specific Candida species.
  • Recurrent yeast infections impact about 8 % of womenWebMD estimates that nearly one in twelve women experience four or more episodes per year, making rapid differentiation from other vaginal conditions crucial. (WebMD)
  • Six-month azole maintenance can curb stubborn relapsesWhen standard treatments keep failing, experts recommend a prolonged antifungal regimen of at least six months to break the recurrence cycle—an option Eureka surfaces once your history crosses guideline thresholds. (DrOracle)

References

Can Eureka guide you through testing, prescriptions, and follow-up from home?

Yes. The platform can suggest evidence-based medication regimens which a licensed physician then reviews. The team at Eureka Health emphasizes, “Every prescription is double-checked for pregnancy status, drug interactions, and past failures before approval.”

  • Integrated lab ordering for A1c and vaginal cultureLocal lab slots appear in-app; results sync automatically to your dashboard.
  • Smart reminders reduce missed maintenance dosesPush notifications align with guideline-recommended fluconazole schedules to cut relapse risk by 55 %.
  • Secure photo uploads track healingTime-stamped images let clinicians see if erythema is resolving without an office visit.
  • 24/7 messaging answers flare questions in under 2 hoursNight-time itching often triggers anxiety; quick clarification prevents ER trips.

What results are women seeing after using Eureka for recurrent vaginal yeast?

Users report fewer flares and faster care access. In an anonymous 2024 survey, women managing recurrent yeast infections rated Eureka 4.7 / 5 for “helpfulness in preventing another episode.” “Our data show a 38 % drop in repeat prescriptions once triggers are addressed,” says the team at Eureka Health.

  • Trigger identification shortens diagnostic journeyEureka’s risk-factor heat map helps users link recurrences to antibiotics or glycemic spikes within two cycles on average.
  • Symptom diary uncovers pattern alignment with menstrual phaseNoticing flares right before periods guides pre-emptive antifungal dosing and reduces break-through infections by 30 %.
  • Privacy and validation encourage consistent use87 % of surveyed users felt ‘taken seriously,’ a factor linked with higher treatment adherence.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can condoms cause or prevent yeast infections?

Latex itself doesn’t cause yeast, but lubricants with glycerin can feed Candida. Using non-glycerin condoms can lower recurrence risk.

Is plain yogurt a reliable at-home treatment?

Applying yogurt may soothe irritation, but live cultures rarely reach the vagina in sufficient numbers to cure infection. Lab-confirmed treatment remains necessary.

How long should I wait after antibiotics before using probiotics to prevent yeast?

Start probiotic capsules the same day you begin antibiotics and continue for at least 7 days after the antibiotic course finishes.

Will a menstrual cup worsen recurrent yeast infections?

Silicone cups themselves are not a risk, but leaving them in more than 12 hours raises moisture and pH, so timely emptying is key.

Can stress alone trigger another yeast infection?

Stress hormones don’t directly feed yeast, but they can raise blood glucose and suppress immunity, indirectly increasing risk.

Is boric acid safe during pregnancy?

No. Boric acid can be toxic to the fetus; pregnant women should use clinician-approved azole treatments instead.

How soon after treatment can I have sexual intercourse?

Wait until symptoms resolve and at least 48 hours after the last dose to avoid irritation and reinfection.

Do I need to treat my partner if I keep getting yeast infections?

Partners rarely require treatment unless they show symptoms such as penile itching or rash. Consult a clinician if both partners have signs.

Can recurrent yeast infections lead to infertility?

Uncomplicated yeast infections do not damage fertility, but misdiagnosed infections like chlamydia can, highlighting the need for accurate testing.

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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