How to Get Rid of a Yeast Infection That Keeps Coming Back

Recurrent yeast infections (4 or more per year) can be caused by incomplete treatment of prior infections, non-albicans Candida species that resist standard therapy, underlying conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or immune suppression, antibiotic use disrupting vaginal flora, hormonal factors, or genetic predisposition to vaginal candidiasis.

Maintenance therapy involves taking a low dose of fluconazole (typically 150mg) once weekly for 6 months after successfully treating the current infection. This approach prevents recurrence in approximately 90% of patients during treatment. About 50% of patients remain recurrence-free after stopping maintenance therapy.

Yes. Non-albicans species like Candida glabrata and Candida krusei have natural resistance to fluconazole. If standard treatments fail, your provider may recommend a vaginal culture to identify the specific species and determine which antifungal medications will be effective against your infection.

Yeast infections typically cause thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge with itching and irritation. However, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and other conditions can have overlapping symptoms. If you are experiencing recurrent symptoms, provider evaluation is important because self-treatment of a misdiagnosed condition can worsen the problem.

Yes. For patients with a known pattern of recurrent yeast infections, telehealth is an excellent option for management. Your provider can prescribe maintenance therapy, adjust treatment plans, and order cultures when needed. InnoCre Health offers telehealth visits in Maryland, Washington, and Delaware at $68 per visit with HSA/FSA accepted.

Wearing breathable cotton underwear, avoiding tight synthetic clothing, changing out of damp swimsuits and workout clothes promptly, and avoiding douches and scented vaginal products can all reduce recurrence. For people with diabetes, tight glucose control is especially important. Probiotics have mixed evidence, but some patients find Lactobacillus-containing products helpful.

Boric acid 600 mg intravaginal capsules nightly for 14 days are sometimes used for non-albicans Candida infections or fluconazole-resistant cases. It must never be taken by mouth, as oral boric acid is toxic. It is contraindicated in pregnancy. Use should be guided by a provider, especially when cultures suggest a resistant species.

Yeast infections are not typically considered sexually transmitted, but sexual activity can disrupt vaginal flora and trigger symptoms. Some partners may carry Candida, and oral or genital contact occasionally contributes to recurrence. Treating partners is not routinely recommended unless they have symptomatic balanitis (a rash on the penis). Using water-based lubricant and urinating after sex may help reduce flare-ups.

Yeast infections cause thick white discharge with itching but usually no strong odor. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) typically produces thin, gray-white discharge with a fishy odor, especially after sex, and itching is less prominent. They require different treatments — antifungals for yeast, metronidazole or clindamycin for BV — so accurate diagnosis matters. A provider can usually distinguish them based on history and, if needed, testing.

It is generally recommended to avoid vaginal intercourse during active symptoms to allow healing and avoid irritation. Some intravaginal antifungal creams (clotrimazole, miconazole, terconazole) can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms, so backup contraception is important. Resume sexual activity once symptoms have fully resolved.