Yeast infections can actually happen to all genders, but this will focus on vaginal yeast infections.

Yeast infections are incredibly common. Yeast can live naturally on our skin and in vaginal flora. However, a yeast infection is when the yeast growth is significant enough to cause symptoms. The symptoms are typically itching and a thicker, white vagina discharge. Burning with urination may occur as well. 

You don’t NEED to see a doctor to be diagnosed with a yeast infection. There are medications that you can buy at the drugstore to treat it—they involve a medicine that you put on your vagina. However, if you want to confirm the diagnosis (or if you want the option of a pull to treat the infection) it’s worth a visit to the doctor. 

Some people are just more susceptible to yeast infections. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about. One thing that can put anyone at risk is antibiotics. If you’re given antibiotics for whatever reason (UTI, ear infection...) you may find that you develop a yeast infection afterward. This is very common—just be aware.