Untreated Yeast Infection: How Long Does It Last and Potential Risks

Yeast infections (also known as vaginal candidiasis) are a common and frustrating issue for many women, often bringing uncomfortable symptoms like itching, burning, and thick discharge.

Caused by an overgrowth of Candida (usually Candida albicans), a vaginal yeast infection is a common fungal infection that occurs when the natural balance of yeast and bacteria in the vagina is disrupted. While some may wonder if a yeast infection can go away on its own, the answer depends on several factors, including the severity of the infection, the Candida strain involved, and individual risk factors such as antibiotic use, hormonal changes, diabetes, or a weakened immune system.

Left untreated, a vaginal yeast infection can persist and worsen, potentially leading to complications like severe inflammation, tissue damage, and recurring infections. Below, we explore how long an untreated yeast infection might last, what symptoms to watch for, and why timely treatment is important for both comfort and long-term vaginal health.

Can a vaginal yeast infection go away on its own?

In some cases, a mild yeast infection may clear up on its own without treatment, but this is very rare. There are several reasons why getting a yeast infection treated is better than waiting for a yeast infection to go away on its own:

• Speed of recovery: Without treatment, symptoms can persist for weeks, causing significant discomfort.
• Preventing complications: Untreated yeast infections can lead to more severe infections and complications.
• Recurrence: Proper treatment can reduce the likelihood of frequent yeast infections.
• Other infections: Yeast infections share the same symptoms as other infections, including chlamydia. This means you may think you have a yeast infection, but something else is causing your symptoms and needs attention, stat. It happens more often than you’d think — one study found that 69% of those who thought they had a yeast infection had something else. 

If you’re experiencing yeast infection symptoms, don’t hesitate to see a doctor to get the appropriate treatment and guidance. 

What happens if a yeast infection is left untreated? 

While a vaginal yeast infection might seem like a minor annoyance at first, leaving it untreated can lead to several uncomfortable and potentially more serious issues. In the short term, the most common symptoms — like itching (pruritus), vaginal soreness, painful intercourse (dyspareunia), burning during urination (external dysuria), and unusual discharge — can become more intense over time. These symptoms can start to interfere with your daily life, sleep, and relationships.

If the infection is not addressed, it may become more complicated. This is especially true for people with weak immune systems or chronic health conditions like diabetes. In these cases, the infection might require longer or stronger treatment, and recovery can take more time. Even in otherwise healthy individuals, persistent symptoms can lead to considerable discomfort and distress.

Another risk is developing recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC), which is defined as having three or more yeast infections in a year. RVVC can be physically and emotionally exhausting, often affecting quality of life and requiring long-term antifungal therapy to manage.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends treating yeast infections promptly to avoid complications and reduce the risk of recurrence. Treatment is usually straightforward and involves antifungal medication, either applied directly to the affected area or taken by mouth, depending on the severity.

While it might be tempting to wait and see if they clear up on its own, it's best to treat vaginal yeast infections early. Doing so helps relieve symptoms quickly, prevents complications, and reduces the chance of dealing with recurring infections later on.

Symptoms of a severe yeast infection

Complicated yeast infections can be especially uncomfortable and more disruptive than mild or moderate cases. While many yeast infections are manageable with simple treatment, more severe infections involve stronger symptoms that can affect your daily comfort and well-being. Here are the severe symptoms to look out for if you suspect a more serious yeast infection:

• Noticeable swelling around the vulva (vulvar edema): the area may feel puffy or tender.
• Bright red irritation (extensive erythema): redness that spreads and feels inflamed
• Raw or scratched skin (excoriations): often caused by intense itching or rubbing
• Painful cracks or splits (fissures): small but uncomfortable tears in the skin
• Severe itching and burning: more intense than what you'd expect from a mild infection
• Pain with sex (dyspareunia)
• A stinging or burning sensation when you pee (dysuria)
• Thick, white discharge: still common in severe infections, often with a cottage cheese-like texture.

More serious yeast infections might need longer or stronger antifungal medicine, so it’s a good idea to see a doctor to get the relief you need and prevent things from getting worse.

Untreated yeast infections during pregnancy

Pregnancy brings a lot of changes to your body, including an increased chance of experiencing a yeast infection. This happens because the hormonal shifts, particularly the rise in estrogen and progesterone, can lead to more glycogen in your vaginal tissues. Unfortunately, this is something that the Candida fungus loves, and it can cause yeast growth. Alongside these hormonal changes, your immune system is also adjusting, making it easier for yeast infections to pop up.

While yeast infections aren't usually harmful during pregnancy, it's a good idea to address them as soon as possible. Untreated infections can lead to discomfort, irritation, and even the possibility of passing the infection to your baby during vaginal delivery. 

Luckily, yeast infections can be treated safely while you're pregnant. Most healthcare providers recommend using topical antifungal creams or suppositories, like clotrimazole or miconazole, which are effective and considered safe for both you and your baby. It’s best to avoid oral fluconazole during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, due to potential risks.

When to see a healthcare provider

You should seek medical attention if your symptoms persist, worsen, or keep coming back. Ignoring the signs of a yeast infection for too long can lead to complications, ongoing discomfort, and even misdiagnosis of a more serious condition.

You should see a doctor if:

• Your symptoms last more than a few days without improvement. 
• This is your first yeast infection, and you’re unsure about the diagnosis. 
• You have frequent or recurrent yeast infections (three or more in a year). 
• Your symptoms are severe, including swelling, cracking, or bleeding. 
• You’re pregnant and suspect a yeast infection. 
• You have a weakened immune system (e.g., from diabetes, HIV, or chemotherapy). 
• Over-the-counter treatments haven’t worked, or symptoms return shortly after treatment. 
• You notice unusual symptoms, such as foul-smelling discharge, fever, or pelvic pain, which could indicate a different infection. 

Getting medical advice ensures that you receive the right diagnosis and treatment — especially since other vaginal infections (like bacterial vaginosis) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can mimic yeast infection symptoms.

FAQ

How long do yeast infections last without treatment?

If it's not promptly treated, a yeast infection can last for several weeks or even longer. The exact duration can vary based on several factors, including the severity of the infection and your overall health. While mild yeast infections might eventually clear up on their own, they can cause significant discomfort and are prone to recurring or worsening without proper treatment. Seeking medical advice and using appropriate antifungal treatments can help speed up recovery and alleviate symptoms effectively.

What will happen if a yeast infection is left untreated?

If a vaginal yeast infection is left untreated, symptoms of a yeast infection like itching and burning, or unusual vaginal discharge can persist and may become more uncomfortable over time. Untreated yeast infections can sometimes progress into more serious infections, leading to redness, swelling, and cracks or sores around the vagina. These severe infections are still treatable, but they are much more uncomfortable and take longer to clear up. If you're pregnant, you can pass on a yeast infection to the baby during childbirth, potentially leading to oral thrush or diaper rash. Pregnant women are also more prone to recurrent infections due to hormonal changes, making it essential to treat the infection promptly.

Can my yeast infection go away naturally?

Yes, in some cases, a mild vaginal yeast infection can go away naturally without treatment. However, this isn't always guaranteed, and it’s not really worth the wait. Most yeast infections will need either over-the-counter treatment or prescription antifungal medication. Untreated vaginal yeast infections can lead to complications, and the longer you wait to treat it, the harder it is. There are no proven “natural” remedies for yeast infections. 

Will my period flush out my yeast infection?

No, getting your period won’t flush out a vaginal yeast infection. If anything, being on your period can make it easier for a vaginal yeast infection to develop. Period blood is slightly alkaline, which can temporarily elevate the vaginal pH and make you more susceptible to vaginal infections. Luckily, you can still treat a yeast infection if you’re on your period.