Yeast Infections - Facts You Need to know
Three out of four women will have a yeast infection in their life time. Half of the women who get a yeast infection will have it more than once.
A yeast infection comes from the vaginal area where small numbers of the ting organism yeast normally lives. When the inside of the vaginal area changes this causes an over growth of yeast called Canida Albicans which is a yeast infection. Menstruation period, diet, birth control pills and condoms are some changes that can cause yeast infections.
If you have a yeast infection you will probably experience any of six different symptoms. The first is an intense itching and burning in the vaginal and vulva area. A vaginal discharge that is white and resembles cottage cheese. A yeast smelling odor is the third symptom. Fourth is pain during intercourse. A swelling or redness of the vulva or skin around the vaginal area. The last possible symptom is burning during urination. Lets sum it up again:
Vaginal Yeast Infection Symtoms
- Intense itching and burning in the vaginal area
- A white vaginal discharge
- Yeast smelling odor
- Pain during intercourse
- Swelling or redness
- Burning during urination
Once you visit your doctor they will perform a vaginal examination to determine if you have a yeast infection. To do this they will take a sample of secretion from the vaginal area, place it on a slide and then send it to the lab.
Vaginal Trichomonas or STD’s can also have symptoms similar to yeast infections so it is important for doctors to check.
Once again, you MUST check with your DOCTOR
Antifungal drugs are typically used to treat yeast infections. The most common antifungal drugs used are clotrimazole or miconazole. The antifungal drugs are given in one of two forms. Either as a cream that is inserted into the vagina with the use of an applicator or a suppository which dissolves on its own once it is placed inside the vagina. To relieve itching a doctor may also give you a cream that can be placed on the vulva. There is a third option which is to take the medication by mouth in pill form.
While yeast infections are common and most women will have them there are things you can do to prevent a yeast infection. You shouldn’t wear tight fitting pants and try to wear cotton, loose underwear. If you wear panty hose and leotards you should try to wear ones with a cotton crotch to keep the genital area ventilated and try not to wear them every day if possible. So bacteria from the rectum doesn’t reach the vagina you should wipe the area from front to back.
Yeast can grow in the vaginal area when there is moisture present so you should change out of a wet swimsuit or damp clothing as soon as possible and you may want to use a blow dryer on a low setting. It is best to stay away from using products such as feminine sprays, deodorant sanitary pads or tampons, bubble bath and colored or perfumed toilet paper. Women who are taking antibiotics, steroid drugs or those with HIV or other immune system diseases are more likely to get a yeast infection. Antibiotics kill the bacteria in the vagina which causes the yeast to spread and grow to infection. Those with immune system disorders have suppressed white blood cells which places them at a greater risk for infections such as a yeast infection.
Related Article: Yeast Infection Symptoms
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