Vaginal Yeast Infection

What are vaginal yeast infections?

Vaginal yeast infections, also known as candidiasis, are a common female condition. Yeast infections are caused by the fungus Candida. This fungus is associated with intense itching, swelling, and irritation.

Once you get a yeast infection, you’re more likely to get another one.

Vaginal yeast infections can be spread by sexual contact, but in general they aren’t considered a sexually transmitted infection. Treatment for yeast infections is relatively simple, depending on their severity.

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What causes vaginal yeast infections?

The Candida genus of yeast is a naturally occurring microorganism in the vaginal area. Its growth is kept in check by the lactobacillus bacteria. However, these bacteria can’t work effectively if there’s an imbalance in your system. This leads to an overgrowth of yeast, which causes the symptoms of vaginal yeast infections.

Most yeast infections are caused by a specific kind of yeast called Candida albicans. These yeast infections are easily treatable. If you’re having recurring yeast infections or problems getting rid of a yeast infection with conventional treatment, then a different version of Candida might be the culprit. A lab test can let your doctor know which type of Candida you have.

The imbalance that allows the overgrowth of yeast to happen can be due to:

  • antibiotics (they lower the amount of lactobacillus, or good bacteria, in the vagina)
  • pregnancy
  • uncontrolled diabetes
  • weak immune system
  • poor eating habits, including a lot of sugary foods
  • hormonal imbalance near your menstrual cycle
  • stress
  • lack of sleep

What are the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection?

Vaginal yeast infections have a common set of symptoms. Usually the length of time your yeast infection is left untreated has a direct impact on how severe your symptoms are.

Frequent symptoms include:

  • itching
  • burning
  • large or small amounts of vaginal discharge, often whitish gray and thick (although there are also times the discharge can be watery)
  • pain during sex
  • soreness
  • rash

How are vaginal yeast infections diagnosed?

Yeast infections are simple to diagnose. Doctors will normally begin by getting information about your medical history. This will include whether or not you have had prior yeast infections. Normally, doctors will also ask if you have ever had a sexually transmitted infection.

The next step is a pelvic exam. Your doctor will examine your vagina and the surrounding area to see if there are external signs of infection. They will also examine your vaginal walls and cervix. Depending on what your doctor discovers, they will take a vaginal sample to send to the lab for confirmation. Tests are usually ordered only for women that have yeast infections on a regular basis or for infections that won’t go away.

After an initial diagnosis, you may be able to determine the presence of a future yeast infection on your own.

What is the best way to treat a vaginal yeast infection?

Each yeast infection is different, so your doctor will suggest a treatment that’s best for you. Treatments are generally determined based on an infection’s severity.

Simple infections

For simple yeast infections, your doctor will usually prescribe the following treatment(s):

  • A one- to three-day regimen of an antifungal cream, ointment, tablet, or suppository. Common antifungal medications are butoconazole(Gynazole), miconazole (Lotrimin), Monistat, and terconazole (Terazol). These medications can be in prescription or over-the-counter form.
  • A single dose of oral medication, such as fluconazole (Diflucan).

Women with simple yeast infections should follow up with their doctor to make sure the medicine worked. A follow-up will also be necessary if your symptoms return within two months.

Complicated infections

Certain types of Candida will not respond to normal treatment and will require a more aggressive course of action. If you meet one of the following criteria, your doctor will more than likely treat your yeast infection as if it were a severe or complicated case.

  • You have severe redness, swelling, and itching that leads to sores or tears in your vaginal tissue.
  • You have had more than four yeast infections in a year.
  • Your infection is caused by Candida other than albicans.
  • You are pregnant.
  • You have uncontrolled diabetes or a weak immune system from medication or from being HIV-positive.

Possible treatments for severe or complicated yeast infections include:

  • 14-day cream, ointment, tablet, or suppository vaginal treatment
  • two or three doses of fluconazole (Diflucan)
  • long-term prescription of fluconazole (Diflucan) that is taken once a week for six weeks, or long-term use of a topical antifungal medication
  • treatment of your sexual partner or use of condoms when having sex

What natural and alternative solutions are available?

You can treat vaginal yeast infections with natural remedies if you would like to avoid taking prescription medication. These are some popular natural remedies:

  • tea tree oil cream
  • garlic or boric acid vaginal suppositories
  • plain yogurt taken orally or inserted into the vagina

How do you prevent vaginal yeast infections?

In many cases, you may know exactly what led to your yeast infection. For example, some women experience these infections every time they take antibiotics. By recognizing your own risk factors, you can prevent future infections.

Here are some common methods of prevention. Most are targeted at avoiding bacteria growth near the vagina:

  • avoid wearing tight pants, pantyhose, tights, or leggings
  • avoid using feminine deodorant or deodorant tampons or pads
  • don’t sit around in wet clothing, especially bathing suits
  • eat a well-balanced diet
  • eat yogurt or take supplements with lactobacillus
  • wear natural fibers such as cotton, linen, or silk
  • avoid sitting in hot tubs or taking frequent hot tub baths
  • wash underwear in hot water
  • avoid douching
  • replace old feminine products frequently