A vaginal yeast infection may cause itchiness, burning, or pain in the vagina or a thick white discharge from the vagina.
It is usually not serious and can be treated with antifungal medication.
What Is a Vaginal Yeast Infection?
The vagina naturally contains bacteria that can cause an overgrowth of yeast cells when there is an imbalance. This causes vaginal yeast infection, the symptoms of which are itching, irritation, and swelling.
A vaginal yeast infection clears up within a few days if it is treated.
Yeast Infection Symptoms
These are the main symptoms of vaginal yeast infection:
- Soreness.
- Itch.
- Rash.
- Swelling.
- Redness
- Pain and burning during sex.
- White or yellow vaginal discharge.
Yeast Infection Causes
Candida is a microorganism that grows naturally in the vagina.
However, Candida overgrowth causes symptoms of vaginal yeast infection.
Some factors that can cause yeast infection are:
- Stress.
- Antibiotics.
- Hormonal imbalance.
- Pregnancy.
- Weak immune system.
- Diabetes.
How Are Vaginal Yeast Infections Diagnosed?
When you consult your doctor, he will ask you if you have had yeast infections before. He will then do a pelvic exam to examine the walls of the vagina.
Your doctor may order a lab test to analyze the cells in your vagina.
Yeast Infection Treatment
Every yeast infection is different, so every treatment is different.
1. Simple Infections
In uncomplicated infections, a regimen of antifungal creams or suppositories is prescribed that lasts between 1 and 6 days.
Some over-the-counter medications are:
- Fluconazole.
- Butoconazole.
- Terconazole.
- Clotrimazole.
- Miconazole.
2. Complicated Infections
Yeast infection is considered severe if you are pregnant, have HIV, have more than one infection per year, or have diabetes.
Among the main treatments for severe yeast infections are:
- Two or three doses of fluconazole.
- Two-week vaginal treatment with creams or suppositories.
- Take fluconazole once a day for 6 weeks.
Yeast Infection Home Remedy
You can also use natural remedies to treat fungal infections, such as coconut oil, garlic, tea tree oil cream, or plain yogurt.
Remember that it is always important to consult your doctor before resorting to any remedy, even if it is natural.
Yeast Infection in Men
Men can also get yeast infections.
In general, penile yeast infections are caused by having unprotected sex with someone who has a vaginal yeast infection.
Yeast Infection in Women
As for women, it is more common for them to have a yeast infection. In fact, an estimated 75 out of 100 women had a vaginal yeast infection at least once in their life.
See your doctor if you have more than one vaginal yeast infection per year.
Yeast Infection in Babies
The most common yeast infection in babies is diaper rash.
You can tell if it is more than a diaper rash if the skin around the groin is extremely red and with spots that do not go away with the cream.
Consult the pediatrician if you find these symptoms so that he can diagnose the baby.
Are Yeast Infections Contagious?
Yeast infections are not considered sexually transmitted diseases, although, on rare occasions, the condition can be passed from one partner to another.
You can even transmit the yeast infection to your baby if you have a vaginal yeast infection at the time of delivery.
Yeast Infection in Pregnancy
Yeast infections are common during pregnancy due to hormonal fluctuation.
Consult your doctor if you suspect a vaginal yeast infection and are pregnant, as the treatment is different. Topical antifungal treatments are generally used.
Yeast Infection Vs. UTI
Another infection that commonly affects women is urinary tract infection (UTI).
It is caused by bacteria that affect the urinary system.
While both can occur together, UTI is different from vaginal yeast infection.
Yeast Infection Test
If this is the first time that this has happened to you, it is advisable to consult a doctor to make a proper diagnosis.
The doctor will examine you, and once he has verified that it is indeed a fungal infection, he will prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Yeast Infection After Sex
Both vaginal intercourse and penetration with sex toys or fingers can introduce bacteria into the vaginal area.
Another possibility is getting it from a man who has a penile yeast infection. The bacteria can also infect the mouth if oral sex is performed.
Yeast Infection Vs. BV
Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection in women.
However, it is not a fungal infection, but an imbalance of bacteria causes it.
While a vaginal yeast infection does not cause long-term problems, Bacterial vaginosis does. That is why you must treat it quickly.
Yeast Infection Prevention
To prevent a vaginal yeast infection, avoid:
- Douching.
- Wear very tight underwear.
- Sit in hot tubs.
- Using vaginal deodorants or scented tampons.
- Wearing a wet bathing suit for a long time.
Yeast Infection Essential Oils
Before using essential oils to treat fungal infections, it is advisable to apply them to a small skin area to make sure you are not allergic.
Also, it is important to dilute them before applying them to the vagina.
Yeast Infection And Periods
Vaginal yeast infections are more common at the end of your period.
This is so due to an imbalance of hormones.
Visit your doctor if symptoms do not improve after your period has ended.
