Dealing with a Yeast Infection

What is a Yeast Infection?

A vaginal yeast infection is pain and irritation of the vagina and the surrounding area, called the vulva. It is caused by a large growth of the fungus or yeast in the body. Yeast infections are also known as Candida yeast infections. Yeast normally lives in the vagina in small numbers, but when the bacteria within the vagina become out of balance, the yeast will grow quickly and cause pain. Vaginal yeast infections are very common in women, but it is good to recognize that men can also get yeast infections. Yeast infections in men occur when they have unprotected sex with a partner that has a yeast infection. If both partners are not treated for the yeast infection then they can re-infect each other again and again. Most women will experience a vaginal yeast infection in their lifetime and some might even experience two or more.

Causes Yeast Infections

Causes for vaginal yeast infections and imbalance in the vagina can vary from one individual to the next and can include taking antibiotics or birth control pills; repeated intercourse in a short time span; fungal growth; pregnancy; tight clothing; suppressed immune systems including ones affected by HIV; high carbohydrate intake; and diabetes. Using new detergents, soaps, powders, and body wash may even cause a yeast infection to occur. It truly depends on how sensitive or healthy your immune system.

Yeast Infection Symptoms

Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection can include thick, white cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge, vaginal irritation and itching, a burning sensation during urination, itching of the anus, swelling, redness and cracking of the vulvar skin as well as pain during intercourse. Vaginal yeast infections can be quite painful and stop you from concentrating on your regular activities and routines. It is important to fully recover before having sex again. Vaginal yeast infections should be diagnosed and only treated by a medical professional. If you have never had vaginal yeast infection before you will want to make an appointment with your doctor, because you could have a more serious condition such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. Too many of us self-diagnose and do not receive the right treatments for our infections. Through a vaginal exam your doctor will be able to tell you if you have a yeast infection and will give you the proper advice on treatments for yeast infections. The doctor will either know right away or send samples of your vaginal discharge to the lab to be tested under a microscope. If you have recurring yeast infections, some of the discharge may be cultured to see if yeast or another type of organism is present. There are also home remedy for yeast infections such as eating plain yogurt, but they are not proven as effective as doctor recommended medication and products. When you doctor has confirmed that you have a yeast infection, they will prescribe an over-the-counter cream or suppository such as Monistat, Vagistat, or GyneLotrimin or a popular yeast infection antibiotic pill such as Diflucan that works immediately. These forms of yeast infection treatment vary from a single-dose treatment to a week-long series of treatments. Ask your doctor about which is best for you. Yeast infections are perfectly normal and treatable so please go see your doctor if you are experiencing any of the above yeast infection symptoms.