What is a Vaginal Yeast Infection?
A vaginal yeast infection is irritation of
the vagina and the area around it called the vulva
(vul-vuh).
Yeast is a type of fungus. Yeast infections are caused by
overgrowth of the fungus
Candida albicans. Small amounts of yeast
are always in the vagina. But when too much yeast grows, you
can get an infection.
Yeast infections are very common. About 75 percent of women
have one during their lives. And almost half of women have two
or more vaginal yeast infections.
What are the signs of a vaginal yeast infection?
The most common symptom of a yeast infection is extreme
itchiness in and around the vagina.
Other symptoms include:
-
burning, redness, and
swelling of the vagina and the vulva
-
pain when passing
urine
-
pain during sex
-
soreness
-
a thick, white vaginal
discharge that looks like cottage cheese and does not
have a bad smell
-
a rash on the vagina
You may only have a few of these symptoms. They may be mild
or severe.
Should I call my doctor if I think I have a yeast
infection?
Yes, you need to see your doctor to find out for sure if you
have a vaginal yeast infection. The signs of a vaginal yeast
infection are much like those of sexually transmitted
infections (STIs) like Chlamydia (KLUH-mid-ee-uh) and gonorrhea
(gahn-uh-REE-uh). So, it's hard to be sure you have a yeast
infection and not something more serious.
If you've had vaginal yeast infections before, talk to your
doctor about using over-the-counter medicines.
How is a vaginal yeast infection diagnosed?
Your doctor will do a pelvic exam to look for swelling and
discharge. Your doctor may also use a swab to take a fluid
sample from your vagina. A quick look with a microscope or a
lab test will show if yeast is causing the problem.
Why did I get a yeast infection?
Many things can raise your risk of a vaginal yeast
infection, such as:
-
stress
-
lack of sleep
-
illness
-
poor eating habits,
including eating extreme amounts of sugary foods
-
pregnancy
-
having your period
-
taking certain medicines,
including birth control pills, antibiotics, and
steroids
-
diseases such as poorly
controlled diabetes and HIV/AIDS
-
hormonal changes during your periods
Can I get a vaginal yeast infection from having sex?
Yes, but it is rare. Most often, women don’t get yeast
infections from sex. The most common cause is a weak immune
system.
How are vaginal yeast infections treated?
Vaginal yeast infections can be cured with anti fungal
medicines that come as:
These products can be bought over the counter at the drug
store or grocery store. Your doctor can also prescribe you a
single dose of oral fluconazole (floo-con-uh-zohl). But do not
use this drug if you are pregnant.
Infections that don’t respond to these medicines are
starting to be more common. Using antifungal medicines when you
don't really have a yeast infection can raise your risk of
getting a hard-to-treat infection in the future.
Is it safe to use over-the-counter medicines for vaginal
yeast infections?
Yes, but always talk with your doctor before treating
yourself for a vaginal yeast infection if you:
Studies show that two-thirds of women who buy these products
don’t really have a yeast infection. Using these medicines the
wrong way may lead to a hard-to-treat infection. Plus, treating
yourself for a yeast infection when you really have something
else may worsen the problem. Certain STIs that go untreated can
cause cancer, infertility, pregnancy problems, and other health
problems.
If you decide to use these over-the-counter medicines, read and
follow the directions carefully. Some creams and inserts may
weaken condoms and diaphragms.
If I have a vaginal yeast infection, does my sexual partner
need to be treated?
Vaginal yeast infections are not STIs, and health experts
don’t know for sure if they are transmitted sexually. About 12
to 15 percent of men get an itchy rash on the penis if they
have unprotected sex with an infected woman. If this happens to
your partner, he should see a doctor. Men who haven’t been
circumcised are at higher risk.
Lesbians may be at risk for spreading yeast infections to
their partner(s). Research is still being done to know for
sure. If your female partner has any symptoms, she should also
be tested and treated.
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How can I avoid getting another vaginal yeast
infection?
To help prevent vaginal yeast infections, you can:
-
avoid douches
-
avoid scented hygiene
products like bubble bath, sprays, pads, and
tampons
-
change tampons and pads
often during your period
-
avoid tight underwear or
clothes made of synthetic fibers
-
wear cotton underwear and
pantyhose with a cotton crotch
-
change out of wet
swimsuits and exercise clothes as soon as you can
-
avoid hot tubs and very hot baths
If you keep getting yeast infections, be sure and talk with
your doctor.
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