What is a vaginal yeast infection?
Yeast infection info you should know
Vaginal yeast infections are caused by a fungus called Candida albicans, which are organisms that normally live
in small numbers on the skin and inside the vagina. Normally, the acidic environment of the vagina helps keep yeast
from growing. However, if the vagina becomes less acidic due to any number of factors, too many yeast can grow and
cause a vaginal infection. The acidic balance of your vagina can be disrupted by your period, pregnancy, diabetes,
some antibiotics, birth control pills and steroids. Increased irritation and moisture in the vagina can also
encourage yeast to grow.
Yeast infection symptoms
Although yeast infections may be very uncomfortable, they are usually not serious. Symptoms include itching and
burning in the vagina and around the vulva, a white vaginal discharge that may look like cottage cheese, pain
during sexual intercourse, and welling of the vulva
Yeast infections are common and 3/4 of women will have one at some time in their lives. Half of all women have
more than one infection in their lives. If you have symptoms of a yeast infection, you should talk to your doctor
about your symptoms to determine whether a yeast infection is the cause.
Treating a yeast infection
Yeast infections are normally medicine that you put into your vagina. This medication may be a cream that you
insert in your vagina or it may be a suppository that you put into your vagina that dissolves. Topical medicine can
also be put on your vulva to help relieve itching. Medicine in a pill form is also available.
Consulting a doctor about a yeast infection
To make sure you actually have a yeast infection, you should consult your doctor when you have a yeast infection
for the first time, since it's very important to make sure you have a yeast infection before you start taking
medicine. The symptoms of a yeast infection closely mimic symptoms of certain other STDs, and treating yourself for
a yeast infection when you actually have another type of infection may make the problem much worse. If you have
been frequently diagnosed with yeast infections, talk to your doctor about using an over-the-counter medicine.
Avoiding another yeast infection
To avoid another yeast infection, don't wear tight-fitting or synthetic-fiber clothes and try wearing cotton
panties. Don't wear pantyhose or leotards every day. You can also try using your blow dryer on a low, cool setting
to help dry your genital area after you bathe or shower and before getting dressed. In addition, wipe from front to
back after using the toilet. This may help prevent the bacteria that normally live in your rectum from getting into
your vagina. Finally, change out of wet swimsuits or other damp clothes as soon as you can.
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