Yeast Infections- 02

1- Vaginal Yeast Infections

2- Yeast Infection, or Something Else?
3- Symptoms of a Yeast Infection

4- Vaginal Yeast Infection -- Symptoms
5- What Causes Yeast Infections?
6- Vaginal Yeast Infection -- Treatment

7- When to Self-Treat
8- Over-the-Counter Treatments
9- Treating With Prescription Drugs

10- How to Prevent Yeast Infections
11- Vaginal Yeast Infection -- Prevention

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4- Vaginal Yeast Infection -- Symptoms

Understanding Vaginal Yeast Infections -- Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms of a Vaginal Yeast Infection?

Symptoms of vaginal yeast infections include:

• Pain, sometimes with urination
• Itching, irritation in vulvar region
• Vaginal discharge that may be white and curd-like or watery
• Painful intercourse

5- What Causes Yeast Infections?

Common Causes of Yeast Infections

Did you know that yeast infections can happen anywhere in the body, including your mouth and skin? They can also get into your blood.

More than 20 types of candida (yeast) normally live in your GI tract, on your skin, and in your mucus membranes without causing any problems. Their growth is kept in check by bacteria.But when something happens to kill off the bacteria or change the conditions where yeast lives, it can multiply and cause mild to serious infections.

This article touches on the most common causes.

Medicines

• Antibiotics. If you use broad-spectrum antibiotics like tetracycline or amoxicillin to fight off another infection, these antibiotics can also kill off the healthy bacteria that keep the yeast in check.
• Corticosteroids. The use of inhaled corticosteroids for asthma is linked to oral candidiasis (thrush), a yeast infection in your mouth.

Dentures

People who wear dentures, particularly those who also have diabetes, may be more likely to get thrush. Clean your dentures thoroughly each night to prevent infection.

Douches and Vaginal Sprays

Some products can change the acidity level in your vagina. That encourages the growth of yeast and can remove the helpful bacteria that keep yeast at bay.

Hormones

The change in estrogen and progesterone levels in women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, using hormone replacement therapy, or taking birth control with estrogen can lead to vaginal yeast infections.

Clothing

Wearing underwear (or tight jeans or a wet swimsuit) that doesn’t breathe can increase body heat and moisture in the vagina. This creates conditions yeast likes to grow in. Choose underwear with a cotton crotch, and change out of swimsuits and workout clothes as soon as possible.

Diaper Rash

Change babies’ diapers often. Soiled and wet diapers can lead to diaper rash. Once the skin is irritated, a yeast infection can set in.

Other Medical Causes

• Diabetes. If your diabetes isn’t well-controlled, the increase in sugar in the mucus membranes (moist tissues) of your vagina can create a fertile environment yeast to grow.
• Weakened immune system. If you have HIV/AIDS or another condition that hampers your immune system, your body can’t fight off infections as well. If you’re getting cancer treatment or have had an organ transplant, your chances of getting yeast infections like thrush or invasive candidiasis are higher.
• Hospitalization. When yeast enters the bloodstream, doctors call that invasive candidiasis. It’s most common in people who have recently been admitted to a hospital or live in another type of health care facility, such as a nursing home.

6- Vaginal Yeast Infection -- Treatment

Understanding Vaginal Yeast Infections -- Diagnosis & Treatment

How Is a Vaginal Yeast Infection Diagnosed?

Your doctor may diagnose a vaginal yeast infection based on your description of symptoms and possibly a vaginal exam. During the exam, your doctor may take a vaginal wet smear to look for the yeast under a microscope.

How Are Vaginal Yeast Infections Treated?

If you have had a vaginal yeast infection previously and you're confident that's what you have, you may choose to treat it with an over-the-counter cream or suppository (a medication that dissolves in the vagina). These treatments may cause burning or irritation.

If over-the-counter medications don't help, contact your doctor for treatment with a prescription anti-fungal medication. Some yeast infections are resistant to the more common medications and may require different medications or longer treatment.

Due to the potential for complications, certain women who think they have a vaginal yeast infection should see their doctor and not try to treat it themselves. These women may need longer treatment. They include:

• Women with diabetes
• Pregnant women
• Women with weakened immune systems
• Women with frequent vaginal yeast infections