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What Is Vaginal Yeast Infection?
Yeast infection is also known as candidiasis or vagina thrush is a fungi infection of the vagina and vulva. It is caused by the overgrowth of fungus candida. This overgrowth is a result of a change in the vaginal bacteria balance.
The vagina has a natural healthy balance of bacteria and yeast. The estrogen helps bacteria called lactobacilli to grow. These bacteria fight harmful organisms in the vagina and keep your vagina healthy. When the balance of the vagina bacteria and yeast changes, there will be a multiplication In the growth of yeast and other bacteria. This could cause yeast infection and other vagina infections like bacterial vaginosis.
Vagina yeast infections are not regarded as sexually transmitted diseases. It can be spread by sexual contact, but women who aren’t sexually active can also get them.
Symptoms Of Vaginal Yeast Infection.
These symptoms are peculiar to yeast infection, these symptoms are severe when left untreated.
- White-grey discharge, sometimes thick or watery.
- Redness and swelling of the tissue around the opening of the vagina (vulva).
- Itchy vagina.
- Burning sensation during urination and sex.
- Pain during sex.
Causes Of Yeast Infection.
Vaginal Yeast Infection is caused by a change in the balance of the vaginal bacteria. Usually, lactobacilli outnumber other organisms and bacteria, it fights harmful organisms and keeps the growth of other vagina microorganisms in check. If there is an upset in the natural balance of the microorganisms in your vagina, it would cause an overgrowth of certain organisms like fungus candida (yeast).
Factors That Could Cause the overgrowth of Yeast(Fungus candida):
- Douches and vaginal spray: These hygiene products can upset the balance of the vaginal bacteria. The vagina is self-cleaning douches and other hygiene products are unnecessary.
- Antibiotics: some Antibiotics can kill off many of the lactobacilli in the vagina, making you susceptible to infections.
- Hormones: Changes during pregnancy, menopause, breastfeeding can cause changes in the vagina balance.
- Diabetes: when diabetes is not well controlled, the increase in the sugar membrane (moist linings) of your vagina can create a place for yeast to grow.
- Sex: Yeast infection can be passed from one person to the other through sexual intercourse.
- Weakened Immune System: If you have an immune system disorder, yeast may grow uncontrollably.
- Stress.
- Lack of Sleep.
How To Reduce The Risk Of Vaginal Yeast Infection.
- Stop the use of douches and scent feminine products.
- Avoid wearing tight underwear.
- Do not wear wet Underwear.
- Wear breathable underwear, cotton underwear preferably.
- When cleaning up, clean front to back so that you don’t transfer bacteria and other organisms from the anus to the vagina.
- Consume Greek yogurt and other products rich in probiotics, it will help restore the vagina balance by promoting the growth of good bacteria (lactobacilli).
- Avoid extra hot baths.
Diagnosis
Pelvic examination: Your doctor will examine your vaginal walls and cervix. They will also look at the surrounding area for external signs of infections.
Lab Test: your doctor may collect some cells from your vagina. These cells go to a lab for examination. Lab tests are usually ordered for women who have yeast infections on a regular basis or for infections that won’t go away.
Treatment For Vaginal Yeast Infection.
If you notice symptoms of yeast infections book an appointment with your doctor for proper treatment. There are different drugs doctors use to treat yeast infection, your doctor will recommend the most suitable for you in respect to the severity of your symptoms.
Here is a list of some drugs doctors use:
- Terconazole (Terazol).
- Butoconazole (Gynazole).
- Miconazole (Monistat).
- Clotrimazole (Lotrimin).
- Fluconazole (Diflucan).
Disclaimer: This is not a prescription, visit your doctor for proper medication.
