A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection that causes burning, discharge, and severe itching in the tissues of the vagina and vulva – the vaginal opening. Also called vaginal candidiasis, vaginal yeast infection affects 3 out of 4 women at some point in their lives. Many women experience at least two episodes. Vaginal yeast infection is not considered an STI (sexually transmitted infection). However, the risk of a vaginal yeast infection increases at the time of first regular sexual activity. There is also some evidence that infections may be linked to oral-to-genital contact (oral genitalia). A vaginal yeast infection is not considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI), more commonly known as a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Yeast Infection (Vaginal)
Transmission
Sexual contact can outspread it, but women who are not sexually active can also get it Although yeast infections can happen to anyone at any time, there are certain things that make them more likely to happen. Most infections clear up quickly and easily. The vagina normally has a healthy balance of bacteria and yeast. These bacteria can kill harmful organisms in the vagina and keep you healthy. But when something happens to throw off that balance, a fungus called candida gets out of control and can cause a yeast infection.
Symptoms of a yeast infection will vary from gentle to moderate, and include:
- Itching and burning within the duct and female genitals
- A burning sensation, particularly throughout intercourse or once urinating
- Redness and swelling of the female genitals
- Vaginal aches and pains
- Vaginal itchiness
- Thick, white, odorless emission with a farmer’s cheese look
- Watery emission
Why do vaginal yeast infections occur?
A chemical imbalance in your vagina can cause candida to overgrow. Reasons for happening this are:
- When you take an antibiotic medicine that is treating any type of infection—a urinary tract infection (UTI) is an example. During the treatment of this infection, the good bacteria in the vagina are killed. This virtue bacteria was responsible for keeping the yeast in check. Without it, the stability is thrown off, leading to a yeast infection.
- During pregnancy and when using hormonal contraception (birth control). Your hormones can be on the charts during pregnancy. These changes in your hormones can disrupt the balance of Candida in the vagina.
- If you have diabetes. When you have diabetes, you have too much sugar in your urine and the vagina is affected by the excess sugar.
- Weakening of the immune system. If you have an illness such as HIV or AIDS, your medicines can suppress your immune system.
Diagnosis
A vaginal yeast infection can usually be diagnosed by looking at the symptoms and the lining of the vagina. If the doctor isn’t sure, they may take a sample of vaginal discharge and test it for yeast. Women who have persistent yeast infections or have severe symptoms may need further testing to determine if they have certain risk factors, such as a weakened immune system. If you have frequent yeast infections, it may be a good idea for your partner to see a doctor and get checked. Yeast infections are easy to treat, but it’s important to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis. Other infections can cause alike symptoms but need different treatments. At the visit, your doctor may take a urine sample (to rule out a urinary tract infection) and swab your vaginal discharge to check under a microscope.
Treatment
Yeast infections are usually treated with antifungal medication. See your doctor or nurse make sure you have a vaginal yeast infection and not another type of infection. You can then buy over-the-counter antifungal medication for yeast infection at a store. Antifungal medications come in the form of creams, pills, ointments, or suppositories that you insert into your vagina. Depending on the brand you choose, you can apply the treatment in one dose or daily for up to seven days. Your doctor or nurse may also give you a dose of oral antifungal medicine, such as fluconazole (floo-CON-uh-zohl). If you have more than four vaginal yeast infections a year, or if your yeast infection does not go away after using long-term treatment, you may need to take a regular dose of antifungal medicine for six months. May be required.
Can I get a yeast infection from breastfeeding?
Yes. Breastfeeding can lead to yeast infections on your nipples or in your breasts (commonly called “thrush”). Yeast thrives on milk and moisture. A yeast infection that occurs while you are breastfeeding is different from a vaginal yeast infection. However, it is caused by the overgrowth of a single fungus.
Symptoms of thrush while breastfeeding include:
- Nipple sores often last more few days, especially after several weeks of pain breastfeeding.
- Flaky, shiny, itchy, or cracked nipples
- Dark pink and blistered nipples
- Pain in the breast
- breastfeeding
- Call your doctor if you have any of these signs or symptoms or think your child may have a sore mouth.
Prevention
You can take steps to reduce your risk of yeast infection:
- Do not complain. Douching removes some of the normal bacteria in the vagina, which protects you from infection.
- Avoid using scented feminine products, including bubble baths, sprays, pads, and tampons.
- Change tampons, pads, and panty liners frequently.
- Avoid wearing tight underwear, pantyhose, pants, or jeans. These can increase body heat and humidity in your genital area.
- Wear underwear with a cotton crotch. Cotton underwear helps keep you dry and does not retain heat and moisture.
- Change into wet swimsuits and workout clothes as soon as possible.
- Avoid hot tubs and very hot baths.