Topic Overview Of Vaginal Yeast Infections

Is this topic for you? Others (such as bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis) can cause vaginal symptoms that may seem like a yeast infection. If you need help finding out what problem you have, see the Check Your Symptoms section of the topic genital female problems. What is a vaginal yeast infection? Yeast is a fungus that normally lives in the vagina in small amounts. A vaginal infection means that the yeast cells are also growing in the camera vagina. These infections are very common. Although it can bother you a lot, not usually serious. And treatment is simple. What causes a vaginal yeast infection? Most yeast infections are caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. A healthy vagina has many bacteria and a small number of yeast cells. The most common bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus, help keep other organisms-like the yeast under control. When something happens to change the balance of these organisms, yeast can overgrow and cause symptoms. Taking antibiotics sometimes causes this imbalance. High levels of estrogen caused by pregnancy or hormone replacement therapy can cause encephalitis. So certain health problems like diabetes or HIV infection. What are the symptoms? A yeast infection causes itching or burning in the vagina and sometimes causes pain or burning during urination or intercourse. Some women also have a thick, lumpy, white has no odor and looks a little like cottage cheese. These symptoms are more likely to occur during the week before your period. How is a vaginal yeast infection diagnosed? It's easy to guess wrong about a vaginal infection. Consult your doctor if you are not sure what you have or if this is the first time he has had these symptoms. Also check with your doctor if you are pregnant. Your doctor may want to do a vaginal exam. How is it? If you have had a yeast infection and can recognize the symptoms, and you are not pregnant, you can be treated at home with medicines you buy without a prescription. You can use an antifungal cream or suppository that you put into the vagina, or oral antifungal pills. If your symptoms are mild, you may want to wait and see if they resolve on their own. Fungal infections are common during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, do not use medication for a yeast infection without talking to your doctor first. If you use a cream or suppository to treat the infection, do not depend on a condom or diaphragm for birth control. The oil in some medicines weakens latex, the material often used for these devices. Many women have infections that keep coming back. If you have more than four yeast infections in one year, consult your doctor. He or she may do some tests to see if your yeast infection is caused by another condition such as diabetes. Vaginal yeast infections be prevented? You can prevent fungal infections, making sure that your genital area stays as dry as possible and can "breathe." For example: Wear cotton, not nylon, underwear and avoid tight pants and socks. Changing from a wet bathing suit immediately. Avoid douches and sprays, scented toilet paper and deodorant tampons.