What exactly is a vaginal yeast infection?
A vaginal yeast infection is an infection caused by yeast (a type of fungus). Vaginal yeast infection is sometimes termed as yeast vaginitis, Candidal vaginitis, or perhaps Candidal vulvovaginitis.
The scientific name for the yeast that causes vaginitis can be Candida. Over 90% of vaginal yeast infections are brought on by the species known as Yeast infection. Other Candida species make-up the remainder of thrush infections.
Most women have some sort of vaginal yeast infection at some point. Candida albicans is a typical type of fungus. It is sometimes found in small amounts within the vagina, mouth, digestive system, and on the skin. Usually, it does definitely not cause disease or signs.
Candida species can be present in healthy women in the vagina without causing any symptoms. In fact, it is estimated that 20% to 50% of women have Candida already present in the vagina. For an infection to occur, the normal balance of yeast and bacteria is disturbed, allowing overgrowth of the yeast. While yeast can be spread by sexual contact, vaginal yeast infection is not considered to be a sexually-transmitted disease because it can also occur in women who are not sexually active, due to the fact that yeast can be present in the vagina of healthy women.
Vaginal yeast infections aren’t considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Sexual contact can spread it, but women who aren’t sexually active can also get them. Once you get a yeast infection, you’re also more likely to get another one.
What are the possible causes of a vaginal yeast infection?
- Antibiotics (they lower how much lactobacillus, or good bacteria, in the vagina)
- Pregnancy
- Out of control diabetes
- Weak immune method
- Douching
- Poor eating practices, including a lot connected with sugary foods
- Hormonal imbalance near your period
- Stress
- Lack of rest
What are the symptoms of vaginal yeast infection?
The most common symptom of a candida is extreme itchiness close to the vagina.
Other signs include:
- Burning, redness, and swelling of the vagina and the vulva
- Pain when passing urine
- Pain while having sex
- Soreness
- A thick, white vaginal discharge that seems like cottage cheese and does not have a bad smell
- A rash on the vagina
You may only have some of these symptoms. They may possibly be mild or severe.
Prevention
Avoid persistent and excessive moisture inside the genital area by using underwear or pantyhose with cotton crotches, and loose-fitting pants. Avoid wearing wet swimming costumes or exercise clothing for a long time, and wash them right after each use.
Treatment
Medications to treat vaginal yeast infections can be found in either creams or suppositories. Most can be obtained without a prescription.
Treating yourself in the home is probably okay if:
- Your symptoms are mild and a sensational scene pelvic pain or a fever
- This is not your first candida albicans and you have certainly not had many yeast infections during the past
- You are not pregnant
- You are not worried about other sexually transmitted ailments from recent sexual contact
To help prevent in addition to treat vaginal discharge:
- Keep genital area clean in addition to dry.
- Avoid soap, in addition, to rinse with water merely.
- Sitting in a hot, but not hot, a bath can help your symptoms.
- Avoid douching.
- Although some women feel cleaner if they douche after menstruation or maybe intercourse, it may actually worsen vaginal discharge because doing so removes healthy bacteria liner the vagina that drives back infection.
- Use condoms to stay away from catching or spreading sexually fed infection (STI).
- Avoid applying feminine hygiene sprays, scents, or powders in the particular genital area.
- Avoid using extremely tight-fitting pants or maybe shorts, which may result in irritation.
- Wear cotton panties or cotton-crotch pantyhose.
- Avoid underwear crafted from silk or nylon, because these materials are not very absorbant and restrict air flow. This can increase sweating inside the genital area, which could potentially cause irritation.
- Use pads instead of tampons.
- Keep your blood glucose under good control in case you have diabetes.
