Vaginal yeast infection

Based on research, it has been discovered that women tend to be more likely to get vaginal yeast infections If their bodies are under stress from poor diet, lack of sleep, illness, or when they are pregnant or taking antibiotics. 

What is vaginal yeast infection?

Vaginal yeast infections, also called "Candida vaginal infections," typically are caused by the Candida albicans fungus.

During a lifetime, 75% of all women are likely to have at least one vaginal Candida infection, and up to 45% have two or more. Women with immune-suppressing diseases such as diabetes and HIV infection also are at increased risk.

What are the symptoms of the infection?

The symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include: 

  - Vaginal itch or soreness 

  - Thick, white, cheese-like discharge 

  - "Burning" discomfort around the vaginal opening, especially if urine touches the area 

  - Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse. 

Treatment

Vaginal yeast infections can be treated with anti-fungal medicines that are inserted directly into the vagina as tablets, creams, ointments or suppositories. These medications include butoconazole, clotrimazole,miconazole,tioconazole and terconazole. A single dose of oral fluconazole (Diflucan Oral) also may be used, although this treatment is not recommended during pregnancy. 

Although many medications used to treat vaginal yeast infections are now available without a prescription, you should use these medications only for treating repeat infections, not for your first episode. Any woman who experiences symptoms of a vaginal infection for the first time should visit a doctor. This is important to be sure that the vaginal discharge and discomfort is caused by yeast and not sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea, chlamydia or trichomoniasis. 

About 5% of women with vaginal yeast infections develop recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC), which is defined as 4 or more vaginal yeast infections in a 1-year period. Although RVVC is more common in women who have diabetes or weakened immune systems, most women with RVVC have no underlying medical illness that would predispose them to recurrent Candida infections. Medical experts still are trying to determine the most effective way to treat RVVC. Doctors often recommend a combination of a topical antifungal medicine for 7 – 14 days with oral fluconazole, one tablet every other day or every third day over several days. 

When To Call a Professional

Call your doctor whenever you have vaginal discomfort or an abnormal vaginal discharge, especially if you are pregnant. 

However, this infection can be prevented. Prevention they say is better than cure.

How to prevent vaginal yeast infection

  - To help prevent vaginal yeast infections, you can try the following suggestions: 

  - Keep the external genital area clean and dry. 

  - Avoid irritating soaps (including bubble bath), vaginal sprays and douches. 

  - Change tampons and sanitary napkins frequently. 

  - Wear loose cotton (rather than nylon) underwear that doesn't trap moisture. 

  - After swimming, change quickly into your dry clothing instead of sitting in your wet bathing suit    for prolonged periods. 

  - Take antibiotics only when prescribed by your doctor, and never take them for longer than your    doctor directs. 

  - If you are diabetic, try to keep tight control over your blood sugar levels.