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Vaginal Yeast Infections
What are the symptoms of vaginal yeast
infection?
Seventy-five percent of all women will experience at least one
vaginal yeast infection during her life and many are plagued by
recurrent yeast infections. Learning to recognize the symptoms of
vaginal yeast infection is vital before women attempt
self-treatment.
Symptoms of yeast infection include itching, burning, redness, and
irritation of the vaginal area. Severe yeast infections may cause
swelling of the vulva and in some cases women experience painful
and/or frequent urination which is caused by inflammation of the
urinary opening.
Excessive vaginal discharge which is thicker than normal, appears
whiter and curd-like (almost like cottage cheese) will be apparent in
women experiencing vaginal yeast infections. Sexual intercourse may
be painful due to the inflammation and
dryness of the vaginal discharge.
What causes yeast infections?
Canidida albicans is a yeast
like fungus which is often found in the mouth, vagina, and
intestinal tract; it is a normal inhabitant of humans that usually
does not cause any adverse effects. Canidida of the mouth is
known as thrush and is often found in infants and people with a
variety of health conditions. When canidida is found in the
vagina it is known as yeast infection or monilial
vaginitis.
Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of the normal fungi
that lives in the vaginal area. The most common fungi is Canidida
albicans. Overgrowth of Canidida is often precluded by
recent use of antibiotics, or by wearing clothing such as nylon or
lycra that traps moisture and heat. Other factors that often
contribute to yeast infections include pregnancy,
obesity, PMS, multiple
sclerosis, and diabetes.
Yeast infections are common among women infected by HIV and women
who suffer from recurrent episodes of yeast infection should be
tested for HIV infection. Other possible causes include the use of
oral contraceptives, and consuming large
amounts of sugars, starch, and yeasts.
If it's not a yeast infection, what could it
be?
Bacterial vaginitis is a far more prevalent vaginal
infection than yeast infection and is characterized by a foul
odor which is not present in yeast infection. Untreated bacterial
vaginitis can result in pelvic inflammatory
disease and lead to future infertility.
It is imperative that a woman who is self-treating what she thinks is
a yeast infection be positive that her vaginal infection is actually
caused by yeast and not some other infection or STD.
Sexually transmitted diseases such as
gonorrhea and herpes can be mistaken for yeast infections because
some of the symptoms are similar--there is discharge associated with
gonorrhea and herpes may often cause itching. Unless a woman is
absolutely positive that her vaginal infection is yeast, she should
seek the advice of her physician before self-treatment begins.
Treating vaginal yeast
infections...
Women spend $60 million annually on OTC products and many times
canidida albicans is not the true culprit. Vaginal yeast
infections commonly are misdiagnosed by women who buy one of the
over-the-counter remedies which are available in the U.S.
Self-treatment of vaginal yeast infections should never be attempted
by any woman who has never been first diagnosed for at least one
yeast infection by her physician.
If a woman is able to determine that her symptoms are truly caused
by yeast, she has several treatment options she may choose from
including a variety of creams which are available at pharmacies
throughout the U.S. Treatments with OTC products range from one to
seven days. Creams available include brand names such as Monistat,
Femstat, Gyne-Lotrimin, and Mycostatin. Homeopathic creams, as well
are available such as Vagisil which is at least helpful in reducing
the incessant itching that is present in most yeast infections.
Women who prefer a less messy alternative to the creams that are
sold OTC may ask her physician for a prescription medication such as
Diflucan which is a one dose oral medication for the treatment of
yeast infection. Other oral medications include Nizoral which
requires that oral medication be taken for seven to fourteen days
either once or twice daily, depending on your physician's
recommendations.
Vaginal suppositories and tablets are another alternative, as is
treatment with boric acid capsules. Women can make their own boric
acid capsules by purchasing boric acid powder in the eye care section
of most drug stores; it should be packed loosely into size "0"
capsules (available at most pharmacies and health food stores).
Treatment for current yeast infections with boric acid capsules
requires that one capsule be inserted as deeply as possible into the
vagina morning and evening for five to seven days; women who suffer
from recurrent yeast infections may use one capsule vaginally at
bedtime twice weekly beginning one week after menstruation for
prevention.
Remember, it is always advisable to phone your physician to
discuss your symptoms and ask for his/her recommendation regarding
the type of treatment that is best for you.
Tips to Prevent Yeast
Infections
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Always wear white cotton panties; avoid nylon and lycra
as much as possible; never wear panty hose without
wearing cotton panties underneath.
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Post menopausal women and women who use oral
contraceptives may find using a vaginal lubricant during
sexual intercourse helpful in preventing vaginal discomfort
and irritation.
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Yeast is a normal inhabitant of the intestinal tract;
always wipe from front to back after a bowel movement
to prevent transferring yeast to the vaginal area; care must
be taken during sexual intercourse to prevent vaginal
infections from occurring due to contamination with
organisms from the bowel or rectum.
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Some women find eating one cup of yogurt a day when
taking antibiotics is helpful to prevent the yeast
infections that often follow antibiotic treatment; however
yogurt alone will not cure vaginal yeast
infections.
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Avoid perfumed bath additives, as well as powders in the
vaginal area. Douching is never a good idea since it
washes away the natural protective mucous of the vagina and
leaves women susceptible to vaginal infections
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