yeasst infection?

Question

what is it? how do you know if you have it? and how long does it last if it's not treated? And if you have it what can you do for it?

Answer 1

If you have had it before, you know when you have it again. If you have never had one, you should see a doctor. The reason is that the symptoms of a yeast infection are the same symptoms as an STD. So, the very first time you suspect a yeast infection, you should be formally diagnosed...particularly if you are sexually active.

Usually you know you have a yeast infection due to intense, severe itching in your private area. You will have a discharge that is white with a cottage-cheese type appearance. This discharge will NOT smell. Your vaginal opening will be red and irritated. It will burn to urinate. Intercourse will be painful also.

It will take a long, long time to go away without treatment. You can eat a lot of yogurt to return your vaginal pH to normal but it will take days during which you will suffer. The best thing is to buy a vaginal yeast product from the local drugstore...no prescription is required (such as monistat).

Let me emphasize again. If this is your FIRST experience, see your gyn first. He will need to make sure you are not pregnant (yeast infections are common in pregnancy) and make sure you don't have an STD...that your problem really is a yeast infection. Good luck!