What exactly is yeast infection and how can you tell when you have it?

Answer 1

Hi Jennifer here is some information pertaining to your question.

What is a vaginal yeast infection?

A vaginal yeast infection is an excess growth of yeast cells in the vagina. Yeast infections are very common in women of childbearing age but can occur at any age. Although they can be uncomfortable, vaginal yeast infections rarely lead to serious health problems.

What causes a vaginal yeast infection?

A healthy vagina normally contains many bacteria and small numbers of yeast cells. The most common bacteria found in the vagina, Lactobacillus acidophilus, help prevent other organisms, such as yeast, from growing in excess and causing an infection. About 70% to 90% of yeast infections are caused by a strain of yeast called Candida albicans. 1, 2

When there is a change in the normal balance of organisms in the vagina, yeast can overgrow, causing symptoms. This imbalance can be caused by many factors, including use of broad-spectrum antibiotics for other conditions, high estrogen levels (as during pregnancy or hormone replacement therapy), or certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or HIV infection.



What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are:

Vaginal itching.
Irritated genital skin.
Pain or burning in the genital area with urination or sexual intercourse.
In some cases, white vaginal discharge that is usually curdlike and odorless. Some women have no noticeable discharge.
Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are more likely to occur during the week before a menstrual period.

How is a vaginal yeast infection diagnosed?

Vaginal itching and a white vaginal discharge that is odorless and looks like cottage cheese are classic signs of a vaginal yeast infection. However, it's easy to misdiagnose a vaginal infection. If your symptoms are not typical of a yeast infection, you aren't certain of your diagnosis, or you're pregnant and have symptoms, see your health professional. A vaginal exam and possibly a culture of vaginal discharge can help diagnose whether another type of organism is present.

How is it treated?

A vaginal yeast infection is usually treated with a vaginal antifungal cream, tablet, or suppository for several days. While some women prefer taking a tablet by mouth, oral treatment may be reserved for recurrent infection that may be caused by yeast throughout the body. This is mainly because oral medication affects the entire body, and vaginal treatment limits its effect to the genital area. Oral antifungal medication can cause side effects such as headache, nausea, and abdominal pain; vaginal treatment is unlikely to cause side effects.

Nonprescription vaginal medications are available for treating vaginal yeast infection; vaginal boric acid capsules are another option. If you have had a vaginal yeast infection before, are not pregnant, and are certain your present symptoms are the same as during the previous infection, you can self-treat your infection. If you have a yeast infection that keeps returning despite treatment, see your health professional. A recurring yeast infection can be a sign of another health problem.

Yeast infections are common during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, do not use any medication without first discussing your symptoms with your health professional.

Can vaginal yeast infections recur?

Yes. A yeast infection is considered to be recurrent if you have four or more infections that cause symptoms and are unrelated to antibiotic use within 1 year. Severe or persistent yeast infections are a problem for about 5% of affected women and can be related to diabetes, pregnancy, or another health condition. 2

If you have a recurrent vaginal yeast infection, your health professional may do a culture to confirm that yeast is present. You may also be tested for certain conditions that could be making you more vulnerable to yeast overgrowth, such as diabetes or HIV infection.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

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Answer 4

Vaginal discharge changes in thickness and smells more, even when u take a bath daily u will notice it smells nasty by the evning

If u notice these symptoms, go to ur GP about it and dont have sex or oral sex until it is cleared - unless u want ur partner to catch the mouth version of the infection from you!

Hope this helps

Answer 5

We all have yeast in our bodies. When it becomes unbalanced, we have symptoms like itching and discharge. Yeast in the mouth is thrush. They are both easily treated with OTC meds. Oh, and it can be passed from one person to another.

Answer 6

stinky and itchy becomes intolerable. take care of it right away. some women are more prone to yeast infections than other women but you must take care of it right away.

when you poo wipe away from vagina and be thorough. wear cotton panties, not nylon or silk. bath regularly. Never douche, it strips the lining of the uterus leaving room for infection. eat more fruits and veggies and less fatty foods. drink lots of water and cranberry juice (not cocktail juice, real juice) but stay away from orange juice.

Answer 7

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