Vaginal Yeast Infection
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A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection that affects the tissues at the vaginal opening and causes irritation, discharge, and severe itching.
Up to 3 out of 4 women will have a vaginal yeast infection, also known as vaginal candidiasis, at some point in their lives. Most women have two or more episodes.
The term “sexually transmitted infection” does not include vaginal yeast infections. However, the first instance of regular sexual activity carries a higher risk of vaginal yeast infection. Additionally, there is some evidence to suggest that mouth-to-genital contact can cause infections (oral-genital sex).
Vaginal yeast infections can be successfully treated with medication. You may require a longer treatment course and a maintenance plan if you get four or more recurrent yeast infections within a year.
Symptoms
The following are signs of a vaginal yeast infection, which range from mild to moderate:
- Rashes, soreness and pain in the vagina
- Vaginal and vulvar itchiness and irritation
- The vulva becomes red and swollen
- The vagina has a watery discharge
- A burning sensation, especially when urinating or having sex
- Thick, white, odorless vaginal discharge that resembles cottage cheese
Yeast Infection Complications
The following can indicate or cause yeast infection complications:
- You exhibit severe symptoms, like a great deal of redness, swelling, and itching that results in tears, fissures, or sores.
- Experiencing four or more yeast infection within one year
- Yeast infection that is caused by a rare fungus category
- Being pregnant
- Diabetes that is uncontrolled
- Being immunocompromised due to specific medication consumption or having HIV infection.
Consult your doctor or gynecologist if you experience the sign and symptoms of vaginal yeast infection.
Causes
Most vaginal yeast infections are caused by the fungus candida albicans.
A healthy balance of bacteria and yeast, including candida, can be found in your vagina naturally. Several bacteria, including lactobacillus, work to stop yeast from growing too much.
However, that equilibrium could be upset. The symptoms and signs of a vaginal yeast infection are brought on by an overgrowth of candida or by the fungus’ penetration into deeper layers of vaginal cell tissue.
The following are the causes of yeast overgrowth:
- The use of antibiotics, which disrupts the natural flora in the vaginal cavity.
- Pregnancy
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Have a weakened immune system (immunocompromised)
- Hormonal treatments that boost estrogen levels, such as oral contraceptives
The most typical fungus that causes yeast infections is Candida albicans. Other kinds of candida fungus can cause yeast infections, which can be harder to treat and typically require more aggressive medications.
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask questions and perform these in order to help diagnose yeast infection.
- Inquire about your medical background. Information regarding previous vaginal infections or Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) may be gathered in this process.
- Physical examination. An examination of the external genitals will be done. The index and middle finger will be inserted into the vagina while pressing the other hand on the abdomen to palpate the uterus and ovaries. A speculum device will be inserted to examine the vagina to look for any abnormalities of the cervix and vagina.
- Examine the vaginal secretions. To identify the specific type of fungus causing the yeast infection, your doctor may send a sample of vaginal fluid for analysis. Your doctor can prescribe more effective treatment for recurrent yeast infections if the fungus is identified.
Treatment
The severity and frequency of your yeast infections will determine how you should be treated.
Your doctor might suggest the following for occasional episodes and mild to moderate symptoms:
- Short-course vaginal therapy. A yeast infection may typically be cured by taking an antifungal drug for three to seven days. Miconazole and terconazole are two antifungal drugs that are offered as creams, ointments, pills, and suppositories. Some of these medications can be purchased without a prescription, while others require one.
- Single-dose oral medication. Fluconazole may be prescribed by your doctor as a single, oral dose. When pregnant, it’s not a good idea to use oral medications. Take two single doses three days apart to treat more severe symptoms.
If your symptoms do not go away after treatment or if they come back within two months, make an appointment with your doctor.
Your doctor could advise the following if your symptoms are severe or you frequently get yeast infections:
- Long-course vaginal therapy. Your doctor may advise taking an antifungal drug once a week for six months after taking it once daily for up to two weeks.
- Multidose oral medication. Instead of vaginal therapy, your doctor may advise two or three oral doses of an antifungal medicine. Pregnant women are not advised to have this treatment, though.
- Azole resistant therapy. A vaginally implanted capsule of boric acid may be advised by your doctor. This drug is exclusively used to treat candida fungus that is resistant to common antifungal medications and may be lethal if taken orally.
