Vaginal Yeast Infection

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.