A vaginal yeast infection is one of the most irritating yet common
conditions that affect women.In fact, it is so common that about 75% of
women will have a yeast infection at some point in their lives. With
almost half will have recurrent infections, meaning two or more
infections later on in life.
What is a yeast infection?
Yeast infection is also called candidiasis, and is due to the fungus Candida albicans that infects the vagina.
You must be wondering why yeast would grow in the vagina. In fact,
it is natural to find small amounts of yeast living in the vagina under
normal conditions. However, the natural acidity of the vagina can be
unbalanced, causing the yeast to overgrow and cause an infection.
The infection will then cause irritation of the vagina and the
vulva. This may cause you to suffer extreme itchiness in and around the
vagina. This may be accompanied by a thick, white, odourless vaginal
discharge that has the texture of cottage cheese.
You may also notice other symptoms like burning, redness and
swelling of the vagina and vulva, pain upon urinating, and pain or
discomfort during sex.
What causes it?
Vaginal yeast infections are usually caused by a weakened immune system
that can lead to changes in the acidity of the vagina. The various
conditions that can lower a woman’s immune defences are stress, lack of
sleep, sickness, poor diet, extreme intake of sugary foods, pregnancy,
menstruation and disease such as poorly-controlled diabetes and HIV infection.
You may also find that taking certain medications can increase your
risk of getting a yeast infection, such as birth control pills,
antibiotics and steroid medicines.
What about sex? Some women believe that they can get yeast
infections through sexual intercourse with their partners. However,
this is actually very rare.
A woman could be at higher risk if she has unprotected intercourse
with a partner who has a yeast infection, but this condition is rare in
men. There is a slightly higher risk following oral sex given by men
who carry yeast organisms in their mouth.
Nonetheless, yeast infections are not likely to be transmitted from
partner to partner. Having said that, however, other infections can be
contracted sexually, and women should always practise safe sex with
their partners.
Don’t be shy to consult doctor!
It can be embarrassing to admit that you have symptoms of a vaginal
infection. However, it is important that you overcome your shyness and
see your GP or gynaecologist.
Sometimes, the signs of a yeast infection are similar to that of
sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
Getting a medical check-up could help you determine whether you have a
yeast infection or something more serious.
A yeast infection is easily diagnosed. Your doctor will examine you
to look for swelling and discharge. He or she may also take a sample
from your vagina and examine that under the microscope to look for
yeast organisms.
Treatment is often in the form of antifungal creams, tablets, ointments or suppositories (inserted into the vagina).
Do not attempt to treat the infection yourself – always get your
doctor’s advice, even if you want to use over-the-counter medicines.
Taking antifungal medications when you don’t have a yeast infection
could make your condition worse and increase your risk of getting a
resistant strain of infection in the future.
Avoiding repeat infections
It is very common for women to develop recurrent yeast infections, even
several in one year. Here are some tips to prevent another yeast
infection from occurring:
- Don’t use douches.
- Avoid scented hygiene products like bubble bath, sprays, pads and tampons.
- Change tampons and pads frequently when you are menstruating.
- Don’t wear clothing or underwear that are tight in the crotch.
- Wear cotton underwear or pantyhose with a cotton crotch.
- Change out of wet swimsuits and exercise clothes as soon as possible.
- Keep your vaginal area clean.
- After a shower or bath, dry the vaginal area completely before getting dressed.
- After using the toilet, always wipe from front to back.
- Avoid sharing towels with others.
- Don’t take antibiotics unless prescribed by your doctor.
- Eat a diet high in vegetables, protein and grains, and avoid processed foods, sugars and alcohol.
- Abstain from sex while undergoing treatment for a yeast infection.
- If you are experiencing chronic yeast infections and are using birth control pills, consider changing your birth control method.
Finally, see your doctor for more advice about avoiding repeat yeast infections. Ignoring it won’t make it go away.
The information provided is for educational and communication
purposes only and it should not be construed as personal medical advice.
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