Yeast Infection

A vaginal yeast infection isn't considered a sexually transmitted infection. But, there's an increased risk of vaginal yeast infection at the time of first regular sexual activity. There's also some evidence that infections may be linked to mouth to genital contact (oral-genital sex).

Yeast Infection

Candida albicans is the most common type of fungus to cause yeast infections. Yeast infections caused by other types of candida fungus can be more difficult to treat, and generally need more-aggressive therapies.

The vagina normally contains a healthy balance of bacteria and yeast. The hormone estrogen helps bacteria called lactobacilli to grow. These bacteria kill harmful organisms in the vagina and keep you healthy. But when something happens to tip that balance, a fungus called candida can grow out of control and cause a yeast infection.

If you think you have a yeast infection, see your doctor before treating yourself. The symptoms of yeast infections are similar to other, more serious conditions, including sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginosis (bacterial overgrowth in the vagina). An accurate diagnosis is important so you can get the best treatment.

Some studies have shown that eating probiotic yogurt or taking Lactobacillus acidophilussupplements may slow the growth of yeast in the vagina, lowering the risk for infections. But more research is needed before a clear connection can be made.

Candidiasis is an infection caused by a yeast (a type of fungus) called Candida. Candida normally lives on skin and inside the body such as in the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina, without causing any problems. Candida can cause an infection if conditions change inside the vagina to encourage its growth. Things like hormones, medicines, or changes in the immune system can make infection more likely. The common term for candidiasis in the vagina is a vaginal yeast infection. Other names for this infection are vaginal candidiasis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, or candidal vaginitis.

Contact your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms. These symptoms are similar to those of other types of vaginal infections. A healthcare provider can tell you if you have vaginal candidiasis and how to treat it.

Wearing cotton underwear might help reduce the chances of getting a yeast infection.2 Because taking antibiotics can lead to vaginal candidiasis, take these medicines only when prescribed and exactly as your healthcare provider tells you. Learn more about when antibiotics work and when you do not need them.

Scientists estimate that about 20% of women normally have Candida in the vagina without having any symptoms.2 Candida can cause an infection if the conditions change inside the vagina to encourage its growth. Infection can happen because of hormones, medicines, or changes in the immune system.

If you have vaginal candidiasis, likely you will use antifungal medicine to treat it.3 Often, the treatment is an antifungal medicine applied inside the vagina or a single dose of fluconazole taken by mouth. You may need other treatments if your infection is:

Vaginal candidiasis is common. In the United States, it is the second most common type of vaginal infection after bacterial vaginal infections.2 An estimated 1.4 million outpatient visits for vaginal candidiasis occur annually.4 The number of vaginal candidiasis cases is unknown.

Most yeast infections lead to itching, burning, and/or redness in or around the vagina. Vaginal itching usually gets worse the longer you have the infection. Sex may be uncomfortable or painful. In extreme cases, you can get fissures or sores on your vagina or vulva. If you have lots of irritation, it may sting when you pee.

Yeast infections can usually be cured easily in a few days with anti-fungal medicine. You can get medicated creams or suppositories for yeast infections (like Monistat and other brands) at a drugstore, over-the-counter without a prescription.

Make sure you follow the directions and use all of the medicine, even if your symptoms go away before you finish. You can also treat yeast infections with a single pill that you swallow (called Diflucan or Fluconazole). You need a prescription from your doctor to get the yeast infection pill.

Even though yeast infections can be really itchy, try not to scratch. It can make irritation worse or cause cuts in your skin, which can spread germs and lead to more infection. There are over-the-counter creams that you can use on your vulva to help calm the irritation. Your doctor can also give you tips on relieving burning and itching.

Candida is the scientific name for yeast. It is a fungus that lives almost everywhere, including in your body. Usually, your immune system keeps yeast under control. If you are sick or taking antibiotics, it can multiply and cause an infection.

Up to 75% of women or people assigned female at birth (AFAB) will have at least one vaginal yeast infection in their life, and over half will get two or more in their lifetime. Yeast infections are the second most common cause of vaginitis (bacterial vaginosis is the most common).

Symptoms of a yeast infection are similar to the symptoms people feel when they have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or other vaginal infection. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms so they can examine you.

Antifungal medications treat most vaginal yeast infections. The specific medication depends on the severity of the infection. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the best treatment based on your symptoms and condition.

Antifungal medications work by fighting yeast overgrowth in your body. Medications are either oral (usually given in one dose of fluconazole by mouth) or topical (used daily for up to seven days). You may apply topical medications to your vaginal area or place them inside your vagina (suppository) using an applicator. Some common antifungal medications are miconazole (Monistat) and terconazole.

Your healthcare provider will use your test results to make sure you receive the right treatment. It can be important to treat the underlying cause while treating your yeast infection. Managing the reason for the infection can help prevent future vaginal yeast infections.

Vaginal yeast infections (thrush) can cause itching, burning or abnormal vaginal discharge. In many women the external (outer) sex organs such as the labia are inflamed too. Sometimes vaginal yeast infections don't cause any symptoms at all.

Vaginal yeast infections occur when too much yeast grows in the vagina, leading to an inflammation. Yeast is a type of fungus. Along with bacterial infections (bacterial vaginosis), yeast infections are among the most common causes of inflammation in the vagina and on the outer part of the female genitals.

Women are particularly likely to have vaginal yeast infections during certain phases of life, such as pregnancy. Other things that increase their risk include a weakened immune system and taking certain medications.

The typical symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are itching, an unpleasant burning feeling and pain. The membranes lining the vagina become red and have a whitish coating. The symptoms may get worse a few days before your period starts. If the inflammation has spread to the external genitals, areas such as the labia might be red and swollen too.

Vaginal yeast infections often lead to a whitish-yellowish vaginal discharge. It can be watery or chunky, a bit like curdled milk or cottage cheese. Sex can be painful when you have a yeast infection. If the urethra (the tube that you pee out of) is inflamed too, peeing also hurts.

The level of estrogen in the body is particularly high during pregnancy. That can upset the healthy balance and increase the likelihood of developing a vaginal yeast infection. Taking the contraceptive pill (birth control pill) affects a woman's hormone levels in a similar way to pregnancy. So women who take the pill are also more likely to have yeast infections.

Yeast infections are the second most common cause of vaginal inflammations (bacterial infections are the most common cause). Up to 75 out of 100 women have a vaginal yeast infection at least once in their life. These infections are most common in women of childbearing age. If women get yeast infections after menopause, it may be due to taking medication such as estrogen hormones.

The symptoms are often very mild, and sometimes there are no symptoms at all. They are only rarely severe. Then more intensive treatment is needed. This is also necessary if a woman has yeast infections several times a year or if the infections are caused by a weakened immune system.

In pregnant women, vaginal infections can somewhat increase the risk of complications such as premature labor, miscarriage, or premature birth in pregnant women. Vaginal yeast infections can also be passed on to babies during the birth. This could lead to diaper rash (nappy rash) or to an inflammation in the membranes lining the newborn baby's mouth, for instance.

People who have a medical problem in their genital area are often embarrassed to talk about it. As a result, women may put off treating a yeast infection or they may not tell their partner about it. This can make the infection last longer than necessary and increase the risk of infecting others.

Vaginal yeast infections can usually be diagnosed based on a description of the symptoms and by looking at the lining of the vagina. If the doctor isn't sure, they may take a sample of vaginal discharge fluid and examine it to look for yeast.

Women who keep getting yeast infections or have severe symptoms may need to have further tests in order to find out whether they have certain risk factors such as a weakened immune system. If you have recurrent yeast infections it may be a good idea for your partner to go to the doctor and be checked too.

Some things do more harm than good: For instance, women should avoid using vaginal douches or female intimate hygiene products. These products upset the natural balance of germs, increasing the risk of infections. 041b061a72