Yeast Infection in Women
Yeast infections are concurrent and common for women. Actually, three out of four women will experience yeast infection at some point of their lives, brought about by different causes. However, there is no need to fear if you think that you have a yeast infection, since management of this condition is relatively pain free and short.
What causes yeast infection then? The fungi Candida albicansis normally found inside and around the vagina, however, when conditions permit, these fungi that produce yeast grow at immense proportions and cause an infection. Moreover, this is caused when the vagina’s normal acidity drops, thus encouraging the growth of yeast. The most common causes of yeast infections are stress, inadequate rest, pre-existing disease conditions such as diabetes or HIV/AIDS, consuming too much sugary foods, pregnancy, menstruation, and taking medicines such as antibiotics or steroids.
The most common signs and symptoms that are observed with women having yeast infection include a thick, white vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese but does not emit any odour, a vaginal rash, painful urination, painful sexual intercourse, and a burning sensation with redness and swelling on the vagina and vulva.
The next step to take when you feel that you might be experiencing a yeast infection is to go see your doctor. Self-diagnosis and/or medication are unhealthy and may prevent the diagnosis of another infection, such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea. To diagnose this condition, your doctor will do a vaginal exam and collect a swap sample of the discharges to identify if it is caused by a yeast organism.
Once positive for a yeast infection, antifungal medicines such as creams, tablets, or suppositories that are inserted into the vagina will be prescribed to you. These will be applied daily for a few days to kill the growth of the fungi and stop the discharge.
It is not a sure-fire solution that once yeast infection will be treated, it won’t come back. Yeast infections are often reoccurring, thus it is key to know how to prevent future infections. Things to remember include avoiding douches and scented products for hygiene, hot tub baths, wearing tight underwear made of synthetic fibres, and staying too long in a wet swimsuit. Also, choosing to wear cotton underwear and changing pads or tampons during your period will help in preventing yeast infections.
Prevention is always better than cure, thus it is best to practice these measures to prevent recurring infections. If these conditions persist, consulting a doctor is best for a proper evaluation.