Vaginal Yeast Infection - Symptoms, causes and Treatment
Vaginal Yeast Infection:
Symptoms of Vaginal Yeast Infection
Vaginal Yeast infection often starts with some symptoms like below,
- Irritation and Itching in the vagina and vulva
- A thick white discharge like cottage cheese with no odour
- Pain or burning sensation while urinating or having sex
- Redness in or around Vagina
- Get sores or fissures on your vagina
- Vaginal rashes
What causes a vaginal infection?
Several factors there for causing vaginal yeast infection which includes below,
Taking Antibiotics:
Antibiotics have the power to destroy bacteria. But it is often not understood that it kills beneficial bacteria and enables the growth of candida, which can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina.
Hormonal changes:
Weakened Immune System:
The immune system can be weakened by diseases like HIV/AIDS, cancer therapies like chemotherapy, and the use of immunosuppressive medicines, which increases the risk of yeast infections.
Uncontrolled diabetes:
Other factors like stress and lack of sleep, following bad hygienic practices, in taking hormonal contraceptives, sexual activity with minor damage to the vaginal tissues during sex may encourage the growth of Candida.
Vaginal Yeast Infection and Pregnancy
Due to hormonal changes in the pregnancy period, there is a high chance of developing vaginal yeast infection. This won’t affect or be harmful for pregnancy but still cause some discomfort. However, they need to be treated to avoid such complications.Â
By wearing loose-fitting clothing, avoiding douching, and maintaining good hygiene can avoid Vaginal yeast infection.
Diagnosis of Vaginal Yeast Infection
Treatment for Vaginal Yeast Infection
Several treatment options are available for vaginal yeast infections. Antifungal medicines or creams are effective in reducing the infection. For more severe cases, prescription medications may be necessary. Natural remedies, such as yogurt and probiotics, can also help restore the balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina.
Prevention of Vaginal Yeast Infections
Overgrowth of Candida fungus can cause Vaginal yeast infection. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to help prevent these vaginal yeast infections.
- Maintain Good Hygiene: Wash the genital area daily with mild, unscented soap and water. Avoid douching, as it can affect the natural balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina.
- Wear Breathable Clothing: prefer cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting clothing.
- Often change wet clothes: Staying in wet swimsuits or sweaty workout clothes can increase the risk of yeast infections. Change your wet clothes as soon as possible.
- Avoid Irritating Products: Often clear the scented sanitary products, bubble baths, and feminine sprays, which can irritate the vaginal area and disrupt its natural balance.
- Maintain a Healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet that includes probiotics (found in yogurt) can help maintain the natural bacterial balance in your body.
- Manage Blood Sugar Levels: High blood sugar levels can contribute to yeast overgrowth. If you have diabetes, work to keep your blood sugar levels under control.
- Use Antibiotics Judiciously: Antibiotics can kill beneficial bacteria that keep yeast growth in check. Only use antibiotics if the doctor prescribed.
- Practise Safe Sex: Use condoms to reduce the risk of vaginal yeast infections transmitted through sexual activity. Always maintain good personal hygiene before and after sexual intercourse.