Vaginal yeast infections are caused by a type of yeast called candida. This yeast is normally present on the skin and mucous membranes.
It normally doesn’t cause any problems, but if conditions allow it to grow too quickly, it may cause an infection. Or in serious cases a chronic vaginal yeast infection.
Recurring Infections
Most women will experience a yeast infection sometime in their lives, but some will suffer from chronic and recurring yeast infections. If a yeast infection will not go away with over the counter treatments, or if it keeps coming back, you should see a doctor to confirm the diagnosis and to suggest or prescribe other treatments. He or she will probably do a pelvic exam, and take a culture of the discharge material for analysis.
Diagnosis
Many other infections may have similar symptoms to a yeast infection. It is important to make sure that yeast is the real problem.
If the doctor confirms the yeast infection diagnosis, you may need to take prescription oral medication, if over the counter and topical medications have not been working for you. Treating a chronic vaginal yeast infection may require taking oral anti-fungal medications like fluconazole long-term. These medications may need to be taken for weeks or even months to suppress further infections.
Getting a medical diagnosis may not be required for all yeast infections, but if you are experiencing a chronic vaginal yeast infection or recurring infections, you should see a doctor.
Disadvantages of Over the Counter Medication
Over the counter yeast infection medicines can be helpful to many women, but it is possible to over use them, or to use them for other types of infections.
A bacterial infection might have the same symptoms as a yeast infection, but if anti-fungal medicines are used for it, they will have no effect.
Anti-fungal medicines can also become less effective over time, much like the overuse of antibiotics for bacterial infections.
If the same medicine is used over and over, the yeast may become resistant to it.
A homepathic yeast infection cure may be the best option in this case.
A doctor can also help to identify any possible underlying conditions that may be encouraging the overgrowth of yeast.
Beneficial bacteria on the body and the immune system normally control the growth of yeast on the skin and mucous membranes.
Some types of medicines, such as antibiotics and corticosteroids, can impair the ability to keep yeast levels on the body under control.
Diseases of the immune system, such as HIV and AIDS, and diabetes can also make a person more likely to develop yeast infections.
Tips to Avoid an Infection
It is also important to take some steps to help prevent new infections from occurring It can be helpful to avoid tight-fitting and synthetic fabric. Wear only cotton underwear.
If you are swimming, change immediately afterward rather than wearing the wet bathing suit for an extended period of time.
Exercise clothing should also be changed after exercise, and it should be washed before putting it back on.
Avoid any perfumed products, such as scented and colored toilet paper, scented tampons and pads, and feminine hygiene sprays.
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