Most women will develop a yeast infection at some time in their lives, usually during childbearing years.
Yeast infections are caused by the candida yeast, which is normally present in harmless amounts on the body.
Many factors can influence the overgrowth of candida yeast on the skin and mucous membranes.
Vaginal Symptoms
Vaginal yeast infection symptoms may vary.
- There is usually discharge, which is generally thick and whitish, but may also be yellowing. It may have a yeasty or indeed no odor.
- There may be pain and burning during urination and sexual intercourse.
- The vagina or labia may become itchy and red.
- The vagina may be dry and areas of the skin may crack.
Doctors usually diagnose a yeast infection by doing a pelvic exam. To try our Yeast Infection Test then head on over to this page.
Many over the counter topical creams are available, and it may not be necessary to see a doctor.
However, it is a good idea to visit a doctor to make sure what you have really is a yeast infection, and not another type of infection, such as bacterial vaginosis. Especially if it’s your first infection. If you’ve had one previously then this may not be necessary.
This and many other types of infections may have symptoms that are very similar to those of a yeast infection.
Why Doesn’t My Medication Work Anymore
If the yeast infection does not respond to over the counter yeast infection treatments, it may not be a yeast infection, or the yeast may have become resistant to the active ingredients in the cream or ointment. It is common for infections to become resistant to medications if they have been used on numerous previous occasions.
In either case, it can be a good idea to see a doctor. Discuss with him your vaginal yeast infection symptoms and he can take a vaginal swab and confirm the diagnosis.
Stronger treatments, such as oral antifungal drugs, may be prescribed for yeast infections that do not respond to other treatments. Do be aware that some medications can have side effects. Be sure to read all literature that accompanies them.
Some of these drugs only require one dose, while others intended to treat highly-resistant or chronic infections may need to be taken over a period of weeks.
Even though yeast is normally present on the body, the yeast levels are usually controlled by the immune system and bacteria on the skin.
Immune System Problems
Antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum types, can kill some of the beneficial bacteria on the skin. This can cause yeast to grow out of control and cause infections.
Immune suppressing drugs such as some steroids can also encourage the growth of yeast by keeping the immune system from effectively controlling yeast.
Immune diseases like HIV and AIDS can also encourage yeast infections. Diabetics are also more likely to develop yeast infections and to have more difficulty in getting rid of them.
It is common to find yeast infections in pregnant women due to changes in the body’s hormone levels during pregnancy.
Preventing Yeast Infections is Not Rocket Science
In addition to diseases and medications, clothing and other factors can also help to create an environment in which yeast can thrive.
To discourage yeast overgrowth, you should wear cotton underwear instead of synthetic fabrics. Tight fitting clothing and pantyhose should be avoided.
Any clothing that has become wet or sweaty , such as exercise clothing or swimsuits, should be changed out of as soon as possible. These should be washed before putting them back on.
Scented products, such as perfumed tampons, pads, toilet paper, and soap should be avoided.
Fatigue, stress, and inadequate sleep can also impair the body’s ability to fight yeast infections.