Vaginal Yeast Infections
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What is a vaginal yeast infection?
A vaginal yeast infection means that too many yeast cells are growing in the vagina. These infections are very common. Although they can bother you a lot, they are not usually serious. And treatment is simple.
What causes a vaginal yeast infection?
Most yeast infections are caused by a type of yeast called Candida albicans.
A healthy vagina has many bacteria and a small number of yeast cells. The most common bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus, help keep other organisms?alike the yeast?aunder control.
When something happens to change the balance of these organisms, yeast can grow too much and cause symptoms. Taking antibiotics sometimes causes this imbalance. The high estrogen levels caused by pregnancy or hormone replacement therapy can also cause it. So can certain health problems, like diabetes or HIV infection.
What are the symptoms?
A yeast infection causes itching or soreness in the vagina and sometimes causes pain or burning when you urinate or have sex. Some women also have a white discharge that looks a little like cottage cheese and has no odour.
These symptoms are more likely to occur during the week before your menstrual period.
How is a vaginal yeast infection diagnosed?
It's easy to guess wrong about a vaginal infection. See your doctor if you aren't sure what you have or if this is the first time you have had these symptoms. Also see your doctor if you are pregnant. Your doctor may want to do a vaginal examination and may also do a culture of the discharge to find out what is causing your symptoms.
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Can vaginal yeast infections be prevented?
You can prevent yeast infections by making sure that your genital area stays as dry as possible and can "breathe". For example:
- Wear cotton, not nylon, underwear, and avoid tight-fitting pants and panty hose.
- Change out of a wet swimsuit right away.
- Avoid douches and feminine sprays, scented toilet paper, and deodorant tampons.