Yeast Infection

http://www.fitango.com/categories.php?id=184

Fitango EducationHealth Topics

Yeast Infection


http://www.fitango.com/categories.php?id=184 1

Overview

Vaginal yeast infection, or vulvovaginal candidiasis, is a common cause of vaginal irritation. Vaginal yeast infections are most commonly due to the fungus Candida albicans.



Symptoms

The most frequent symptoms of yeast infection in women are:

-- Itching

-- Burning



Symptoms

-- Abnormal vaginal discharge (this ranges from a slightly watery, white discharge to a thick, white, chunky discharge- like cottage cheese.)

-- Irritation of the vagina

-- Redness and swelling of the vulva

-- Painful urination



Symptoms

-- Painful intercourse

Vaginal discharge is not always present and may only be present in small amounts. The thick, whitish-gray discharge is typically described as cottage-cheese-like, although it can vary from watery to thick.



Symptoms

Most male partners of women with yeast infections do not have any symptoms of the infection. Some men, however, have reported temporary rashes and burning sensations of the penis after intercourse if they did not use condoms.

http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/vaginalYeast/pages/diagnosis.aspx



Diagnosis

To test for a yeast infection, a medical professional will perform a pelvic examination.



Diagnosis

The health care provider may find dry, white spots on the vaginal wall and a swelling or redness of the vulva, vagina, and/or cervix. There may be cracks in the skin of the vulva. As part of the examination, a small amount of the vaginal discharge is examined using a microscope.



Diagnosis

Sometimes, a culture is taken when the infection does not improve with treatment or continues to come back.Your health care provider may order other tests to rule out possible causes of your symptoms.



Treatment

Various antifungal vaginal medicines are available to treat yeast infections.Women can buy antifungal creams to be applied directly to the area, tablets to be taken orally, or suppositories (Butoconazole, Miconazole, Clotrimazole, and Tioconazole) for use in the vagina. Most can be bought without a prescription.



Treatment

Because bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and yeast infections are difficult to tell apart on the basis of symptoms alone, a woman with vaginal symptoms should see her healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis before using these products.



Treatment

Women who have chronic or recurring yeast infections may need to be treated with vaginal creams or oral medicines for long periods of time.HIV-infected women can develop severe yeast infections that often do not respond to treatment.

For updated information about the treatment for vaginal yeast infections, read the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines.



Treatment

http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/vaginalyeast/Pages/treatment.aspx



Causes

Candida and the other germs that normally live in the vagina keep each other in balance. However, sometimes the number of Candida albicans fungi increases, causing a yeast infection.

This can happen if you are:



Causes

-- Taking antibiotics used to treat other infections. (*Antibiotics change the normal balance between germs in the vagina by decreasing the number of protective bacteria.)

-- Obese

-- Pregnant

-- Have diabetes



Causes

A yeast infection is **not **

a sexually transmitted illness. However, some men will develop symptoms such as itching and a rash on the penis after sexual contact with an infected partner.

Vaginal yeast infections may be a sign of other health problems. See your doctor immediately if you think you might have developed a yeast infection.



Causes

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001511.htm



Prevention

To help prevent yeast infections, follow these general guidelines:

-- Keep your genital area clean and dry. Avoid soap and rinse with water only.



Prevention

-- Avoid douching because it may actually worsen vaginal discharge due to the removal of healthy bacteria lining inside the vagina that protects against infection.

-- Eat yogurt with live cultures or take Lactobacillus acidophilus tablets when on antibiotics to prevent yeast infections.



Prevention

-- Avoid wearing wet bathing suits or exercise clothing for long periods of time, and wash them after each use.

-- Use condoms to avoid catching or spreading sexually transmitted infections

-- Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays, fragrances, or powders in the genital area.



Prevention

-- Avoid wearing tight-fitting pants or shorts, which may lead to irritation.

-- Wear cotton underwear or cotton-crotch pantyhose. Avoid underwear made of silk or nylon, because these materials are not absorbent and tend to restrict air flow. This can increase sweating in the genital area, which causes irritation.

-- Use pads instead of tampons.



Prevention

-- Keep your blood sugar levels under control if you have diabetes.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001511.htm



Additional Resources

Women's Health Fact Sheet about yeast infections:

http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/vaginal-yeast-infections.cfm


Documents

Yeast Infection