Photo from insider.com
A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection that produces inflammation, discharge, and extreme discomfort of the vagina and vulva — the tissues surrounding the vaginal entrance.
Vaginal yeast infection, also known as vaginal candidiasis, affects up to three out of every four women at some point in their lives. Many women have at least two episodes.
A yeast infection in the vaginal canal is not considered a sexually transmitted infection. However, there is an increased risk of vaginal yeast infection during the first period of regular sexual activity. Infections may also be associated to mouth-to-genital contact, according to some studies (oral-genital sex).
Vaginal yeast infections can be effectively treated with medications. If you have four or more yeast infections in a year, you may need a lengthier treatment course and a maintenance plan.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A YEAST INFECTION?
Symptoms of yeast infection can range from minor to severe, and can include:
- Itching and discomfort of the vulva and vagina
- A scorching sensation, particularly during intercourse or urination
- Vulva redness and swelling
- Vaginal pain and soreness
- Vaginal rash
- Vaginal discharge that is thick, white, and odorless, with a cottage cheese appearance
- Vaginal discharge that is watery
Complicated yeast infection
You may have a complex yeast infection if:
- You have severe symptoms, such as significant redness, swelling, and itching that causes tears, fissures, or blisters.
- In a given year, you get four or more yeast infections.
- Your infection is caused by a less common fungus.
- You're pregnant
- You suffer from uncontrolled diabetes.
- Certain medications or diseases, such as HIV infection, have reduced your immune system.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF YEAST INFECTION?
Most vaginal yeast infections are caused by the fungus Candida albicans.
Your vaginal environment contains a healthy balance of yeast, including candida, and bacteria. Certain bacteria (lactobacillus) prevent yeast overgrowth.
However, this equilibrium can be upset. The signs and symptoms of a yeast infection are caused by candida overgrowth or fungus penetration into deeper vaginal cell layers.
Yeast overgrowth can be caused by:
- Antibiotic use, which produces an imbalance in natural vaginal flora
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes that is uncontrolled
- Immune system dysfunction
- Using estrogen-boosting oral contraceptives or hormone therapy
Candida albicans is the most prevalent fungus responsible for yeast infections. Other forms of candida fungal yeast infections might be more difficult to treat and require more aggressive therapies.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR YEAST INFECTION?
The following factors enhance your chances of having a yeast infection:
- Use of antibiotics: Yeast infections are frequent among antibiotic-using women. Broad-spectrum antibiotics, which destroy a wide variety of bacteria, also kill good bacteria in your vagina, resulting in yeast overgrowth.
- High estrogen levels: Yeast infections are more common in women who have high estrogen levels, such as pregnant women or women who use high-dose estrogen birth control pills or estrogen hormone therapy.
- Uncontrolled diabetes: Women who have poorly regulated blood sugar are more likely to get yeast infections than women who have well-controlled blood sugar.
- Immune system dysfunction: Women who have weakened immunity, such as from corticosteroid medication or HIV infection, are more susceptible to yeast infections.
HOW IS YEAST INFECTION DIAGNOSED?
To make a diagnosis for a yeast infection, your doctor may:
- Inquire about your medical history: This could entail acquiring data on previous vaginal infections or sexually transmitted illnesses.
- Perform a pelvic examination: Your doctor looks for symptoms of infection in your external genitals. Following that, your doctor inserts a device (speculum) into your vagina to hold the vaginal walls open so that the vagina and cervix – the lower, narrower region of your uterus — can be examined.
- Test vaginal secretions: To diagnose the type of fungus causing the yeast infection, your doctor may send a sample of vaginal fluid for testing. The identification of the fungus can assist your doctor in prescribing more effective treatment for recurring yeast infections.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR YEAST INFECTION?
The severity and frequency of your yeast infections determine your treatment options.
Your doctor may recommend the following for mild to moderate symptoms and infrequent episodes:
- Short-course vaginal therapy: A yeast infection is normally cleared up after three to seven days of using an antifungal drug. Miconazole (Monistat 3) and terconazole are two antifungal drugs that are available as creams, ointments, pills, and suppositories. Some of these drugs are available without a prescription, while others require one.
- Oral medicine in single dose: Your doctor may prescribe fluconazole as a one-time, single oral dose (Diflucan). Oral medicine is not advised if you are pregnant. To alleviate more severe symptoms, take two single doses three days apart.
Consult your doctor again if medication does not relieve your symptoms or if they reappear within two months.
If your symptoms are severe or you have recurring yeast infections, your doctor may advise you to:
- Long-course vaginal therapy: Your doctor may advise you to take an antifungal medicine daily for up to two weeks, then once a week for six months.
- Oral medicine in many doses: Instead of vaginal therapy, your doctor may prescribe two or three doses of an antifungal medicine to be taken orally. This therapy, however, is not indicated for pregnant women.
- Azole resistance treatment: Your doctor may advise you to take boric acid in the form of a capsule that is placed into your vagina. This drug is exclusively used to treat candida fungus that is resistant to standard antifungal medications and is potentially lethal if taken orally.