YEAST INFECTIONS: CAUSES, SYMPTOMS & THE TREATMENT

Have you ever suffered from a vaginal yeast infection? Do you know what causes the infection and how you can effectively treat it? Herein is a complete guide on the causes & symptoms of yeast infection and how you can get proper treatment.

Vaginal yeast infection is common among women. It is an infection caused by the overgrowth of the yeast species on different areas of the body, including the vagina. Females often experience this infection in their lifetime and can go up to two infections. However, yeast infection symptoms are similar to any other condition. This is why you need a proper medical checkup or diagnosis to help prevent the infection. Yeast is always present in your body, but it can transform into an infection when it rapidly grows. It is also one of the common infections experienced by different women, caused by a yeast known as the Candida. Yeast infection can also result from discharge, intense itching, or irritation of the vulva and vagina.

What is a Vaginal Yeast Infection?

Women can experience vaginal yeast infections numerous times. It is quite common though it is one of the most uncomfortable infections. According to Faraji et al. (2010),  vaginal yeast infection is a normal condition often characterized by itching, redness, white discharge, and burning of the vulva and vagina. The infections are caused by the yeast present in your body (fungal body) known as the Candida. The yeast is categorized as a fungus, while Candida is a type of yeast.

There can never be any problem when this specific type of yeast is balanced with the ecosystem, but you can experience a rapid growth of the yeast in your body when the balance is tampered with. The imbalance and rapid growth of the yeast cause vaginal yeast infection. Vaginal yeast infection is also known as vaginal candidiasis or vulvovaginal candidiasis. It is an of vaginitis. According to Nelson et al. (23007), vaginitis is when women experience painful and swollen vaginas creating a white discharge.

Symptoms of Vaginal Yeast Infections

There are different symptoms of vaginal yeast infection, including discharge. The discharge is one of the common symptoms that appear in various women. This discharge is often thick and white. It resembles cottage cheese. Consider seeking help from the doctor for treatment if you witness white discharge in your vagina and vulva. Other symptoms include;

• Irritation, burning, or itching of the vulva or vagina.
• Soreness and rapid pain around the vagina opening (vulva) and inside the vagina.
• Vaginal burning during urination or sexual intercourse.
• A watery discharge from the vagina
• Rashes in your vulva or vagina.

Vaginal yeast infection can sometimes occur with extremely severe symptoms. This can result in more than four infections in a year, which is dangerous to your general health. The vaginal yeast infection caused by severe symptoms is recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) (Sobel, 2016). You can experience severe vaginal swelling, redness, and itching, which leads to sores with a rare and complicated vaginal yeast infection.

Besides, different medical conditions can also cause complicated vaginal yeast infections. They include;

• Unmanaged diabetes
• Pregnancies
• Weak immune system
• Presence of the alternate Candida fungus, which is opposed to the Candida albicans

Men can also experience yeast infection, but it is not common as it is in women. It commonly affects the penis head. Different symptoms of this yeast infection in men include; discharge, irritation, and redness. This infection can also affect the mouth or overall skin texture.

Treatment of Vaginal Yeast Infections

There are different ways to eliminate yeast infections. However, the common option is to contact your doctor regularly for checkups. Your doctor can offer you a timely and appropriate diagnosis to get rid of the infection. Moreover, your physician or doctor will also prescribe a perfect treatment for the infection. Some women experience a mild vaginal yeast infection. This is why the general treatment is not challenging or bothersome. However, some people barely have noticeable yeast infection symptoms. You are recommended to see your doctor or physician if you witness or experience the following symptoms;

• Soreness
• Pain
• Burning
• Atypical discharge
• Itching
• Redness

Treatment of the yeast infection depends on the condition. A complicated vaginal yeast infection involves numerous symptoms, or the symptoms can be severe. This symptom may include labial or vaginal swelling. Moreover, you can also suffer from a complicated yeast infection when your immune system is weakened.

Uncomplicated Vaginal Yeast Infections

Uncomplicated yeast infection can only be treated in two main ways, including oral treatment and vaginal therapy. When treating uncomplicated yeast infections, you will need a short course on vaginal therapy. You can also treat with over-the-counter medication or one-time treatment based on prescription. This includes;

• butoconazole (Gynazole-1)
• clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin)
• miconazole (Monistat 3)
• terconazole (Terazol 3)

These medications are oil-based. However, oil-based products are not compatible with diaphragms and latex condoms. Consider going for non-latex-based condoms for pleasure and safety if you use these medications. You can also consider anti-fungal like fluconazole (Diflucan) to treat uncomplicated yeast infections. You only need one dose for effective results.

Complicated Yeast Infections

Meis & Verweij (2001) suggested that complicated yeast infections can be treated using multidose oral formulations or a long course of vaginal therapy. A long course of vaginal therapy is a treatment that includes ointment, vaginal cream, suppository, or tablets. Also, medical practitioners recommend using different barriers like condoms to prevent infection.

Causes of the Yeast Infections

The vaginal yeast infection is mainly caused by the rapid growth of yeast on the body part. Candida albicans (yeast species) causes common vaginal yeast infections. However, other yeast species of Candida cause an infection. These two infections need different methods of treatment. Here are some of the factors that can increase the chances of having a vaginal yeast infection;

• use of corticosteroids, antibiotics or both
• pregnancy
• being immunocompromised
• use of contraceptive devices or hormonal contraceptives

Prevention of Yeast Infections

You can prevent yeast infection in various ways, including;

• Washing your panties under high temperature
• Avoid douching
• Avoid using vaginal deodorants, tampons, or pads
• Wear loose pants or skirts
• Eat a healthy diet
• Avoid hot baths and tubs

Conclusion

Yeast infections are uncomfortable; they irritate the vulva and cause a burning sensation. Seek medical attention if infected by candida. Use drugs like fluconazole with a doctor’s prescription to treat the infection.

Reference:

Faraji, R., Rahimi, M. A., & Assarehzadegan, M. (2012). Prevalence Of Vaginal Candidiasis Infection In Women Referred To Kermanshah Hygienic Centers, Iran In 2010. Life Sci J, 9(4), 1280-3.

Meis, J. F., & Verweij, P. E. (2001). Current Management Of Fungal Infections. Drugs, 61(1), 13-25.

Nelson, D. B., Bellamy, S., Odibo, A., Nachamkin, I., Ness, R. B., & Allen-Taylor, L. (2007). Vaginal Symptoms And Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): How Useful Is Self-Report? Development Of A Screening Tool For Predicting BV Status. Epidemiology & Infection, 135(8), 1369-1375.Sobel, J. D. (2016). Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis. American Journal Of Obstetrics And Gynecology, 214(1), 15-21.