Various conditions can cause vaginal symptoms similar to a yeast infection. A yeast infection is an overgrowth of yeast cells in the vagina that causes itching, irritation, and discharge. Symptoms are more common before a period and are usually caused by the Candida albicans yeast. Treatment involves antifungal medications applied internally or taken by mouth. Recurrent infections may require identifying an underlying condition favoring yeast overgrowth.
1. Various conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis and trichomo
transmitted disease (STD), can cause vaginal symptoms sim
yeast infection. If you need assistance in determining the co
see the Check Your Symptoms of Vaginal problem
3. A vaginal infection is an overgrowth of yeast cells in the
infections are very common in women of childbearing age bu
age. Although it can be very uncomfortable, vaginal yeast
cause serious health problems.
12. A healthy vagina normally contains many bacteria and a sma
cells. The most common bacteria in the vagina are Lactobac
help prevent other organisms such as yeast overgrowth and
About 70% to 90% of yeast infections are caused by a strai
Candida albicans.
13. When there is a change in the normal balance of organisms i
can overgrow, causing the symptoms. This imbalance can be
factors, including the use of broad spectrum antibiotics for o
levels of estrogen (as during pregnancy or hormone replace
certain medical conditions such as diabetes or HIV i
15. Vaginal itching and a white vaginal discharge that is odorle
cottage cheese are classic signs of a vaginal yeast infection. H
to misdiagnose a vaginal infection. If your symptoms are not
infection, you are not sure of your diagnosis, or who are pr
symptoms, consult your health care professional. A vaginal e
culture of vaginal discharge can help diagnose whether a
organism is present.
17. A vaginal yeast infection is usually treated with antifunga
tablets, suppositories or for several days. While some wome
pill by mouth, oral treatment may be reserved for recurrent
caused by yeast throughout the body. This is mainly becaus
affects the entire body, and vaginal treatment limits its effe
area. Oral antifungal medications can cause side effects as h
and abdominal pain, vaginal treatment is unlikely to cau
18. Vaginal-counter medications are available to treat vaginal
vaginal boric acid capsules are another option. If you have h
infection before, not pregnant, and we are sure of their curr
the same as during the previous infection, you can self-trea
you have a fungal infection that keeps returning despite treat
health care professional. A recurrent yeast infection can be
health problem.
19. Fungal infections are common during pregnancy. If you are pr
any medication without first discussing your symptoms with
professional.
21. Yes A yeast infection is considered to be recurrent if it ha
infections that cause symptoms and are not associated wi
within 1 year. Fungal infections are a serious and persistent p
of affected women and may be related to diabetes, pregnan
condition.
22. If you have recurrent vaginal yeast infection, your health pro
cultured to confirm that yeast is present. It can also be te
conditions that may make it more vulnerable to yeast over
diabetes or HIV infection.