Yeast Infection

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Yeast Infection

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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.

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

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/pag
es/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/Pag
es/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


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