Symptoms of yeast infection are similar to those of other causes of vaginitis (inflammation or irritation of the vaginal canal), including Trichomonas infection and bacterial vaginosis. Itching, which can be severe, is a common symptom. Burning and irritation usually accompany the itching.
Pain during sexual intercourse may be present as well as pain or burning with urination. A vaginal discharge is often present. With a yeast infection, the discharge is most often described as whitish-gray, thick, and having a consistency similar to cottage cheese. There may be redness, swelling, irritation, and itching of the vulva in addition to the vaginal symptoms.
Vaginal yeast infection facts
- Most vaginal yeast infections are caused by the organism Candida albicans.
- Yeast infections are very common and affect up to 75% of women at some point in their lifetime.
- Itching is the main symptom of vaginal yeast infection, but burning, discharge, and pain with urination or intercourse can also occur.
- Treatment involves topical or oral antifungal medications.
- It is possible for a woman to transmit a yeast infection to a male sex partner, even though yeast infection is not considered to be a true sexually-transmitted disease because it can occur in women who are not sexually active.
- Treatment of yeast infection in men, like in women, involves antifungal medications.
- Keeping the vaginal area dry and avoiding irritating chemicals can help prevent yeast infections in women. Consuming foods with probiotics may also help.
What is a vaginal yeast infection?
A vaginal yeast infection is an infection caused by yeast (a type of fungus). Vaginal yeast infection is sometimes referred to as yeast vaginitis, Candidal vaginitis, or Candidal vulvovaginitis. The scientific name for the yeast that causes vaginitis is Candida. Over 90% of vaginal yeast infections are caused by the species known as Candida albicans. Other Candida species make up the remainder of yeast infections.
Candida species can be present in healthy women in the vagina without causing any symptoms. In fact, it is estimated that 20% to 50% of women have Candida already present in the vagina. For an infection to occur, the normal balance of yeast and bacteria is disturbed, allowing overgrowth of the yeast. While yeast can be spread by sexual contact, vaginal yeast infection is not considered to be a sexually-transmitted disease because it can also occur in women who are not sexually active, due to the fact that yeast can be present in the vagina of healthy women.
Vaginal yeast infections are very common, affecting up to 75% of women at some point in life.
Candida species can be present in healthy women in the vagina without causing any symptoms. In fact, it is estimated that 20% to 50% of women have Candida already present in the vagina. For an infection to occur, the normal balance of yeast and bacteria is disturbed, allowing overgrowth of the yeast. While yeast can be spread by sexual contact, vaginal yeast infection is not considered to be a sexually-transmitted disease because it can also occur in women who are not sexually active, due to the fact that yeast can be present in the vagina of healthy women.
Vaginal yeast infections are very common, affecting up to 75% of women at some point in life.
Even though the symptoms produced by a vaginal yeast infection (also referred to as vaginal candidiasis or yeast vaginitis) are similar among affected women, they are not at all specific. In fact, studies have shown that many women attempt to treat what they believe are yeast infections using over-the-counter medications when they actually have a different condition. So, if you are unsure about whether or not you have a yeast infection, or if you have never had one before, it's important to see your doctor to be sure that you are treating the correct conditions before starting any treatment.
The most common organism that causes yeast infections is known as Candida albicans. This type of yeast can be present in normal, healthy women in the vaginal canal. Most commonly, it is present without causing any symptoms at all. It is only when an overgrowth of this organism is present that symptoms of a yeast infection may manifest. This happens when the balance of protective bacteria in the vagina is disturbed, either due to illness, hormonal changes, or taking certain medications, particularly antibiotics or immune-suppressing drugs. Conditions that affect the function of the immune system, including diabetes, can increase a woman's risk of getting a yeast infection. Sometimes, no cause for the overgrowth of yeast is discovered.
Symptoms of yeast infection are similar to those of other causes of vaginitis (inflammation or irritation of the vaginal canal), including Trichomonas infection and bacterial vaginosis. Itching, which can be severe, is a common symptom. Burning and irritation usually accompany the itching. Pain during sexual intercourse may be present as well as pain or burning with urination. A vaginal discharge is often present. With a yeast infection, the discharge is most often described as whitish-gray, thick, and having a consistency similar to cottage cheese. There may be redness, swelling, irritation, and itching of the vulva in addition to the vaginal symptoms.
Patients may experience the related symptoms of Vaginal Itching, Vaginal Discharge, and/or Vaginal Pain.
Symptoms of yeast infection are similar to those of other causes of vaginitis (inflammation or irritation of the vaginal canal), including Trichomonas infection and bacterial vaginosis. Itching, which can be severe, is a common symptom. Burning and irritation usually accompany the itching. Pain during sexual intercourse may be present as well as pain or burning with urination. A vaginal discharge is often present. With a yeast infection, the discharge is most often described as whitish-gray, thick, and having a consistency similar to cottage cheese. There may be redness, swelling, irritation, and itching of the vulva in addition to the vaginal symptoms.
Patients may experience the related symptoms of Vaginal Itching, Vaginal Discharge, and/or Vaginal Pain.
{ 0 comments... read them below or add one }
Post a Comment