INTRODUCTION: A vaginal yeast infection is often produced by a fungus called Candida albicans which is normally found in small numbers in the vagina. While it is definitely not a pleasant experience, there’s no need to spend too much time worrying.
Yeast infection is also more common after menopause due to declining estrogen levels, which thin the vaginal walls. It is usually not spread by sexual intercourse.
The only time Candida Albicans causes a problem is when the conditions in its environment are such that it begins to grow and reproduce at an increased rate. When this occurs a vaginal yeast infection is the result. If the yeast infection is left untreated, some doctors feel that the Candida Albican will continue to reproduce at an alarming rate. They feel that if the vaginal yeast infection is left untreated that it will produce an imbalance in the bodies natural bacterias and the person’s immune system will become involved, in short the person will become sicker and sicker.
SYMPTOMS: Signs of a yeast infection are similar to a number of other diseases, including bacterial vaginosis (a bacterial infection of the vagina), trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted infection), and contact or allergic dermatitis (a skin reaction to an irritating or allergic substance).
They can often include intense and unbearable itching, rash, a burning feeling, vaginal discharge, and pain during sexual intercourse. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, examine you and may collect samples of cells from places you are having symptoms, such as the mouth or vagina.
TREATMENT: Treating vaginal yeast infection may include a topical cream or tablet; most are applied inside the vagina at bedtime with an applicator. Treatment durations vary according to the formulation; one, three, and seven-day treatments are equally effective. Women with recurrent infections should use a longer course of treatment for infections, between 10 to 14 days for a topical (cream or suppository) medication or fluconazole 150 mg by mouth with a second dose 72 hours later.
Treating with antibiotics can lead to ridding the yeast’s natural competitors for resources, and increase the severity of the condition. Treating it will not help or cure sexually transmitted disease such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomonas.
CONCLUSION: Let your provider help you be certain that yeast infection is the problem and, if it is, to determine why it’s not responding to treatment. If you feel that your yeast infection is immune to the over-the-counter treatment you are using, you can try using a new product, or go to your doctor for a prescription treatment.
A good home treatment for vaginal yeast infection is to raise your immune system through correct diet and complete sleep. Probably the easiest way to deal with a yeast infection is to prevent it. This may be a major “well duh”, but one of the best ways to treat a yeast infection is to wash yourself thoroughly at least once a day.
