Vaginal yeast infection: medications, symptoms, causes, etc. & bull; hello healthy

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Definition

What is vaginal yeast infection?

Vaginal yeast infection is a type of infection caused by an overgrowth of the Candida yeast. Yeast infection of the vagina is also often called yeast infection or candidiasis (candidiasis).

In normal numbers, the presence of bacteria and yeast cells in the vagina indicates a healthy sex organ. However, when the amount is multiplied, the fungus will cause vaginal problems.

Candidiasis is not a sexually transmitted disease. However, sex can make the fungus move to the partner. Therefore, you need to treat it immediately so that the fungus does not spread to other people.

For mild conditions, usually a few days of treatment helps relieve symptoms. However, in more direct cases, it may take up to about two weeks.

How common are vaginal yeast infections?

Women of all ages are at risk for this disease. Especially those who have entered and past puberty.

However, this disease can be prevented by reducing the risk factors. Please discuss with your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of vaginal yeast infection?

Vaginal yeast infection has various symptoms that are quite clearly visible. Various signs and symptoms that usually appear, namely:

• Vaginal itching
• Swelling around the vagina
• A burning sensation when urinating or having sex
• Redness or rash
• Thick, gray or white discharge that looks like cheese

The longer you let these symptoms go without treating them, the more they will worsen the condition.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Check with your doctor immediately if this is the first time you have a vaginal yeast infection. This disease can be easily cured as long as it is treated immediately.

You also need to see a doctor immediately when you have treated it with an over-the-counter antifungal cream but it doesn't work.

In addition, do not delay to consult a doctor if the symptoms get worse or if they get worse.

Cause

What causes vaginal yeast infection?

The fungus Candida albicans is the main cause of most cases of vaginal yeast infections. When breeding gets out of hand, the presence of mold can cause big problems.

An overgrowth of Candida into the vaginal cells can trigger the appearance of very disturbing symptoms. Yeast infections caused by other types of Candida yeast can be more difficult to treat and generally require more intensive therapy.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for vaginal yeast infection?

The following are things that can increase a woman's risk of developing vaginal yeast infections:

Take antibiotics

Antibiotics, such as penicillin, erythromycin, tetracyclines, and amoxicillin, are used to treat and prevent infections by killing and inhibiting bacterial growth.

As a side effect, antibiotics can disrupt the normally slightly acidic natural pH of the vagina by killing healthy bacteria. As a result, yeast growth increases and can cause yeast infection in the vagina.

Is pregnant

Higher levels of estrogen during pregnancy make your vagina produce more glycogen. This makes it easier for mushrooms to thrive there. Apart from pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers are also susceptible to Candida infections for the same reason.

Use contraception

Taking birth control pills or using an IUD to prevent pregnancy can increase your risk of vaginal yeast infection. The reason is, these two pregnancy prevention methods contain additional estrogen and progesterone hormones which can nourish the yeast population in the vagina.

However, newer versions of some of the hormonal contraceptives currently available no longer have the same effect. You can consult with your obstetrician to determine what hormonal contraception is most suitable for you.

Have uncontrolled diabetes

If your diabetes is out of control, your body's blood sugar levels can spike high. This increase in sugar can cause an overgrowth of yeast in the vaginal area. This is because the soft tissue in your vagina and your vaginal fluids contain a lot of glucose.

The fungi that live in the vagina live on this excess sugar, causing them to grow more fertile and become infected. In addition, hyperglycemia impairs immune function which can help fight infection.

Therefore, it is very important to keep blood sugar levels within normal limits. This also applies to women who don't even have diabetes.

Weak immune system

A weakened or impaired immune system function due to certain conditions can make it hard for the body to fight infection. Several conditions can cause a weakened immune system, for example:

• HIV / AIDS
• Diabetes
• Currently undergoing chemotherapy
• Just recovered from receiving an organ transplant
• Being hospitalized due to certain diseases
• The use of steroid drugs to treat inflammation because steroids work by suppressing the immune system

Wearing too tight underwear

Wearing tight underwear made of synthetic fabrics that don't absorb sweat can increase the temperature and humidity down there. The moist vagina is the ideal environment for the fungus to breed.

We recommend that you choose underwear made of cotton that absorbs sweat, and try not to linger in wet swimsuits. Change your damp clothes as soon as possible after the activity.

Reporting from Prevention, Taraneh Shirazian, MD from the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at NYU Langone Medical Center, recommends that women sleep at least twice a week without underwear to let the skin breathe more freely.

Unsafe sex

Yeast infection of the vagina can occur after certain sexual activity. Especially oral sex contact with a man who has oral thrush or vaginal sex with a man who has a yeast infection on his penis. Yeast infection of the penis is more common in uncircumcised men.

Having sex with a healthy man who doesn't have any infections can still increase a woman's risk of developing a vaginal yeast infection. The reason is, vaginal penetration can change the pH level of the vagina so that the fungus can grow more fertile there. That is why women are emphasized to always pee after sex.

If there are no risk factors it does not mean you are unlikely to have this disease. These factors are for reference only. You should consult a specialist for more details.

Diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are the usual tests for vaginal yeast infection?

First of all, the doctor will ask some questions regarding your medical history. In this case the doctor will generally ask about a history of vaginal infections or sexually transmitted infections.

After that, the doctor will examine the external genitals for signs of infection. If you feel uncomfortable being examined by a male doctor, from the beginning it's a good idea to choose a female doctor.

Then the doctor will do a pelvic exam to see how severe the infection is. After that, the doctor will also place an instrument called a speculum into the vagina to hold the walls open. This is done so that doctors can more freely examine the vagina and cervix.

After that, the doctor will usually take a sample of vaginal fluid to determine the type of fungus that is causing the infection. By knowing the type of fungus that infects, the doctor will find it easier to determine drug options, especially for recurring diseases.

What are the treatment options for vaginal yeast infection?

Treatment is usually determined by the severity of symptoms. In this case, doctors usually divide treatment into two categories, namely mild and severe infections.

Mild infection

For minor infections, the doctor will prescribe creams, ointments, tablets, or suppositories for about three days. Apart from prescription drugs, you can also buy drugs yourself at the pharmacy without needing a doctor's prescription. The choice of antifungal drugs that are usually prescribed is:

• Butoconazole (Gynazole)
• Clotrimazole (Lotrimin)
• Miconazole (Monistat)
• Terconazole (Terazol)
• Fluconazole (Diflucan)

You still need to do a follow-up consultation with a doctor to make sure the medicine is working. You also need to see a doctor if you find that the symptoms appear again within two months.

Severe infection

Treatment for severe cases of infection, of course, cannot be confused with mild ones. Yeast infection is said to be severe if:

• Make the vagina experience redness, swelling, and itching which causes sores in the surrounding tissue
• Have vaginal yeast infections more than four times a year
• Have an infection caused by Candida other than Candida albicans
• Is pregnant
• Have chronic diabetes
• Have a weak immune system due to certain medications or diseases
• HIV positive

To treat an infection that is severe enough, doctors usually provide treatments such as:

• Using creams, ointments, tablets, or suppositories for at least 14 days
• Give two or three doses of a drinking antifungal, namely fluconazole (Diflucan)
• Provide a long-term prescription fluconazole, taken once a week for 6 weeks or a topical antifungal

If the infection continues to recur, the doctor will ask your partner to be examined. It could be that this condition occurs because the partner also has this disease so that the infection goes back and forth.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat vaginal yeast infections?

Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with vaginal yeast infections:

Clean the vagina properly

Cleaning the vagina is not only as long as flushing it with water. Compared to plain water, it is recommended that you clean the vagina with lukewarm water.

However, do not just rinse because there is a precise method that may not be widely known. Wash the vagina from front to back so that the germs that stick to the anus do not move and enter the vagina. After that, wipe with a soft tissue or towel and gently pat it dry.

Try not to douching or cleaning the vagina with special chemicals or scented soaps. This is because your vaginal skin is in a sensitive period which is prone to irritation.

Routinely change your underwear

Change your underwear at least twice a day. If you are doing outdoor activities throughout the day or you do an activity that causes you to sweat a lot, change it more often.

Don't wear damp pants for a long time, as this can increase the risk of infection. Choose cotton pants that can provide good air circulation.

In addition, avoid pants that are too tight, as this can trap sweat on your skin, which can cause the pants to get too damp.

Using a condom during sex

To prevent the spread of infection to your partner, it's best to use a condom when having sex. Even though it's a bit of a hassle, the long-term effects for you and your partner will be much better.

But remember, don't have sex until your doctor allows it. Ask in advance about when is the right time to get back in touch with your partner.

Eating yogurt

Yogurt contains good bacteria that can restore the balance of bacteria and fungi in the vagina. In addition, yogurt also contains calcium which supports the development of good bacteria in the vagina.

Eating yogurt every day helps stop the yeast infection from coming back.

Prevention

How to prevent vaginal yeast infection?

There is no sure way to prevent Candida infection. But certain measures can reduce your risk of getting a vaginal yeast infection.

One of the most basic and mandatory things to do is to maintain good vaginal hygiene. Fungus thrives in warm, moist areas, so keep your vagina as clean and dry as possible.

Avoid washing the vagina with scented soaps, which can upset the pH balance of the vagina. Basically, the vagina has its own way of cleaning itself by keeping pH levels and bacterial colonies in balance.

Therefore, you can simply wash the vagina with lukewarm water one to two times a day.

To relieve symptoms of bad odor, itching, discharge, or prevent infection in the vaginal area, you can use feminine cleaning products. Especially during menstruation, when the vagina is very susceptible to infection.

A good feminine antiseptic cleanser should contain the active ingredient Povidone Iodine and should not contain fragrances, perfumes, or soap substances.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.