A particular kind of fungal infection is a vaginal yeast infection. Candida, a kind of yeast found in your body, is what causes vaginal yeast infections. Candida is a particular kind of yeast, which is a form of fungus. There are no issues when the yeast in your body is balanced. However, if the yeast is out of balance, it develops quickly and can cause a yeast infection. A yeast infection alters the consistency of your vaginal discharge and produces burning, itching, and redness in your vulva (the outer regions of your vagina). There is no sexually transmitted ailment called a yeast infection (STI).
What Causes Yeast Infections
Candida(the fungal infection caused by yeast) can grow when the bacteria in your vagina are out of balance. There are several causes for this, including:
- When you use antibiotics to cure illnesses in your body, the beneficial bacteria in your vagina are killed. The yeast is controlled by beneficial microorganisms. Without the beneficial bacteria, the balance changes, which causes a yeast infection.
- Hormones and pregnancy: Anything that alters or interferes with your hormones might throw off the delicate balance of candida in your vagina. This involves getting pregnant, using birth control pills, and going through menstrual cycle variations that are typical.
- Diabetes that is not under control affects the germs in your urine.
- Immune system being suppressed: If you have a condition like HIV or AIDS, your treatments may cause your immune system to be suppressed. Your immune system may be suppressed by cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation.
Symptoms of Yeast Infections
Here are six obvious signs of a vaginal yeast infection. These signs may manifest as:
- A burning or itching feeling in your vulva and vagina.
- A cottage cheese-like, thick vaginal discharge that is white.
- Your vulva and vagina are red and swollen.
- Due to the sensitive skin in the region, your vulva may experience minor cuts or fissures.
- A scorching sensation after urinating.
- Pain during sex is occasionally another sign of a vaginal yeast infection.
The symptoms of a yeast infection are comparable to those that people experience when they have an STI or another type of vaginal infection. If you have any of these symptoms, get in touch with your doctor right away so they can evaluate you.
Yeast Infection Treatment
Most vaginal yeast infections are treated with antifungal medicines. The particular treatment depends on how bad the infection is. Based on your symptoms and condition, your healthcare practitioner will recommend the best course of action.
Antifungal drugs combat the proliferation of yeast in your body and prevent recurring yeast infections. Fluconazole is typically taken once a day by mouth as an oral medication (used daily for up to seven days). Using an applicator, you can administer topical drugs to the vaginal region or suppository them into the vagina. Terconazole and miconazole are two popular antifungal drugs.
You will get information about each type of drug from your healthcare professional, along with instructions on how to use each one safely. When using these meds, it's crucial to carefully adhere to your doctor's directions to make sure the infection is completely treated and doesn't come back.
The Lifespan of a Yeast infection
It usually takes a few days for the medicine to work on yeast infections, but it occasionally takes a full week. More severe instances can require longer-term care. To prevent the infection from returning, use the medication exactly as prescribed, and don't stop taking it too soon.
Get Help
Most women or those who were designated as female at birth will experience yeast infections at some point in their lifetime. It can be effectively treated with medicine, some of which can be acquired at your neighborhood pharmacy without a prescription. Even though you are aware of the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection, it is still vital to contact and visit BASS Medical. Call us today!