Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)
Yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth of yeast organisms, which are normally in the vagina. It is also known as candidiasis. Yeast infection is caused by a fungus called Candida. When the balance of protective bacteria in the vagina is disturbed, yeast organisms may multiply and cause any of the following symptoms:
- Vaginal and vulva itching, burning may get worse with urination or irritation during sex. The vulva may be red and swollen.
- A white, cottage-cheesy vaginal discharge and has no odor
- Some women with yeast infections notice an increase or change in discharge. Others do not notice a discharge at all. Some women may have no symptoms.
- Swelling, redness, and irritation of the external genitals
- A rash on external genitals or inner thighs
Many things can predispose women to a yeast infection; these include:
- Wearing tight pants, panty hose, or nylon underwear (yeast likes growing in a moist warm environment).
- Taking antibiotics
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Birth Control pills
- Being run down or under stress
Sometimes there is no apparent reason for getting a yeast infection. It is a very common ailment among women. However annoying and uncomfortable, it is easily treated and cannot cause serious harm. Many women who take antibiotics will get yeast infections. The antibiotics kill normal vaginal bacteria, and the yeast then has a chance to overgrow.
A woman is more likely to get yeast infections if she is pregnant or has diabetes. Overgrowth of yeast can also occur if the body’s immune system, which protects the body from disease, isn’t working well. For example, in women infected with HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus), yeast infections may be severe. They may not go away, even with treatment, or may recur often, in many cases, the cause of a yeast infection is not known.
Vaginal infections caused by the yeast organism are effectively treated by an antifungal (Monistat, Mycelex, Vagisil or any similar brand) vaginal ointment as a treatment over the counter at any drug store. However, vaginal infections caused by other types of organisms or sexually transmitted diseases will not respond to treatment.
Treatment:
The medications usually prescribed are vaginal tablets (suppositories), vaginal cream, or a stat treatment of a single dose orally. The tablets or cream should be inserted into vagina as directed. Treatment should be continued through the menstrual period. Use pads instead of tampons. If cream or suppositories have been prescribed, it is important to finish the full dose of medication, even if your symptoms disappear before that time, otherwise the infection may return. In most cases, treatment of male sex partners is not necessary.
If you are just starting treatment and feeling very uncomfortable, warm soaks in the tub may help. It may also be best to stop having intercourse during the worst stages of the infection.
Sometimes a woman thinks she has a yeast infection when she actually has another problem. The medication may mask another cause for vaginitis. If there is another cause, it may be harder to find if a woman is taking medication of a yeast infection.
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