
Table of Contents
Yeast infection, commonly known as candidiasis, is one of the most frequently met condition women suffer from. Although not being a disease that raises serious concerns, yeast infection can affect a woman’s well being, causing unpleasant sensations around the vaginal area, and affecting sex life as well. The topic is vast, and to prevent this condition from appearing, or to act accordingly we candida does develop, women should be properly informed on the topic. This article presents the ins and outs of yeast infections.
Yeast is described as a fungus that usually lives in small numbers in the vagina. A healthy vagina can have some yeast cells and bacteria, but when the balance between these two changes, the yeast cells can start to multiply. Genital Candidiasis, vaginal candidiasis and vulvovaginal candidiasis are other terms used to refer to yeast infection. The fungus that is the most frequently associated with a yeast infection is Candida albicans, being accountable for somewhere around 92 percent of cases. When the fungus is permitted to multiply unchecked, that is the moment when a yeast infection appears. Although these fungi can be found all over the body, they are usually present in moist and humid areas. According to studies, even 50 percent of women can carry yeast in the vaginal area, without experiencing any symptoms. If the C albicans multiplies until it causes an infection, the patient will start dealing with irritation, unpleasant odor, vaginal inflammation, and discharge. Because this condition is extremely common, more than 70 percent of women develop it at least once in their lifetime.
Women can easily conclude that they are confronted with a yeast infection, the signs being noticeable, recognizable and persistent. The symptoms can, in most situations range from mild to moderate, and they include:
If the yeast infection reaches a more severe level, a few complications can arise. Because the need of seeing a specialist intensifies when the yeast infection is a complicated one, women should be aware of the situations when this type of infection should cause more concerns.
Because the vagina holds an environment that is in charge of maintaining its own balance of microorganisms, when something disrupts this balance, such as the fungus above mentioned, the development of a yeast infection is a normal outcome. The following factors are the ones that can cause a disruption of the vagina’s natural balance of microorganisms, and thus the development of an infection of this sort:
Seeing a specialist and discussing about the symptoms is the first solution for those in this situation. When it comes to diagnosing a yeast infection, the doctor viewing the patients will primarily request information about the woman’s medical history, especially details about previous vaginal or sexually transmitted infections. The expert will also perform a physical and pelvic exam, while also testing the woman’s sample of vaginal discharge as well as urine. Women who see a specialist for a clear diagnosis are recommended to avoid intercourse and even douching for one or tow days, in order for the results to be more accurate, and the diagnosis process simplified. The pelvic examination involves the inspection of the cervix and vaginal canal for any soreness, discharge, tenderness or local pain. The majority of candida infections can be diagnosed without undergoing laboratory tests. The doctor may resort to taking cultural swabs of vaginal discharge, administer a pap test, recommend a colposcopy or utilize special DNA test for more extensive research. The testing of vaginal secretion can be useful to determine exactly the type of fungus that has triggered the infection, details that swill simplify the prescription of the most effective treatment.
The treatment of yeast infection varies depending on the severity of the condition. The treatment options are divided between complicated and uncomplicated candidiasis cases.
Treating a regular yeast infection, one that does not show aggravating signs can be extremely easy, and women have the possibility of benefiting from a quick recovery. Specialists usually recommend for mild symptoms, the following solutions:
If the treatment does not ameliorate symptoms, or if the infection relapses in less than two months, women need to make a follow-up appointment at their doctors for further investigations, the case could potentially lead to other complications
For complicated yeast infections, the treatment requirements become a bit more extensive and might involve:
A largen number of someone choose to treat their yeast infection at home, using various methods. Although in some situations, home remedies can prove to be effective, especially if the infection symptoms are mild ones, women who experience this issue for the first time, or are not 100 percent certain if they are dealing with candidiasis, being confronted with unusual symptoms, should always seek the help of a specialist. Also, it’s important for patients to remember that for recurrent yeast infections, their partner is required to take a treatment as well, when not using condoms during intercourse.
Although yeast infection cannot always be prevented, its causes being multiple, there are a few things women have the possibility of doing in order to lower their chances of dealing with such an infection. The likelihood of candida can be prevent through the following guidelines:
Yeast infection has become quite common among women, and this type of vaginal condition does not need to raise many concerns, being easy to treat. However, if left unattended there are a few complication that might arise, besides the unpleasant sensation linked to it. Those who spot symptoms or signs, should immediately see a gynecologist and start taking the necessary treatment, in order for the condition to not aggravate itself. Although candida might not be a dangerous or frightening disease, once the infection occurs, the chances of developing it again are very high ones, this is why women are recommended by their gynecologists to take a preventive treatment once in 6 months or once a year.
Last updated on March 2nd, 2018