What is vaginal yeast infection?
Vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection that occurs in the female genital area, especially the vagina and the vulva. It is caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, which is a type or yeast or fungus that can also cause oral infection. This disease is also known as vaginal candidiasis. As we all know, even in a healthy vagina, there are several different types of microorganism that live inside the vagina, including yeast. However, too much yeast can lead to an infection. Vaginal yeast infection is one of the most common health problems in women; about 75% of women are estimated to suffer from this condition.
What are the symptoms of vaginal yeast infection?
The symptoms of this disease may vary according to the degree of the infection. The most common symptom is severe itchiness around the vulva and the vagina. Other common symptoms of yeast infection include pain when urinating, pain while having sex, a rash on the vagina, soreness, abnormal vaginal discharge (thick and have an odor), and redness, inflammation, and burning sensation in the vagina and around the vulva.
What are the causes of vaginal candidiasis?
In some cases, vaginal candidiasis can be transmitted to women through sexual intercourse. A weak immune system can trigger the overgrowth of Candida albicans inside the vagina. Lack of sleep, stress, and illness can cause the immune system to weaken and hence lead to vaginal yeast infection. Additionally, this condition can also caused by hormonal changes that come with pregnancy or your monthly menstruation, and bad eating habit such as over consumption of sugary foods. Women who take particular medication such as antibiotics, steroids, and birth control pills are also prone to yeast infection.
How to cure the vaginal candidiasis?
You can easily buy over-the-counter antifungal medication at the drug store. They come in the form of pills, creams, or suppositories that is inserted into the vagina. If the problem persists, you should consult your doctor. He or she will most likely prescribe you with fluconazole which is taken orally. Pregnant women, however, are forbidden to take this medicine. Since several other vaginal diseases share similar symptoms with vaginal candidiasis (e.g. bacterial vaginosis), you should make sure that you have this condition before taking any antifungal medication. The wrong treatments will only make your condition worse.
How to avoid vaginal yeast infection?
To avoid vaginal candidiasis, you need to maintain a healthy immune system and pay extra attention to the cleanliness of your genital area. You can avoid the infection by avoiding scented feminine products, regularly changing your pad or tampon while having menstruation, wearing cotton undergarments and pantyhose, and keeping your vulva and vagina dry at all times.