Do You Know Vaginal Yeast Infections Symptoms and Causes

Many women suffer from vaginal yeast infections at some time or the other. A common type of fungus is candida albaicans which is present naturally in the vagina, on skin, the digestive tract and the mouth. It is present in small amounts and does not cause any diseases. These are in our body in a balance with the other bacteria. When this balance gets disturbed and the amount of fungus increases, it causes a yeast infection. It is not a sexually transmitted disease but is a sign of health problems in the body. Repeated infections even after treatments and infections that do not respond to any treatment may be a sign of HIV.

The symptoms of vaginal yeast infection may be painful urination, abnormal vaginal discharge, pain during sexual intercourse, itching and burning in vagina and redness or swelling of the vulva. The discharge may be thick, white, clumpy and cheesy. These symptoms may worsen just before the menstrual periods.

Vaginal yeast infections are caused the fungus candida. The bacteria lactobacillus produces acid which inhibits the over growth of candida in the vagina. A disturbance of this balance leads to overgrowth of the yeast and if yeast is present in large amounts, it leads to vaginal burning, itching and pain. The disturbance in the balance and overgrowth of yeast can be due to pregnancy in which there is a change in the hormonal levels. Another cause is the usage of antibiotics which decreases the friendly bacteria in the vagina and allows the yeast to grow. Uncontrolled diabetes and an impaired immune system can also cause this condition. Irritation from inadequate vaginal lubrication and douching can change the amount of bacteria present in the vagina. Vaginal yeast infections are mainly caused by candida albicans which responds quite well to the treatments. The infections caused by different candida fungus may not respond as well.

Before treatment, the doctor may ask your medical history and take a pelvic examination or take a sample of your vaginal secretion for testing. Vaginal yeast infection may be treated with anti fungal creams, tablets, suppositories or ointments. Different types of medications available are clotrimazole, nystatin, tioconazole, monazole and micanazole. These medications are not advised to be used if the woman is pregnant. Also the medications should not be used for a first time infection, only be used for repeat infections. The first time infection should be checked up by the doctor to confirm it is not a symptom of some other infection like a sexually transmitted disease. The male partner can have symptoms like irritation, itching and redness; he may be treated with an antifungal ointment or cream too. These medications are a short course vaginal therapy and it helps to clear the infections which are mild to moderate.

For more complicated infections, a long course vaginal therapy or multi dose oral medication may be suggested by the doctor. Some women get relief from applying tea tree oil cream, garlic suppositories and vinegar douches. Apart from these treatment methods for vaginal yeast infections, it is important to maintain hygiene, wear light cotton underwear, avoid douching, avoid usage of perfumed products around genital area and stay away from hot baths to prevent this condition.