Vaginal Yeast Infection: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

Next time you hear about someone who has a vaginal yeast infection, please do not condemn them. Vaginal yeast infection is not uncommon. This is due to the fact that it affects 75% of all women.

Considering that it affects such a large percentage of the female population, women should all be aware of how to detect a vaginal yeast infection if they have it. They should know what measures they need to take to prevent it from happening, and what they should do when they find out that they have it.

What causes it?
According to the Mayo Clinic, the fungus candida is the cause of vaginal yeast infections. When there is too much yeast in our vagina, it causes itching and produces the symptoms of a yeast infection. This happens when the Lactobacillus bacteria population that produces the acid which prevents yeast overgrowth, is reduced. Disruption in this balance may be caused by antibiotic use, pregnancy, diabetes, an impaired immune system, or taking oral contraceptives.

One thing to remember though is that yeast infections are not considered as sexually transmitted infections. Women who are sexually inactive can also develop yeast infections.

How do you know that you have it?
The symptoms for mild to moderate vaginal yeast infections include:
• itching and irritation in the vagina and the tissues at the vulva or the vaginal opening
• a burning sensation while having intercourse or while urinating
• redness and swelling of the vulva
• vaginal pain and soreness
• vaginal rash
• watery vaginal discharge
• thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge that has a cottage cheese appearance

Also, consider your vaginal yeast infection a complicated one if you are having severe redness, swelling and itching that causes you tears, cracks or sores. Take more care if you are pregnant, have uncontrolled diabetes, have at least four or more yeast infections in a year, or if you have an HIV infection.

What can you do to prevent it?
To prevent it, you should try to wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting pants. It’s best to stay away from tight-fitting underwear. Don’t linger on wearing wet clothes, change them at the earliest. Keep out of hot tubs as heat can kill the good bacteria. And don’t use antibiotics if not necessary, as they kill both the good and bad bacteria in your body.

What should you do when you have it?
When you are experiencing the symptoms that are stated above, please go see your doctor. The type of treatment will depend on whether you have a complicated or an uncomplicated type of vaginal yeast infection.

It is good to know that having a vaginal yeast infection is not the end of the world. And if you get rid of it, there is a chance that it might come back again. But this isn’t something that is incurable or something that possesses a serious threat to our health. But you should not delay taking action against it as it can spread and become worse. Go see the doctor at the earliest and get the necessary creams or ointments that can easily cure your problem with regular application.

In conclusion, vaginal yeast infections are common, and there should not be any shame or condemnation when someone has it. Women should all be aware of how to detect it, how to prevent it, and what to do when they have it. Taking care of our vaginal health is important, and we should all strive to have a healthy and comfortable life.