Vaginal yeast infection — also called vaginal candidiasis — is very a common condition affecting many women. The symptoms can vary in severity and can be very embarrassing to the woman.
What is a vaginal yeast infection?
A vaginal yeast infection is a type of vaginitis — inflammation of the vagina — characterized by vaginal irritation, intense itchiness and vaginal discharge. A vaginal yeast infection affects the vagina and the tissues at the opening to the vagina (vulva).If you have a vaginal yeast infection, you are most likely to experience itching in the vaginal area. Other symptoms include a burning sensation, soreness, pain during intercourse and/or during urination, and a thick, white vaginal discharge.About 75 percent of all women will have a vaginal infection during their lifetime. Most women will have at least one vaginal yeast infection with symptoms – at some point – and almost half will have two or more.
What causes vaginal yeast infections?
Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida albicans, not by bacteria. This fungus is usually present in the vagina, as well as the mouth and digestive tract and on the skin, but it can overgrow in certain conditions.
A vaginal yeast infection is not considered a sexually transmitted infection because it happens in women who are not sexually active and the candida fungus is naturally present in the vagina, but health experts are unsure whether yeast can be transmitted between partners. A woman may spread the infection to a female partner, and about 12% to 15% of men get an itchy rash on the penis after unprotected sex with an infected woman. Uncircumcised men have a greater risk of developing a rash.
Can you prevent vaginal yeast infections?
A woman can reduce her chances of getting a yeast infection by wearing cotton panties which are cooler than synthetic panties and would not trap sweat; avoiding douches and feminine sprays which can be irritating; avoiding hot tubs or very hot baths; changing tampons or pads often during her menstrual period; and avoiding tight panties, pantyhoses and jeans.
Some types of yogurt contain dietary acidophilus (Lactobacillus acidophilus), which is a type of “friendly” bacteria that lives in the digestive, urinary and genital systems. There is not enough scientific evidence to say that eating yogurt effectively treats or prevents vaginal yeast infections.
Vaginal yeast infections and medications
Certain medications including birth control pills, some antibiotics, and steroids – can change the acidic balance of the vagina and encourage the growth of yeast which can lead to a vaginal infection. If you notice that you get vaginal infections when using certain medications, see you doctor. Various alternatives and treatment options will be discussed.
Vaginal yeast infections and menopause
The declining oestrogen levels associated with menopause is associated with vaginal yeast infections. The various hormonal changes experienced during menopause can affect the balance of yeast or bacteria in the vagina and lead to a yeast infection.
Recurrent vaginal yeast infections
A recurrent yeast infection is defined as four or more infections in one year. Recurrent yeast infections may be related to other medical conditions, such as diabetes or HIV, and may require a doctor’s care.
When to see your doctor
Many women use over the counter medications to treat vaginal yeast infections but, unfortunately, many of these women do not have a vaginal yeast infection.
If you suspect you have a yeast infection but are not sure, see a doctor. If your symptoms are caused by a sexually transmitted disease, and not a yeast infection, leaving it untreated can lead to potentially serious complications. Ask your doctor before treating yourself for a yeast infection if you are pregnant, have never been diagnosed with a yeast infection, or get recurrent yeast infections.
Douching is not recommended to treat vaginal yeast infections. Most doctors recommend that women not douche at all. Douching changes the acidity level of the vagina and the balance of organisms that live in it. Wash only the outside of the vagina with warm water and mild soap.
Treatment
Yeast infection treatment depends on whether you have an uncomplicated or a complicated infection.
Uncomplicated yeast infection
For mild to moderate symptoms and infrequent episodes of yeast infection, your doctor might recommend a short course of vaginal therapy, or a one-time single dose of antifungal oral medication.
You should make a follow-up appointment with your doctor if you have finished your treatment and your symptoms have not gone away – or if your symptoms return within two months of being treated.
Complicated yeast infection
Treatment for a complicated yeast infection might include a long course of vaginal therapy or multiple-dose oral medications.
For recurrent yeast infections, your doctor might recommend a medication to keep yeast overgrowth in check and prevent future infections. Maintenance therapy starts after the initial treatment clears the yeast infection.
Usually, your sex partner does not also need to be treated for a yeast infection. If you have recurrent yeast infections, your doctor might recommend treating your partner if your partner has signs or symptoms of a genital yeast infection.
Conclusion
Vaginal yeast infections are very common in most countries including Anguilla. About 75 percent of women have one during their lives, and almost half of them have two or more vaginal yeast infections. The symptoms are very characteristic, but these symptoms can resemble other infections some of which might be very serious if not correctly diagnosed and treated. There is effective treatment available for treating vaginal yeast infections.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in the Johnson Building in The Valley.
