Health

Vaginal Yeast Infections: Treatment, Causes, Prevention

A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection that produces inflammation, discharge, and severe itching in the vagina and vulva

Sentinel Digital Desk

A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection that produces inflammation, discharge, and severe itching in the vagina and vulva — the tissues that line the vaginal entrance. Vaginal yeast infection, also known as vaginal candidiasis, affects up to three out of every four women at some point in their lives.

Causes:

Most vaginal yeast infections are caused by the fungus Candida albicans. Your vaginal environment contains a healthy balance of yeast and bacteria, including candida. Yeast overgrowth is prevented by certain bacteria (lactobacillus). However, this equilibrium can be upset.

Several factors can cause a yeast infection, including Trusted Source:

  1. antibiotics, which decrease the amount of Lactobacillus ("good bacteria") in the vagina
  2. pregnancy
  3. uncontrolled diabetes
  4. weak immune system
  5. hormonal imbalance near your menstrual cycle
  6. stress

Candida development may also be aided by specific lifestyle choices, which include:

  1. Being sexually active (vaginal yeast infections are not considered a sexually transmitted infection but they are more common in women who are sexually active)
  2. Consuming a high-sugar diet (a yeast food source)
  3. Douching
  4. Vaginal sponges, diaphragms, and intrauterine devices are examples of other contraceptive methods (IUDs)
  5. Having a bad vaginal hygiene routine

Yeast infections can strike any female at any time. Because of the hormonal changes that occur throughout the menstrual cycle, many ladies discover that they tend to show up shortly before their periods. Tight clothing (particularly undergarments) and fabrics like nylon that trap heat and moisture may increase the risk of yeast infections. Douching and using scented sanitary products might disrupt the vaginal microbial balance, making yeast infections more prevalent.

Yeast infections aren't a sexually transmitted diseases. They aren't contagious and can't be passed from one person to another during intercourse. However, sexual contact can induce yeast infections because your body chemistry reacts negatively to another person's normal genital yeast and germs, causing the yeast to proliferate.

Treatment:

  1. Seeing your doctor and receiving a Fluconazole prescription is the fastest approach to get rid of a yeast infection.
  2. A yeast infection may typically be cleared by taking an antifungal drug for three to seven days.
  3. Boric acid is a strong antiseptic that some individuals believe can help with yeast infections that haven't responded to previous treatments.
  4. Probiotics aid in the restoration of the bacteria-yeast balance in your body.
  5. Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal medicine to be taken twice a week for the first two weeks, then once a week for the next six months.

Prevention:

  1. Wear breathable underwear
  2. Not douching
  3. When you're on your period, make sure you're changing your tampons, pads, and pantyliners on a regular basis.
  4. Using feminine deodorants as little as possible
  5. Using sexual lubricants that are water-based


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