Table of Contents
Symptoms
Yeast infections cause a variety of symptoms, from itching, burning and abnormal discharge to pain during sex and urination. Symptoms can vary depending on the type of infection and its severity. Generally, the longer you have had the infection, the more severe the symptoms tend to be. Symptoms of a yeast infection may include:
- Itching and burning in the affected area
- Redness and swelling of the affected area
- Painful urination
- Abnormal discharge, which may be white and clumpy or watery
- Pain during sex
Causes
Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida. Candida is normally present in the vagina, but an overgrowth can lead to a yeast infection. Yeast infections are more likely to occur when the normal balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina is disrupted, which can happen due to a variety of factors, including:
- Taking antibiotics
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Uncontrolled stress
- Weak immune system
- Uncontrolled sexual activity
- Douching
Diagnosis
If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is important to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis. Your doctor will likely take a swab of the affected area and send the sample to a laboratory for analysis. In some cases, your doctor may also take a urine sample to check for yeast levels in the urine. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor can recommend the best course of treatment.
Treatment
Treatment for a yeast infection typically includes an antifungal medication. There are several types of medications available, including oral and topical creams and ointments, suppositories and oral tablets. The most popular treatment for yeast infections is Monistat, which is an antifungal cream that is applied topically. Monistat works by killing off the yeast that is causing the infection.
Outcome
Most yeast infections should clear up within a few days of treatment, although symptoms may persist for up to a week after treatment. It is important to take the entire course of treatment as prescribed by your doctor, even if the symptoms have disappeared. Once the infection is gone, you should be free from symptoms until the balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina is disrupted again.
Prevention
Yeast infections can be prevented by taking steps to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina. These steps include:
- Eating a healthy diet that is low in sugar and processed foods.
- Avoiding douching or using perfumed soaps or body washes in the genital area.
- Wearing loose-fitting clothes and underwear made of natural fibers.
- Avoiding tight-fitting clothing, such as jeans and leggings.
- Changing out of wet or damp clothing, such as swimsuits or workout clothes, as soon as possible.
- Taking antibiotics only when necessary and only for the prescribed duration of time.
How will I know when my yeast infection