Yeast Infection in Women Explained

Yeast infection in women is a prevalent type of vaginal fungal infection. It is characterized by the presence of thick secretion that is somewhat like cottage cheese. There are some women who develop this fungal infection in episodes without any definite underlying reason. However, women who are under antibacterial medication, or those who have unusually active sexual activities, or take contraceptive pills are more prone to yeast infection.

There is also a greater chance of developing the yeast infection a week before the onset of the menstrual period. There is also a high incidence of yeast infection in women with weakened immune system, such as those individuals with AIDS; pregnant and those that suffer from diabetes.

What are the causes of yeast infections in women?

The yeast organism is naturally occurring in the vagina and rectum. However, an overgrowth condition can lead to infection. There are several underlying reasons for this condition to happen. However, one can prevent this yeast infection in women from happening if certain steps and preventive measures are observed. For instance, wearing of tight-fitting clothes or synthetic garments predisposes one to develop yeast infection. This is mainly due to the warm and damp condition in the affected area.

What is the yeast infection in women symptoms?

Yeast infections in women produce vaginal secretions that resemble cottage cheese. The infection is also accompanied by discomfort and itchiness. Further, there is also burning sensation in the vagina as well as in the vulva, and this is particularly experienced during urination and while having sexual intercourse. This medical condition where there is reddening and swelling of the vagina is called vaginitis.

How are yeast infections on women diagnosed?

If you suspect that you have candidal infection, it is important that you seek medical advice. The medical health professional shall be able to perform the necessary test to confirm whether you have yeast infection or not.

How is yeast infection in women treated?

Yeast infection in women may be treated with various types of anti-fungal medications. Your doctor may prescribe suppositories that act directly on the root cause of the infection and not just on the clinical signs and symptoms. The more common type of tablet or vaginal suppository prescribed is the one that contains fluconazole. This type of antifungal medication comes in single dose. In some cases, your doctor may also recommend the use of vaginal cream to resolve the itchiness and soreness in the vaginal area.

There are also several antifungal medications that are available over the counter. However, if it is your first time to have yeast infection or if you are not sure of the cause of your vaginal infection, then it is important that you seek medical advice before using any of these over the counter antifungal medications.

Proper diagnosis of the vaginal infection must be made by a medical health professional as the signs and symptoms that are associated with candidal infection are similar to those signs and symptoms of other types of infection. Further, it is not necessary for the partners of women that have yeast infection to undergo with their own treatment. In general, the yeast infection in women is resolved within seven days.