Vaginal Yeast Infection (Candidiasis) And How To Get Rid Of It

What is yeast infection? A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection that causes irritation, discharge and intense itchiness of the vagina and the vulva — the tissues at the vaginal opening.

It's a type of vaginitis, or inflammation of the vagina.

Vaginal yeast infection (also called vaginal candidiasis) affects up to 3 out of 4 women at some point in their lifetime.

Symptoms:
Yeast infection symptoms can range from mild to moderate and include:

A) Itching and irritation in the vagina and the tissues at the vaginal opening (vulva).

B) A burning sensation, especially during intercourse or while urinating.

C) Redness and swelling of the vulva.
D) Vaginal pain and soreness.
E) Vaginal rash.
F) Watery vaginal discharge.
G) Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance.

H) Swelling of the vaginal lips
I) Pain during sexual intercourse
J) Pain while urinating
Who is prone to a yeast infection?
Pregnant women, diabetics and those undergoing hormonal therapy are highly susceptible to yeast infections. Lack of sleep, stress, antibiotics, STDs (especially HIV), oral contraceptives are all contributing risk factors.

Can a yeast infection be transmitted through sex?
Yes, although this is not always the case. The possibility of transmission through sex exists but this is rare. Still, a yeast infection cannot be considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI) because even a person who is sexually inactive can become infetcted. If you or your partner have a yeast infection, it is advisable to avoid all sexual contact until completely cured. Otherwise, you will simply keep passing the infection to and fro between yourselves. Men too can get a yeast infection but this is not very common.

How to treat a yeast infection?
Understand that yeast infections symptoms in women are dangerously similar to bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infection. So don’t be your own doctor unless you are absolutely sure that you have a yeast infection.

Can vaginal yeast infections be prevented?
If you practice good genital hygiene, you can help prevent infection.

1). Keep your vaginal area clean. Use mild, unscented soap and water. Rinse well.

2). After using the toilet, wipe from front to back to avoid spreading yeast or bacteria from your anus to the vagina or urinary tract.

3). Wear underwear that helps keep your genital area dry and doesn't hold in warmth and moisture. One good choice is cotton underwear.

4). Avoid tight-fitting clothing, such as panty hose, and tight-fitting jeans. These may increase body heat and moisture in your genital area.

5). Change out of a wet swimsuit right away. Wearing a wet swimsuit for many hours may keep your genital area warm and moist.

6). Change pads or tampons often.
7). Don't douche or use deodorant tampons or feminine sprays, powders, or perfumes. These items can change the normal balance of organisms in your vagina.

Oral Antifungal Medications:
Your doctor might prescribe a one-time dose of fluconazole (Diflucan) if you have a severe infection. This drug kills fungus and yeast throughout your body, so you may have minor side effects, such as stomach upset or headaches, for a short time afterward.

You shouldn’t take fluconazole to treat yeast infections if you're pregnant, because it may cause miscarriage or birth defects.