Vaginal yeast infection
Any woman who is ever had a vaginal yeast infection can tell you exactly how uncomfortable it is. The itching and burning is intolerable. This type of infection can be extremely annoying as well as painful. A vaginal yeast infection can occur in females of all ages. It does not matter whether the woman or the girl is sexually active or not. A yeast infection is often the consequence of a hormonal imbalance in the female system. Sometimes pregnant women can develop a yeast infection during their pregnancy because of the change in their hormones that will last throughout the entire pregnancy. Almost all women will experience a yeast infection at one time or another during their lifetime. Certain antibiotics taken for other infections can cause a woman to develop a yeast infection as well.
The vaginal area normally contains a small amount of yeast. An overgrowth of yeast in the body is called a yeast infection. The medical term for a vaginal yeast infection is Candida Albicans. Yeast infections are really fungal infections. These infections occur when the environment of the vaginal area becomes too alkaline. A normal and healthy vaginal environment is more acidic than alkaline. Some mediation can change the acid levels in the vaginal area. Pregnancy, birth control pills, diabetes, menstruation and the use of steroids may also alter the acidic level. Ill fitting underwear or underwear with a synthetic crotch may cause a yeast infection as well. It is important that young girls and women wear underwear that has a cotton crotch. Wearing pantyhose for long periods of time can also lead to a condition that is conducive to the overgrowth of yeast and yeast infection.
The symptoms of yeast infection include itching and burning in the vaginal area and an overgrowth of yeast. There will also be swelling and redness that is associated with the inflammation of the vaginal area. A thick discolored discharge and a foul odor is also present with a vaginal yeast infection. A yeast infection can cause the woman to experience pain during intercourse.
Treatment for vaginal yeast infections includes the use of anti-fungal creams or suppositories that are inserted into the vagina. Until recently women used to have to go to the doctor to get a prescription for a yeast infection. The medication had to be used for 10 days. However, now these medications are available over-the-counter and some only have to be used for 3 days now. A new kind of medication for vaginal yeast infections is also now available in pill form. This new medication is obtained only by a medical prescription however. Anti-itch creams are usually used while taking the oral medication for a yeast infection.
Women who have never had a vaginal yeast infection should be examined by their doctor to make sure some other kind of infection is not the cause for their symptoms. There are various other vaginal infections have similar symptoms.
Sometimes these infections can keep coming back and the prescription medications may not work for some women. There are also various natural cures for a yeast infection that women can use. Since infections are actually fungal infections, improving the immune system can help prevent future yeast infections. The Candida Albicans can build up a resistance to prescription medication which causes some women to be prone to recurring yeast infections. Using over-the-counter or prescription medications can help temporarily, but the yeast infection comes right back. This is because nothing is done to treat the root cause of the infection. Improving the diet in avoiding sugar can help. There also many alternative or holistic treatments that can be used that will treat the root cause of vaginal yeast infection.
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