A vaginal yeast infection is an irritation of the vagina and the area around the vagina, called the vulva. It is caused by an overgrowth of the fungus or yeast called candida, which is one of the organisms that naturally occurs in a woman's vagina. The overgrowth occurs when there is an imbalance of the acidity of the vagina or in the body's hormones.
According to the National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC), vaginal yeast infections are very common. About 75 percent of all women have a yeast infection during their lives. Almost half of all women have two or more yeast infections.
The Food and Drug Administration now allows medications that used to be prescription only to be sold over the counter to treat yeast infections that keep coming back. But before you run out and buy one, if you've never been treated for a vaginal yeast infection you should see a doctor. That's because yeast infections have symptoms that are similar to other, more serious sexually transmitted diseases. Only a doctor can tell for sure if what you are suffering from is a vaginal yeast infection.
Your doctor may advise you to use one of the over the counter drugs products or may prescribe a drug called Diflucan (fluconazole) to treat your vaginal yeast infection. The FDA recently approved the drug, a tablet taken by mouth, for clearing up yeast infections with just one dose. Some women try home remedies but you should definitely talk with your doctor before attempting to treat your vaginal yeast infection symptoms at home. Some home remedies involve chemicals that can irritate the sensitive genital area.
Some of the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include itching, burning or soreness, burning during urination, pain with sexual intercourse, vaginal discharge, rash or redness and odor. Women who experience multiple yeast infections throughout the year are suffering from "recurrent yeast infections" and should be under the care of a doctor. Recurrent yeast infections can be a sign of something more serious (such as diabetes or immune system deficiencies) and treating the root of the problem can reduce the number of yeast infections.
To help prevent vaginal yeast infections, try the following:
- Don't use douches
- Avoid scented hygiene products like bubble bath, sprays, pads and tampons
- Change tampons and pads often during your period
- Don't wear tight underwear or clothes made of synthetic fibers
- Wear cotton underwear and pantyhose with a cotton crotch
- Change out of wet swimsuits and exercise clothes as soon as possible.
Talk to your doctor about other ways to prevent vaginal yeast infections and work with him or her to develop the best treatment plan for you.
Glossary:
Vulva: The area around the vagina
Candida: An organism that occurs naturally in a woman's vagina that can cause a yeast infection if overgrowth occurs.