Yeast infections in women are very common and very annoying, but totally treatable. It is estimated that 75 percent of all women will get an infection at least once in their lives and many will be predisposed to get it more often. Certain factors can also be precipitated to fight an infection. However, one of the problems is that women self-diagnose yeast infections and run to the pharmacy for an over-the-counter medication (such as Monistat 7 or Gyne-Lotrimin) to treat the early signs or symptoms of an infection when it may may not be what they have at all.
Yeast is a type of fungus that normally lives in the vagina at normal levels. It is estimated that 20 to 50% of healthy women have fungus in the vaginal area. If it grows too large, it can cause an infection with associated itching, burning, and discharge. The most common symptom is itching, which is present 95 percent of the time in all cases.
Causes of vaginal yeast infections:
– When antibiotics are taken to treat a urinary tract infection or respiratory infection (or other types of infection), vaginal yeast can multiply to unhealthy levels and cause infections.
– Women with weakened immune systems (when taking cortisone-related medications, for example) tend to develop infections more often than women with normal immune systems.
– The use of douches or scented vaginal hygiene sprays can increase the risk of developing vaginal infections.
– Women who are pregnant, have diabetes, or are taking oral contraceptives may be predisposed to developing vaginal yeast infections.
A vaginal infection is not considered a sexually transmitted disease or infection; however, men can develop symptoms of an infection after having sex with an infected partner. Also, on rare occasions, a man may develop a yeast infection due to a weak immune system or prolonged use of antibiotics.
Deals:
If you are having an infection for the first time, you should see your doctor so that he can take a culture, examine it under a microscope, and confirm that it is an infection. Any subsequent infection will generally have the same bothersome symptoms and can be treated with an over-the-counter medicine. However, if symptoms persist, it is important to make an appointment with your doctor immediately, as you may have more than just a yeast infection. Also, doctors can prescribe a stronger drug than what you will get without a prescription, which will take care of the infection much faster.
Wearing 100% cotton underwear is also a good practice to help with moisture, as moisture trapped in the skin will encourage fungal growth. Many women also eat yogurt with “active cultures” as part of their diet to help prevent infection.
Yeast infections can also affect other areas of the body. It is common for women to develop an infection under the breasts. It is known as intertrigo when skin folds, such as those under the breasts, come into contact with each other and due to the hot and humid environment, a fungal infection can develop. Symptoms are redness, swelling, drainage, and itching. Untreated infections in skin folds can persist and take a long time to clear up.
Babies can also get yeast infections in the mouth, called thrush. Signs of thrush can be seen as white patches and sores on the inside of the mouth. A pediatrician must diagnose candidiasis and prescribe the appropriate medication for its treatment.