Vaginal Yeast Infection

Symptoms, Causes and Cure

Vaginal yeast infection is so common among women that it is said that about 20-50% of women without any health related problems, carry this infection at any point of time. It is commonly known as Candida vaginal infections. It got this name due to its root cause- Candida albicans fungus. Other alternative names of vaginal yeast infection are vaginal candidiasis and monilial vaginitis. It has been observed that women undergoing tremendous stress, on poor diet, suffering from sleeplessness, HIV infection and diabetes, pregnant or on antibiotics are prone to vaginal yeast infection.

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Some of the common symptoms of vaginal yeast infection are:

- Itching in the vaginal area with inflammation and irritation.
- Dyspareunia or painful intercourse
- A burning sensation when urinating
- External dysuria i.e. urine passes through swollen labia.
- Pain a week before menstrual cycle starts and relief during the periods.
- White, thick and unusual discharge.
- Dry vagina.            

The main reasons behind the vaginal yeast infection are as follows:

1. About 90% of the times, vaginal yeast infection is caused due to the Candida albicans fungus. However, there are some other fungi that may trigger infection they are:
          
- Candida Glabrata
- Candida Tropicalis
- Saccaromyces cerevisiae
- Candida parapsilosis

2. Certain medications like using antibiotics, oral and topical hormonal contraception and corticosteroid therapy often trigger such infection.
3. Though not always, but douching, hormones, multiple sex partners, obesity, vaginal medications etc can also cause vaginal yeast infection.

Since this infection is very common, medication is readily available too. But as prevention is better than cure, some precautionary measures help keeping vaginal yeast infection at a distance. Some of these measures are-

- Keeping the genital area dry and clean.
- Use milder soap, avoid douching and bubble bath for the time being.
- Do not use nylon-made undergarments which trap moisture.
- Change into dry clothing immediately after swimming.
- Take medications as per the doctor’s prescription. Prolonged intake of antibiotics trigger vaginal yeast infection.
- Diabetic people should rely on exercises and diet control to keep the sugar level under control.

When situation is still not in control, you must opt for treatment or remedies of vaginal yeast infection. Some of the following can help you out of this pain.

- There are anti-fungal drugs which are inserted directly into vagina. These can be tablets, ointments, creams etc. The compositions of these medicines are butoconazole, clotrimazole, terconazole etc. If male partner has symptoms of yeast infection, he may apply antifungal ointment on the affected areas of the organ. 
- Medications should be sought only in case of recurrent infection. When affected for the first time, you need to go to the doctor first because often symptoms are same as any sexually transmitted infection like gonorrhea.
- Medication and maintenance dose for a stipulated time relieves of vaginal yeast infection. Taking medicines for lesser than or over this time period may result into other side effects as well.

Vaginal yeast infection is a very common disorder and every woman suffers from it at one point of time or the other. So, it is important not to panic and take medicines on time. 

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