That Itchy Feeling Called Yeast Infection

Picture this, you’re facing a formal interview and, at that very moment, a fierce itching at a most embarrassing part starts to bother you. You fidget and you squirm, but dare not reach out to scratch. But, wriggle as you may, this itching just won’t go. This is yeast infection at its worst! And it can throw your life out of gear. You’d be surprised to know that about seventy-five percent of women experience vaginal yeast infection during their lives(3). Let’s see what this infection is and how it can be cured.

Defining yeast infection

Yeast infection is a vaginal infection caused most commonly by a fungus Candida albicans. Although, this fungus is widespread, it’s usually found in small amounts in the vagina, mouth, digestive tract and the skin. Surprisingly, despite its presence, almost twenty-five percent of women remain free of this disease(2).

However, Candida yeast infection is most common in teenage girls and women between the ages of sixteen and thirty-five, although it can occur in younger girls and older women too. Men and boys can be infected too, but it’s rarer. And you don’t have to be sexually active to get this infection(1). Want to know how yeast infection looks like? Just see this yeast infection picture on(2).

Symptoms of yeast infection

Itching is the main yeast infection symptom, but not all itching can be blamed on it. Your physician is the best person to tell whether it’s really yeast infection or something else. Generally the telltale vaginal yeast infection symptom includes white thick, curd-like and odorless discharge from the vagina. Although some women may experience discharges midway between their menstrual periods, these are usually not yeast infections, especially if there’s no itching. The sign of yeast infection may also manifest itself as soreness, rash on the outer lips of the vagina and burning sensation during urination(1).

However, these infections are not confined to the vagina alone, but may occur on other parts of the body as well. These may occur in both the sexes(1).

Causes of yeast infection

The cause of yeast infection is due to an imbalance of normal microorganisms and the yeast fungus in the vagina. This happens when the environment inside the vagina turns favorable for the growth of Candida albicans. This environment makes it difficult for the other microorganisms to thrive, causing an imbalance(2). The likely causes for yeast infection are:

a. Tight clothing: Especially if it’s worn in a hot, humid weather. This gives an ideal environment for yeast infections to develop. Even layered clothing worn indoors during winter can cause it(1).

b. Birth control pills: Use of birth control pills, especially those containing estrogen, is a leading cause amongst women.

c. Pregnancy: Yeast infection in pregnancy is a common occurrence, because of the increased hormone level. This causes changes in the vaginal environment, making it perfect for fungal growth.

d. Antibiotics: Taking antibiotics, particularly tetracycline, suppresses the growth of protective bacteria in the vagina, affecting the normal balance of microorganisms.

e. Diabetes: Those with diabetes remain susceptible to yeast infection.

f. Lowered immunity: Not getting enough rest and illness can lower the body’s immunity. Even some diseases, like HIV and AIDS can affect it, leading to (oral yeast infection) , esophageal candidiasis and skin yeast infection .

g. Sexual contact: Most men develop male yeast infection, like itching and penile rash following sexual contact with an infected partner suffering from vaginal candidiasis.

Yeast infection treatment

There are a number of treatments available for yeast infection. Let’s see what they are:

a. Over-the-counter drugs: An effective over-the-counter drug is (diflucan for yeast infection). This FDA approved oral drug clears the infection in just one dose. Other drugs like Femstat 3, Gyne-Lotrimin, Monistat 7 and Vagistat, containing active ingredients butoconazole nitrate, clotrimazole, miconazole and tioconazole respectively, help dissolve the fungus.

b. Suppositories and creams: Vaginal suppositories and creams, with special applicators, are effective for mild forms of yeast infections.

c. Home remedy for yeast infection: Natural cure for yeast infection includes cranberry juice and yogurt. These two foods help prevent the occurrence of yeast infections and aid in their treatment(2).

Timely action can save you from the agony of yeast infections. So, show yourself to your physician at the slightest discomfiture and follow his or her advice meticulously.

Yeast Infection Resources

1. http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/396_yst.html
2. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001511.htm
3. http://www.4woman.gov/faq/yeastinfect.htm

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Stop Vaginal Yeast Infection with Home Remedies

Vaginal Yeast Infection Home Remedies

“Vaginal yeast infection was terrible, but the side effects of over-the-counter drugs to treat this condition had me literally walking on my hands and knees! This was really the classic case of the cure being worse than the disease!” And Susan isn’t the only one who’s experienced this. There are thousands out there who remain in dread of prescription medicines. However, an excellent option is the safe and effective grandma’s natural remedies.

If you were to go by medical statistics, Candida albicans, a strain of yeast causes over seventy percent of vaginal yeast infection. Although, it occurs naturally in the vagina, its growth is controlled by the acidic environment created by Lactobacillus acidophilus, a resident vaginal bacterium. In case an imbalance occurs, you get straddled with yeast infection.

Home remedy for yeast infection

Women today are increasingly using natural remedies for yeast infection, because over-the-counter medicines not only give some severe side effects, but also prove expensive as compared to herbal remedies for yeast infection. So, let’s see what these home remedies for vaginal yeast infection are:

a. Yogurt: This is one to the best home remedy to cure yeast infection. Yogurt contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, a bacterium that produces hydrogen peroxide to kill yeast. You can apply yogurt directly to the vulva and inject some into the vagina by means of a tampon soaked in it. Apply it once or twice a day for as long as needed, until the condition disappears. Another method is to make yogurt icicles in a freezer and insert it into the vagina. This not only cures, but also soothes the fires raging within!

b. Apple cider vinegar: Regularly daubing the prone areas with apple cider vinegar is an effective remedy for vaginal yeast infection. To stop the itching, you can add some garlic juice to it. However, don’t forget to dilute the vinegar concentration.

c. Garlic: This herbal magic contains natural antifungal substances that kill yeast. Take a fresh clove of garlic and wrap it in a gauze or cheesecloth after carefully peeling off its papery skin. Insert it into the vagina and leave it in for up to twelve hours or overnight. For mild infection this would be enough. For chronic vaginal yeast infection it can take several nights in a row.

d. Teatree oil: Teatree oil is another widely used natural remedy for vaginal yeast infection. Coat the top half of a non-applicator type tampon with a lubricant, such as KY jelly or even olive oil, and apply a few drops of pure tea tree oil to it. Insert the tampon into the vagina. The lubricant keeps the teatree oil from getting absorbed into the tampon.

e. Boric acid: It’s been found to be a great remedy for vaginal yeast infection. Just load some empty capsules with boric acid. Insert two of them into the vagina at night. The heat and moisture of the vagina will melt them to release boric acid. This is a pretty strong treatment and is capable of effectively treating even severe vaginal yeast infection.

f. Potassium sorbate: This potent fungicide is widely used in brewing beer to control yeast growth. Dip a cotton tampon into a three percent solution and insert it into the vagina at night and remove it in the morning. Continue this treatment for a few days until the symptoms disappear.

h. Gentian violet: This traditional remedy is effective against yeast and other infections. The solution is swabbed all over the vulva and up into the vagina once or twice a day for a few days to get rid of the infection. Since it stains, wear a pad.

These home remedies for vaginal yeast infection have been used since time immemorial. However, there’s always a risk of allergies and reactions, so always take the advice of your physician before opting for any one of them.

How Can I Cure My Vaginal Yeast Infection?

Cures for Vaginal Yeast Infections

“I was starving myself to death to get that hourglass figure and I hadn’t even completed my diet regimen, when I got this intense itching in my crotch area. A trip to the physician confirmed it to be vaginal yeast infection. The reason: stress from poor diet! And as for the yeast infection cure, I really wished I’d avoided this infection in the first place!”

Well, those who’ve experienced this condition and have taken over-the-counter prescriptions for its cure would certainly sympathize with Sarah. However, first timers can certainly do without powerful antifungal drugs for vaginal yeast infection cure, since there are other far better and milder cures available.

Yeast infection causes and cures

When Candida albicans, a fungus, multiplies unabated and wreaks havoc in the crotch area, it’s hard to ignore. There can be many reasons for this infection to occur, but the results are always the same! Vaginal itch, vulvar soreness, cheese-like vaginal discharge, intense burning and pain. These vaginal yeast infection symptoms generally make you suffer in the extreme. But, the reality is you’re not the only one suffering from this annoying, but curable, infection, over seventy-five percent women fall victim to it during their lifetime.

If this is the first time you’ve had a yeast infection, consult your physician before trying any home remedy for vaginal yeast infection or over-the-counter products. The drugs will generally come in the form of vaginal creams and vaginal applications rather than oral medication. And pregnant women can expect to undergo a longer treatment and closer monitoring.

There are both over-the-counter and natural cures for yeast infection available. If it’s your first time, then probably you should go in for home cure for yeast infection. However, your physician will be the right person to suggest the best cures for yeast infection.

Homemade cures for yeast infection have been used since antiquity, although scientific studies have not proven their effectiveness, probably because they work for some and don’t work for others. The first amongst these are vinegar douches. These are generally used to clean the vagina after menstrual periods or sex.

However, this may remove the good bacteria lining the vagina and, if you’re experiencing vaginal discharge, it may actually worsen the condition. The other is eating yogurt. Yogurt contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, the good bacteria. According to one study, women who took a cup of yogurt a day for six months continuously reduced the incidence of yeast infection. However, this has not been proven conclusively.

Many current non-prescription over-the-counter medications, like Candisil, highly recommended for mild cases of yeast infection, have cure rates of about seventy-five to ninety percent! Other over-the-counter drugs, containing antihistamines or topical anesthetics (numbing medications), are not that effective and only mask the symptoms without treating the underlying problem.

The strong prescription drugs may include miconazole (Monistat-7, M-Zole), tioconazole (Vagistat Vaginal), butoconazole (Femstat) and clotrimazole (Femizole-7, Gyne-Lotrimin). These are sold as vaginal suppositories or creams and are inserted into the vagina with a plunger-type applicator or massaged into the vagina, depending on the formulation. Using them daily for seven days generally manages to clear the infection. However, stronger doses require only one to three days for taking full effect.

Severe infections need stronger antifungal medications, which are normally taken orally as a single dose. These include fluconazole (Diflucan) and itraconazole (Sporanox). All these powerful drugs are generally used for second or recurrent yeast infection and are known to cause side effects too. So, if increased irritation persists in the area, discontinue the medication immediately.

However, it’s important to remember that using these drugs, when the condition is not properly diagnosed, can make the yeast resistant. And resistant infections are very difficult to treat with the currently available medications. So, always get your symptoms properly diagnosed from a physician before trying out any cures.

How can I Prevent Vaginal Yeast Infection ?

Vaginal Yeast Infection Preventions

“Since the time I saw my friend suffer from the excruciating symptoms of vaginal yeast infection, I’ve been running scared, hoping against hope I don’t get it”. If you’re in Melissa’s situation, then just running scared or even crossing your fingers won’t save you from this dreadful condition. But, taking yeast infection prevention would.

Understanding yeast infection

If you know the cause of vaginal yeast infection, you’d be that much better prepared in preventing it. Just to give you a brief idea of the infection, yeast is ever present in the vagina, albeit under check of the acidic environment there. However, if for some reason this balance is disturbed and acidity of vagina decreases, yeast multiplies like crazy, saddling you with vaginal yeast infection symptoms.

Preventing yeast infection

The much cliched maxim ‘prevention is better than cure’ couldn’t have been truer in the case of vaginal yeast infection. If you know what to do and what not to do, you can banish the fear of this condition from your minds forever. So, let’s see how to prevent yeast infection:

a. Clothing: Since the genital area is warm and humid, and the sweat usually accumulates here, the type of clothing has a bearing on the chances of infection. If you wear tight clothing or of nylon and lycra, you’re sure to trap the air and create an ideal environment for yeast to breed. It’s best to go for cotton clothing, especially the undergarments, that ‘breathes’ and soaks up the sweat. If you desire to wear a panty hose, always wear cotton panties underneath. Also avoid wearing a wet swim costume or exercise suits for a long duration.

b. Diet: Eat a balanced diet to keep your body healthy. This would help maintain a normal balance of organisms in the vagina. However, women undergoing antibiotic treatment should eat one cup of yogurt a day to prevent this infection. However, remember, yogurt is not a cure for it. Drinking acidophilus milk containing live Lactobacillus organisms is found to be beneficial in maintaining a normal balance of vaginal organisms.

c. Toiletries: Perfumed bath products or powders can affect the normal balance of organisms in the vaginal area, which can lead to yeast infection. So, a void the use of irritating soaps, feminine sprays, talcs, bubble baths, scented toilet papers, deodorants, tampons and perfumes to avoid the signs and symptoms of vaginal yeast infection .

d. Douches: Douching or washing the vagina with a stream of water is a big no-no, as it washes away the natural protective mucous of the vagina leaving it more susceptible to yeast and other vaginal infections. More importantly, douching can also spread the infection from the vagina to the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing pelvic inflammatory disease.

e. Toilet habits: Keep the external genital area clean and dry at all times. When cleaning your rear after using the toilet, always wipe from front to back to prevent the yeast, which normally inhabits the intestinal tract, from being transferred to the vaginal area. Change tampons and sanitary napkins frequently.

f. Sex aids: Those prone to vaginal dryness should never use petroleum-based lubricants for vaginal lubrication during sexual intercourse. Go for water-based ones.

g. Medical precautions: Diabetics are prone to vaginal yeast infection and should keep their diabetes under control. Low blood sugar levels decreases the risk of yeast infections. Also, you shouldn’t use antibiotics unnecessarily, as they can affect the vaginal environment, allowing yeast to proliferate.

Taking steps to prevent the occurrence of vaginal yeast infection will save you from an avoidable suffering. However, even for preventive measure, it’s best to take the advice of your health care provider.

What are some Treatments for Vaginal Yeast Infection ?

Treatments for Vaginal Yeast Infection

“The moment the physician diagnosed my condition as vaginal yeast infection, she promptly gave me a mild over-the-counter prescription. Though, I was a bit apprehensive in using this medication, because of the side effects involved, she assured me about the effectiveness of over-the-counter treatment for yeast infection. And how true she was! I did manage to get rid of the infection in a record time.”

Although, Kate was right in being apprehensive about over-the-counter prescriptions, she probably didn’t know there are plenty of new products in the market that work like magic.

Diagnosing vaginal yeast infection

Your physician will generally base the diagnosis on vaginal yeast infection symptoms. You’ll be subjected to a pelvic examination for inflammation of the vagina and white discharge around the vaginal opening. This discharge may even be tested in a laboratory. Once your physician has determined the infection and its severity, he or she’ll suggest the best medicine or methods for the treatment for vaginal yeast infection.

Yeast infection treatment

Good news is there are many mild vaginal yeast infection drugs you can get without a prescription in the market or on the Net. And the first name that is recommended by most physicians is Candisil. This revolutionary new treatment doesn’t involve messy creams or suppositories, saving you all the hassles. It clears the infection, silently and efficiently, without giving any side effects.

So, the first timers afflicted with this ailment can try out this non-prescription medication for quicker and effective results, instead of opting for over-the-counter stronger drugs with side effects.

However, treatment for chronic yeast infection invariably requires the use of antifungal medicines that are inserted directly into the vagina as tablets, creams, ointments or suppositories. Let’s see what these medications are:

a. Miconazole (Monistat, Monazole, Micozole):Monistat-1 has tioconazole, a powerful antifungal drug, as its ingredient and claims a one-day cure for the yeast infection. It comes with one pre-filled, disposable applicator. This anti-fungal drug is also marketed under the brand names of Vagistat-1, GyneCure and Gyno-Trosyd. However, it may not be a one-day wonder and can take up to seven days to clear the infection. Its use can also give allergies.

b. Butoconazole (Femstat, Mycelex): This is a powerful fungicide that has been de-regulated by US FDA. It’s a topical treatment and has no systemic effects and only a few side effects. It comes with three pre-filled, disposable applicators. The bad news is this anti-fungal can cause adverse reactions.

c. Fluconazole (Diflucan) and Itraconazole (Sporanox): These antifungal medications are taken orally as a single dose for severe infections. They’ve a cure rate of over eighty percent. However, they’re not recommended during pregnancy. These medications may also cause liver problems.

d. Nystatin (Mycostatin), Miconazole (Monistat-7, M-Zole) and clotrimazole (Mycelex, Gyne-Lotrimin): Generally used for less severe conditions, these medications can be used as vaginal tablets or cream applicators. A course of seven to fourteen days generally clears the infection. Nystatin (Mycostatin) has a cure rate of about seventy-five to eighty percent, whereas Miconazole (Monistat-7, M-Zole) and clotrimazole (Mycelex, Gyne-Lotrimin), eighty-five to ninety percent.

e. Clotrimazole (Clotrimaderm, Canesten): Oral vaginal clotrimazole is effective against recurrent infection that occurs four or more times annually. However, this drug has to be taken for about six months. Other effective medicines are fluconazole and itraconazole.

Correct diagnosis is very important before using any of these powerful antifungal drugs. The reason is if you use them when you don’t have a yeast infection, you might create a drug-resistant yeast strain in your vagina that won’t respond to these drugs, if and when needed. However, those with confirmed vaginal yeast infection can expect a success rate of ninety percent with these drugs and that too within two weeks or less.

What Causes Yeast Infections During Pregnancy?

Recuring Yeast Infections

“It was in the second trimester of pregnancy that I noticed an increase in the amount of vaginal discharge. It was thin, white and odd smelling. Although such changes are a part and parcel of the hassles of pregnancy, the increase in amount of this discharge had me worried. And sure enough, my gynecologist diagnosed it as sign of pregnancy yeast infection.”

Although, vaginal yeast infection is more common during pregnancy, than any other time, it may be more difficult to control. But, the good news is this infection has no major negative effects on pregnancy.

Yeast infection pregnancy

What is the cause of yeast infection during pregnancy? It is because you go through so many changes; it becomes difficult for your body to maintain an acidic environment in the vagina. Moreover, the increased amount of sugar in the vaginal secretions during pregnancy acts as an open invitation for yeast to feast on, leading to yeast infection in pregnancy.

Yeast infection pregnancy symptom

Vaginal yeast infection symptoms are no different from the usual ones, except for a few changes. Let’s see what these are:

a. Redness, itching, or irritation of vaginal lips.

b. Burning during urination or sex.

c. Copious amounts of discharge that may range from cottage cheese that smells like yeast or bread to greenish or yellowish discharge with the same smell.

Treatment of yeast infection during pregnancy

The difficulty is you can’t have all kinds of medication, since the safety of your developing baby is at stake. But, if this infection remains untreated, it can be passed to your baby’s mouth during delivery as thrush.

So, physicians generally recommend only vaginal creams and suppositories for pregnancy yeast infection treatment and not oral medications. Only non-prescription azole medications are prescribed for treating yeast infection during pregnancy. These include clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin), miconazole (Monistat), terconazole (Terazol) and butoconazole (Femstat). Remember, the single-dose oral medication Diflucan has not been proven safe during pregnancy and lactation. And yes, if your baby does get yeast infection of the mouth, don’t worry; it’s effectively treated with Nystatin.

It may take ten to fourteen days for the infection to completely clear up during pregnancy. Once infection has cleared up and any sores have healed, it is recommended to use a starch-free drying powder or Nystatin powder to prevent a recurrence.

Preventing yeast infection during pregnancy

It’s said prevention is better than the cure. It’s doubly true for the pregnant, since they’re already experiencing a great amount of discomfort. So, if you’re pregnant, you’d do well to follow these tips:

a. Wear loose, cotton clothing and undergarments that can ‘breathe’ and never wear synthetic clothes that accumulate sweat.

b. After using the toilet, wipe your rear from front to back and not the other way round to avoid the harmful bacteria from entering the vagina.

c. Totally avoid douching. Also avoid feminine hygiene sprays, sanitary pads, bubble bath, colored or perfumed toilet paper and tampons that contain deodorant.

d. Always keep your genital area dry. So, after regular, thorough washing, use your blow dryer on a low, cool setting to dry.

e. If you happen to take a dip in the swimming pool, it’s best to take a shower immediately and get out of damp swimming costume as quickly as possible.

f. Limit sugar intake, as sugar promotes yeast growth.

g. Get plenty of rest to make it easier for your body to fight infections.

If you’re experiencing the symptoms of yeast infection now, it’ll be best to show it to your physician at the first instance. Only then will he or she be able to suggest the best line of treatment. Those who don’t have any symptoms of this infection should adhere to the preventive measures.

What are the Causes for Vaginal Yeast Infection ?

Vaginal Yeast Infection Causes

“I must’ve got this itch from that public toilet seat. I mean I had to relieve myself. You surely don’t expect a pregnant woman to control her bladder and that too in her advanced stage of pregnancy? But, I am certainly worried what dreaded infection I may have picked up from there.”

Although Shirley’s fears are well founded, she may not have contracted any disease, dreaded or otherwise, from the public lavatory, she may simply be a victim of vaginal yeast infection. In the US, close to sixteen percent pregnant women suffer from vaginal yeast infection.

How does vaginal yeast infection occur?

The cozy and damp environs of the vagina are home for myriad of microorganisms that includes a species of yeast called Candida albicans. Under normal circumstances, the acidic environment of the vagina doesn’t allow this yeast to proliferate. However, whenever this acidic environment gets diluted for some reason, yeast gets the green signal to go forth and multiply. And that’s how you get saddled with one of the most obnoxious and repulsive diseases ever known to womankind! Yes, the vaginal yeast infection. Don’t believe? Just see vaginal yeast infection picture and you’ll know what we mean.

What causes vaginal yeast infections?

Of course, if you know the cause of yeast infection, you can not only work to prevent it, but also remain alert for vaginal yeast infection symptoms and treat them early on with the milder and effective do-it-yourself products, like Candisil, rather than bombarding your body with over-the-counter drugs.

As already mentioned, the acidic environment of the vagina is intimately connected with the onset of this infection. Acidity may fluctuate due to increased pH, increased heat and moisture, allergic reactions, elevated sugar levels and hormonal fluxes. But what causes these common environmental disruptions? The reasons may be:

a. Antibiotics: Can antibiotic cause yeast infection? Yes, some antibiotics cause yeast infection. When these strong drugs are used for treating problems like sinus infection, they not only kill unwanted bacteria in the sinuses, but also the ‘good’ bacteria in the vagina, upsetting the acidic balance. This allows the yeast to have a free run and cause the infection.

b. Chemicals: You’d be surprised to know that some innocent products, like inks, dyes, and perfumes, can upset the balance in the vagina, leading to yeast infection. So, steer clear of commercial douches and also don’t soap your vagina to keep the vaginal environment intact. Also, avoid the use of chemical laden, colored and perfumed toilet papers, laundry detergents, feminine deodorant sprays, bubble baths, bath salts, scented tampons and sanitary pads.

c. Condoms: Condoms containing nonoxynol-9, a spermicide lubricant, which claim to kill the HIV virus, are said to cause of vaginal yeast infection. So, if you suspect this to be the case, use a plain condom or one with different spermicidal lubricant.

d. Hormones: Hormonal imbalance can cause yeast infection; the reason why pregnant women are more prone to this infection. Not only does pregnancy create a hormonal imbalance, certain contraceptive pills and steroids can do it too.

e. Weakened immune system: It has been found that women with weakened immune system, due to HIV or Lyme disease, are extremely prone to yeast infection.

f. Sexual transmission: Vaginal yeast infection can unfortunately be transmitted by direct contact between partners.

g. Injury: If the vulvar or vaginal membrane gets injured, say by too much friction in the absence of enough lubrication, it can lead to yeast infection.

Knowing the causes of vaginal yeast infection can come to your rescue in early detection of this affliction. However, take the opinion of your physician before considering any line of treatment.

What are Vaginal Yeast Infection Symptoms ?

Symptoms of Vaginal Yeast Infection

“The last time I had sex with my husband, it was sheer agony for me. The burning sensation and the pain were just too much to bear. Of course, it spoiled his fun and has made me shun intimacy ever since. I’m just praying this condition stops on its own.” If you too are suffering silently and hoping for a miracle cure, then you stand to aggravate your condition. You may well be suffering from vaginal yeast infection.

However, you are not alone. About seventy-five percent women suffer from irritation of the vagina and vulva, the area around the opening to the vagina, during their lives. And, the irony is the culprit resides within your body! Yes, Candida albicans, a kind of fungus, is always present in the vagina, but kept under control because of the acidic environment.

It’s when this environment becomes less acidic that the yeast gets a chance to multiply like crazy. And it’s just a matter of time when it takes the form of infection to wreak havoc, almost making you climb walls! If you’ve not experienced this condition ever, you’d just shudder to have a look at vaginal yeast infection pictures.

But, how will you come to know whether you’ve this infection? Although, there is no substitute for a physician’s diagnosis, there are certain telltale symptoms that are a sure giveaway of this infection.

Vaginal yeast infection symptom

Since, Candida yeast infection symptoms may vary from person to person, it’s important to know the cause of vaginal yeast infection. Pregnant women are more prone to vaginal yeast infection because of hormonal changes that disturb the vaginal environment, encouraging yeast overgrowth. Those who regularly use oral contraceptives for birth control are also more susceptible to this infection. Even those using steroids and antibiotics are known to succumb to this condition. A weakened immune system or diabetics also makes you a likely candidate.

The effect of vaginal yeast infection may range from mild to very uncomfortable. Let’s see what the signs and symptoms of a yeast infection generally are:

a. Itching and irritation: The first sign of the onset of this infection, itching is generally localized in the vagina and vulva. The itching sensation is usually mild to start with, but may become intense over time.

b. Burning: If itching is left untreated, it may get transformed into a burning sensation so bad you can hardly walk, let alone attend office or undertake household chores. Of course, in this condition you can’t even think of letting your man get anywhere near you!

c. Swelling: The infection may cause the area around the vagina to swell. This probably is a reaction to the inflammation of the vagina.

d. Vaginal discharge: Full fledged yeast infection is accompanied by an obnoxious vaginal discharge. This clumpy, nasty white stuff looks like cottage cheese. However, in some it can appear as watery, clear and slightly yellow fluid.

e. Odor: The vaginal discharge lends a distinct smell to your genitals, which thankfully is not unpleasant. The discharge usually smells like yeast, that is, like bread or beer. This is probably because yeast is used in brewing and baking, though the yeast for this is Saccharomyces cerevisiae and not Candida. This odor is a clear indicator of yeast infection.

f. Burning in passing urine: Of course, the state your vagina is in causes a burning sensation or even pain in passing urine.

Although, the severity of vaginal yeast infection is plain misery to most women afflicted with it, the fact is vaginal yeast infection symptom treatment is easily available and effective. However, before trying out anything, let your physician have the last word.

Treatments for Yeast Infection

So, your physician has confirmed you’re suffering from yeast infection. Although, the itching and burning in the vagina or the disgusting vaginal discharge or a host of other symptoms that accompany this infection must have got you worried, it was only your physician that could’ve diagnosed it for you. This is because there are other infections too that display similar symptoms. Knowing about this infection is the first step in its prevention and treatment.

Knowing yeast infection

A group of microscopic fungi or yeast of the Candida family, most commonly Candida albicans, is responsible for the yeast infection. Although, yeast lives inside the vagina, its growth is kept in check by the acidic environment. However, there are times when this environment becomes less acidic, resulting in the growth of yeast and subsequent infection.

Yeast infection treatments

Yeast infection is not life-threatening and is generally counted amongst minor ailments, provided chronic symptoms don’t set in. There are plenty of over-the-counter medications available for treating this problem. Let’s see what they are:

a. Candisil: It is one of the best yeast infection treatment available in the market today. In fact, its list of powerful ingredients has been documented as highly effective by international scientists, organizations, and medical journals. That’s because Candisil penetrates deeply to attack yeast infections from the inside out, especially when used as natural treatment for vaginal yeast infection.

b. Miconazole: This antifungal agent comes in cream, lotion, powder, spray liquid and spray powder. It’s also available as cream and suppositories to be inserted into the vagina. It comes in two forms – Monistat-Derm and Monistat-Vaginal.

c. Tioconazole: This antifungal agent is effective in killing the fungus or yeast and preventing its growth. However, full treatment is required to clear up the infection completely, even if the symptoms begin to clear up after a few days. It comes in the form of Vagistat Vaginal.

d. Butoconazole: Butoconazole is used for infection treatment of vaginal yeast. It requires extended usage to totally eradicate the infection even if the condition is cured, as chances of recurrence of infection cannot be ruled out. It can even be used during menstrual period. It comes in the form of Femstat.

e. Clotrimazole: This ointment is used to topically treat vaginal and anal yeast infection. It decreases the skin irritation and discomfort and ultimately clears the infection. It comes in the form of Femizole-7, Gyne-Lotrimin.

f. Nystatin: Nystatin is used to treat fungal infections of the skin, mouth, vagina and the intestinal tract. This is an excellent agent for oral treatment of yeast infection caused by thrush and other fungal infections.

Consult your physician if you want yeast infection treatment during pregnancy. If your immune system is weak, your physician may recommend Candisil, since it’s an excellent natural infection treatment for yeast and a favorite of doctors everywhere. In fact, Candisil is also a homeopathic infection treatment for yeast. Most households prefer to keep it handy, as an effective herbal treatment for yeast infection. However, if you experience irritation in the vagina or the surrounding tissue by using any of these creams and lotions, discontinue the medication immediately.

Whether you’re going in for male yeast infection treatment or symptom treatment of vaginal yeast infection, just remember to go strictly as per the directions of your physician and read the instructions on the prescribed medications carefully. This will help in speedier eradication of yeast infection.