What causes a yeast infection? What are the symptoms of a yeast infection? How can a yeast infection be treated? Get answers to these and other questions about vaginal yeast infections.

Understanding the Causes of Yeast Infections

A yeast infection is a fungal infection caused by the Candida fungus, a naturally occurring microorganism that lives in the vagina. Typically, Candida exists in a balanced state with other bacteria, but an imbalance can lead to an overgrowth and result in a yeast infection. Several factors can contribute to this imbalance, including:

• Taking antibiotics, which can kill off the good bacteria that keep Candida in check
• Pregnancy, as hormonal changes can disrupt the vaginal environment
• A weakened immune system, which allows Candida to proliferate
• Diabetes, as high blood sugar levels can feed the Candida fungus
• Stress, poor diet, and sleep deprivation, which can affect the body’s natural defenses
• The use of foreign objects, such as tampons or diaphragms, that can alter the vaginal pH
• Hormone imbalances, which can contribute to yeast overgrowth

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Yeast Infection

As the Candida fungus multiplies, it can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms, including:

• Itching, swelling, or soreness in the vagina and vulva
• A thick, white, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge
• A burning sensation during intercourse or while urinating
• Redness and swelling of the vulva
• Vaginal pain and soreness
• Watery vaginal discharge

While yeast infections are generally not considered sexually transmitted, they can be spread through sexual contact.

Preventing Yeast Infections

There are several steps you can take to help prevent the occurrence of a yeast infection:

• Avoid douching and the use of scented feminine products, as these can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina
• Refrain from wearing tight or wet clothing for extended periods, as this can create an environment conducive to yeast growth
• Avoid sharing undergarments or swimwear with others, as this could introduce new bacteria and disrupt the vaginal environment
• Be cautious with the use of antibiotics, as they can kill off the good bacteria that keep Candida in check

Treating a Yeast Infection

While yeast infections are a common occurrence, it’s important to treat them promptly to alleviate uncomfortable symptoms and prevent the infection from becoming more widespread. If it’s your first yeast infection, it’s a good idea to visit a gynecologist to rule out other potential infections and receive proper medical advice. However, there are also over-the-counter antifungal treatments available that can be used to treat a yeast infection at home.

Remedies for vaginal yeast infections typically take a few days, but in more severe cases, it can take up to two weeks for the symptoms to fully subside. It’s crucial to follow the treatment instructions carefully and complete the full course of medication to ensure the infection is effectively treated.

Seeking Medical Attention

If you experience frequent or chronic yeast infections, it’s important to seek medical advice to learn more about how you can prevent future occurrences. A healthcare provider can help identify any underlying causes, such as a weakened immune system or hormonal imbalances, and develop a personalized plan to manage the condition.

Additionally, if the symptoms of a yeast infection persist or worsen despite treatment, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider, as it may be a sign of a more serious condition or a different type of infection.

Dispelling the Myths about Yeast Infections

Despite their prevalence, yeast infections are still often misunderstood. It’s important to remember that a yeast infection is a common, treatable condition and is nothing to be ashamed of. With the right information and care, you can effectively manage and prevent future yeast infections.

The Importance of Early Treatment

While yeast infections are generally not considered a serious medical condition, it’s important to treat them promptly to alleviate discomfort and prevent the infection from becoming more widespread. Left untreated, a yeast infection can lead to more severe symptoms, such as itching, discharge, or even infection in other parts of the body.

By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for yeast infections, you can take proactive steps to maintain a healthy vaginal environment and prevent future occurrences.

What Is a Yeast Infection?

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What Is a Yeast Infection?

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If you’ve ever experienced a yeast infection, then you understand the discomfort and inconvenience it causes. For some women, yeast infections can be a frequent or even a chronic problem that interferes with everyday life. Yeast infections are so common in women that 3 out of 4 will get one or more yeast infections. Whether it is your first yeast infection or one of many, you are probably wondering what exactly a yeast infection is and if you need to see a gynecologist in Tennessee.

A Yeast Infection is Fungal

Unlike many infections that are caused by bacteria and viruses, a yeast infection is one of the few that is caused by a fungus. This fungus, called Candida, is a naturally occurring microscopic organism that lives in the vagina. Usually, those yeast cells live in a balance with several other types of bacteria, but when there is an imbalance, then those yeast cells can multiply.

There are several reasons the body may become imbalanced and lead to a yeast infection. It commonly occurs after taking a course of anti-biotics or during pregnancy. However, there are other scenarios that can lead to a yeast infection including a weak immune system, diabetes, poor diet, stress, sleep deprivation, foreign objects, and general hormone imbalances.

Symptoms of a Yeast Infection

As more and more yeast cells proliferate in the vagina, there is usually a set of unpleasant symptoms that accompany it. Most women who have a yeast infection experience itching, swelling, or soreness in addition to a grey or white discharge which may women describe as looking like cottage cheese. While a yeast infection is generally not considered to be a sexually transmitted disease, yeast infections have been known to spread via sexual contact.

Yeast infection symptoms can range from light to intense, and include:

• Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva
• Extensive itching that causes cracks and sores
• A burning sensation, especially during intercourse or while urinating
• Redness and swelling of the vulva
• Vaginal pain and soreness
• Vaginal rash
• Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance
• Watery vaginal discharge

How To Avoid Vaginal Candidiasis

There are a few precautions and preventative measures that can be taken to avoid the occurrence of a yeast infection. Most doctors advise to avoid douching and scented feminine items (like tampons) because these items change the balance of microorganisms in the vagina, potentially leading to a yeast infection. When it comes to douching, remember that the vagina is a self-cleaning organ, and douching is not needed except in very special circumstances.

It is also advised not to wear tight or wet clothing for extended periods of time. Summers in Tennessee can mean extra time in wet swimwear and this can lead to yeast overgrowth. Do not share undergarments or swimwear with others, as this could disrupt the balance of bacteria in your vagina.

Think twice about taking antibiotics. While antibiotics may be necessary to relieve other types of infections, they kill off good bacteria as well. When good bacteria are out of the picture, yeast can grow unbridled and out of control. The careful balance of good bacteria is what keeps the vagina healthy and fungal candida away.

Treating a Yeast Infection

While it is important to treat your yeast infection, keep in mind that it is nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. A yeast infection may seem worrisome if you have never had one, but they are a very common occurrence. In fact, approximately 75% of women get a yeast infection at some point in their lives. If it is your first yeast infection, you may want to visit your doctor as a precaution (and to rule out other possible infections). Additionally, if you experience frequent or chronic yeast infections, you should also seek medical advice to learn more about how you can prevent future yeast infections. However, there are over-the-counter anti-fungal treatments that can be used to treat a yeast infection at home.

Despite their prevalence, it’s important to treat vaginal yeast infections early. Not only will you alleviate uncomfortable symptoms, but if left untreated the infection can become more widespread in your body and lead to other unpleasant complications like itching or discharge.

Remedies for vaginal yeast infections are now easier than ever. Treatments take a few days on average, but in more severe cases it can take up to two weeks before symptoms subside. For simple yeast infections, your doctor will usually prescribe a 1-to-3 day course of an antifungal cream or ointment. These medications can be in either prescription or over-the-counter form and your gynecologist may recommend something stronger like tablets that need prescriptions on them.

Common medications include:

• butoconazole (Gynazole)
• clotrimazole (Lotrimin)
• miconazole (Monistat)
• terconazole (Terazol)
• fluconazole (Diflucan)

Yeast infection vs. BV

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common type of vaginal infection in women aged 15 to 44. The primary causes are bacterial imbalances from douching and sex, but it’s not a fungal infection like you would normally get with a yeast infection. BV has been known to have some pretty strong fishy smells too!

BV is tough to identify yourself and can cause long-term complications if left untreated. The symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis include discharge (sometimes an “egg white consistency), burning sensations during urination or intercourse, itching in sensitive areas around your vulva such as labia minora and clitoris hood), and a strong fishy odor.

Unlike a yeast infection, you will need to visit your gynecologist in Tennessee for an antibiotic prescription in order to clear up BV. Your physician should be able to help distinguish the difference between that and yeast infection with a quick test.

When to See a Gynecologist in Brentwood, Tennessee

If you think you may have a yeast infection, do not wait around to treat it. There’s no need to feel uncomfortable any longer! Call to schedule your appointment with one of the OB/GYN’s in Brentwood and Cool Springs, Tennessee.

If you are experiencing any of these, please give us a call:

• This is the first time you have had any signs of an infection
• You are not sure what type of infection you may have
• Over-the-counter vaginal antifungal products aren’t working
• Your symptoms worsen or you develop more

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Condition Basics

What is a vaginal yeast infection?

Yeast is a fungus that normally lives in the vagina in small numbers. A vaginal yeast infection means that too many yeast cells are growing in the vagina. These infections are very common. They may bother you a lot, but they usually aren’t serious. A yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

What causes it?

A healthy vagina has many bacteria and a few yeast cells. When something changes the balance of these organisms, yeast can grow too much and cause symptoms. Things that may increase your risk for vaginal yeast overgrowth include taking antibiotics, high estrogen levels from pregnancy or hormone therapy, or certain health problems, like diabetes.

What are the symptoms?

A yeast infection can cause itching or irritation in the vagina or vulva. It sometimes causes pain or burning when you urinate or have sex. And it may also cause a thick, clumpy, white discharge that has no odor and looks a little like cottage cheese.

How is it diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose a vaginal yeast infection by asking about your symptoms and medical history, doing a pelvic exam, and taking a sample of vaginal discharge. The sample can be tested to find out if you have a yeast infection.

How is a vaginal yeast infection treated?

Yeast infections can be treated with an over-the-counter antifungal medicine that you put into your vagina. If you think you have a yeast infection, talk to your doctor before you try an over-the-counter medicine. Treatment options also include a prescription oral pill or vaginal medicine.

How can you help prevent a vaginal yeast infection?

Genital hygiene practices can help prevent yeast infections. Wash your vulva with plain water or unscented soap. After using the toilet, wipe from front to back. Avoid tight-fitting clothing. Wear cotton underwear. Change out of damp clothes right away. Change pads or tampons often. Don’t douche or use vaginal powders, sprays, or perfumes.

Cause

A healthy vagina has many bacteria and a small number of yeast cells. Certain bacteria help keep yeast and other organisms under control. When something happens to change the balance of these organisms, yeast can grow too much and cause symptoms.

Things that may increase your risk for an overgrowth of vaginal yeast include:

• Taking antibiotics.
• Having a higher estrogen level. This may occur during pregnancy or with hormone therapy use during menopause.
• Having diabetes, especially if your blood sugar tends to be high.
• Having a disease that weakens the immune system, such as HIV.
• Using steroid medicines, such as prednisone.

Most yeast infections are caused by a type of yeast called Candida albicans.

Learn more

Prevention

The following actions may help prevent a vaginal yeast infection.

• Choose healthy foods.

  Eat a variety of foods, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein foods.

  Some people think that eating foods with lactobacillus organisms, such as yogurt, can help prevent yeast infections. So far there is no evidence for this connection. But eating foods that contain lactobacillus can be part of a healthy diet.

• Manage diabetes.

  Keeping your blood sugar levels in your target range can decrease the risk of yeast infections.

• Avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics.

  Antibiotics can change the normal balance of vaginal organisms, allowing excess growth of yeast.

• Practice genital hygiene.
  • Wash your vulva with plain water or a mild, unscented soap. Rinse well.
  • After using the toilet, wipe from front to back to avoid spreading yeast or bacteria from your anus to the vagina or urinary tract.
  • Wear underwear that doesn’t hold in warmth and moisture. One good choice is cotton underwear.
  • Avoid tight-fitting clothing, such as tight jeans. These may increase body heat and moisture.
  • Change out of wet or damp clothes as soon as possible.
  • Change pads or tampons often.
  • Don’t douche, use deodorant tampons, or use sprays, powders, or perfumes in your vagina or on your vulva. These items can change the normal balance of organisms in your vagina.

Learn more

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Symptoms

The symptoms of vaginal yeast infection include:

• Itching in the vagina or vulva.
• Thick, clumpy, white vaginal discharge. It has no odor. It looks a little like cottage cheese.
• A red, irritated vulva.
• Pain while urinating. This occurs when urine touches irritated skin.
• Pain in the vagina during sexual intercourse.

Symptoms are more likely to occur during the week before your menstrual period.

Watch

• Vaginal Yeast Infection: Here’s Help

What Happens

Vaginal yeast infections may clear up on their own without treatment. This may happen when menstruation begins.

If your symptoms don’t go away on their own, treatment can help. But in some cases yeast infections may be difficult to treat. Or they may come back after treatment. If you have a recurring yeast infection, you may be evaluated for other causes (such as diabetes, hormone therapy, or treatment-resistant strains of yeast) so that the cause can be treated.

Learn more

When to Call a Doctor

Call your doctor now if you:

• Have pain in your lower belly along with a fever and vaginal discharge. This may point to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
• Are pregnant and have symptoms of a vaginal infection or a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Call your doctor for an appointment if you:

• Have an unusual vaginal discharge with an unusual or foul odor.
• Have unusual vaginal itching.
• Have pain during sex or urination.
• Have unexpected vaginal bleeding.
• Still have symptoms after trying home treatment with a nonprescription medicine.
• Are not getting better as expected.

Watchful waiting

If your symptoms are mild and you are sure they are caused by a vaginal yeast infection, waiting several days to see if the symptoms clear up on their own isn’t harmful, especially if you expect your menstrual period within that time. Sometimes a menstrual period will relieve the symptoms of a mild yeast infection. If your symptoms continue, you can use nonprescription medicine. If you still have symptoms after treatment, see your doctor.

Exams and Tests

Doctors diagnose a vaginal yeast infection by asking about your symptoms and medical history, doing a pelvic exam, and taking a sample of vaginal discharge. The sample can be tested to find out if you have a yeast infection. Tests may include:

• A wet mount test to look for signs of yeast or other organisms.
• A vaginal culture. This can confirm that you have a yeast infection.
• A blood test to find out if you have a health problem that makes you more likely to get yeast infections.

Learn more

Treatment Overview

A mild vaginal yeast infection may go away without treatment. If your symptoms are mild, you may want to wait to see if they clear up on their own.

If your symptoms continue, talk to your doctor. Yeast infections can be treated with an over-the-counter antifungal medicine that you put into your vagina. If you think you have a yeast infection, talk to your doctor before you try an over-the-counter medicine. Treatment options also include a prescription oral pill or vaginal medicine.

Learn more

Watch

• Vaginal Yeast Infection: Here’s Help

Self-Care

Here are some things you can do at home to ease symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection.

Learn more

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Candida auris is a deadly and drug-resistant fungal infection that spreads among immunocompromised people. It infected 3,270 people in the US in 2021, with a 95% increase in incidence

Candida auris yeast

(Photo: Nicolas Armer / dpa / Global Look Press)

Candida auris infections have risen in the United States in recent years, with the sharpest increase of 95% recorded in 2021. This follows from the results of a study conducted from 2019 to 2021 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These studies were published in the scientific journal Annals of Internal Medicine.

Candida auris is a deadly and drug-resistant fungal infection that spreads among immunocompromised people.

According to the results of the study, by December 31, 2021, 3270 cases of infection were registered in the United States, more than 7 thousand tests for Candida auris were done. The number of cases has increased by 95% in 2021, scientists say. At the same time, the CDC website states that in 2020, only 757 cases of infection were registered in the country.

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The number of tests for this infection in 2021 increased by more than 200%. Total since 2019As of 2021, cases of Candida auris have been identified in 17 states.

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The study does not provide data for 2022. The CDC website, which tracks the spread of the fungus, says there were 2,377 cases last year.

Candida auris is spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person, as well as through contact with contaminated surfaces. Elderly people, with weakened immune systems, chronic diseases (cancer or diabetes) are most likely to become infected. Symptoms include fever up to 38 degrees and above, chills that do not go away after treatment.

There is a risk of death after infection with the fungus, according to the CDC website. About 30-60% of people with Candida auris infections died, but many of them also had other serious illnesses.

The first case of Candida auris infection was detected in Japan in 2009, but scientists later found that the first evidence of the existence of infection could be found as early as 1996 in South Korea. In 2016, the infection appeared in the United States, in New York and Illinois, which caused outbreaks of the disease, for example, in nursing homes. A few years later, the infection was found in Russia and Brazil.

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Vaginitis – symptoms, diagnosis and treatment in Hadassah

Causes of vaginitis

The disease occurs as a result of imbalance of bacteria and fungi that live in the vagina. Among the predisposing factors for the development of vaginitis should be highlighted:

• use of vaginal sprays, scented cleansers;
• wearing too tight and synthetic clothing;
• detergent residues on linen that comes into contact with the genital area;
• spaying;
• hormonal changes;
• diabetes mellitus;
• weak immune system;
• frequent lack of sleep;
• stress shocks;
• excessive consumption of alcohol and sugary foods;
• use of steroids, antibiotics or contraceptive drugs.

Other precipitating factors such as STIs (sexually transmitted infections), frequent change of sexual partners, menstruation, pregnancy and poor hygiene of the genitals should also be highlighted. Vaginosis can develop against the background of diseases caused by disruption of the gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal tract).

Methods for diagnosing vaginitis

Gynecological examinations often reveal vaginitis that is not accompanied by noticeable symptoms. Therefore, it is important for women to visit a gynecologist every year. The diagnosis of viral vaginitis usually depends on the type of virus present. For example, human papillomavirus (HPV) can sometimes be detected by a Pap smear (a screening procedure that detects changes in the cervix) or special DNA probes that determine the type of HPV virus. Diagnosis of vaginitis consists of the following activities:

Medical history taking

Pelvic examinations

Measurement of acidity and pH of the vagina

Examination of cervical or vaginal discharge under a microscope

#VergasovaNA

Vergasova 9001 7 Natalya Aleksandrovna

Obstetrician-gynecologist

Work experience: 15 years old

Published: 06/27/2023

The information provided on the site is for reference only and cannot serve as a basis for making a diagnosis or prescribing treatment. Internal consultation of the expert is necessary.

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