Understanding vaginal yeast infections

Yeast infections are uncomfortable and itchy and many people don’t like to talk about them. They are quite common among women. About 75 percent of women will get a yeast infection once in their life. A smaller percentage may have recurrent or multiple cases.

Yeast infections can happen at any time and to anyone. There are some things that can make you more likely to get them. Such infections can be removed easily and quickly.

how does it happen

In the vagina, there are a large number of fungi and bacteria that must be kept at very healthy levels. Due to the presence of estrogen, lactobacilli bacteria can grow. This is a bacteria that can end up killing organisms meant to help the vagina and keep it in a healthy balance. If this balance is upset, Candida fungus grows out of control, leading to the development of yeast infection.

What are the causes of such infections?

There are many reasons why someone might get this type of infection. They include:

Hormones: When you are pregnant, hormonal changes can cause the problem. Menopause, breastfeeding, and the use of birth control pills can also change the vaginal balance.

Diabetes: This is another cause of yeast infections. If diabetes is not controlled as it should, then the mucous membranes get more sugar and this creates a great environment for yeast to thrive.

Antibiotics: These medications tend to kill many bacteria that live inside the vagina and therefore can throw the vagina out of balance and cause infection to develop.

Vaginal sprays and vaginal douches: the use of these types of products is not recommended, especially when they are perfumed. The vagina maintains its own balance and rarely needs such things. The products can cause a change in balance, leading to infections that could have been prevented.

Weak immune system: For people who are HIV positive or people with any other type of immune disorder, yeast infection can be very common. That’s why it’s important to get more tests, especially when yeast infections keep coming back or don’t respond to medication.

Sex: In most cases, candidiasis is not listed as an STI. However, it is important to note that it can be passed to other people when you have sexual contact. Therefore, it is important to be open about your condition and get treatment as soon as possible.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of the infection are discomfort and itching. However, there are a few more signs that you can get in case you have it. They include:

• Redness, swelling, or burning of the vulva and vagina. The vulva is the external part of a woman’s genitalia.

• A discharge that is white and thick, very similar to cottage cheese

• Painful intercourse

• Burning or pain when urinating

If you suspect that you might have an infection, it is always recommended that you see a doctor as soon as possible. Chorus of treating yourself. It is important to note that the above symptoms are not limited to yeast infections. There are many others that can be presented in this way and only a test can give a true picture. When you get a proper diagnosis, you’ll get better treatment.