Various conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted disease (STD), can cause vaginal symptoms similar to those of a

yeast infection. If you need assistance in determining the condition you have, see the Check Your Symptoms of Vaginal problems topic.

Vaginal Yeast Infection defined

A vaginal infection is an overgrowth of yeast cells in the vagina. Fungal infections are very common in women of childbearing age but can occur at any

age. Although it can be very uncomfortable, vaginal yeast infections rarely cause serious health problems.

The symptoms of vaginal yeast infection

The most common symptoms of vaginal yeast infection are:

Vaginal itching.

Genital skin irritation.

Pain or burning in the genital area with urination or intercourse.

In some cases, white vaginal discharge is usually odorless curdlike. Some women have no noticeable discharge.

Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are more likely to occur during the week before the menstrual period.

Cause of vaginal yeast infection

A healthy vagina normally contains many bacteria and a small number of yeast cells. The most common bacteria in the vagina are Lactobacillus acidophilus,

help prevent other organisms such as yeast overgrowth and cause an infection. About 70% to 90% of yeast infections are caused by a strain of yeast called

Candida albicans.

When there is a change in the normal balance of organisms in the vagina, yeast can overgrow, causing the symptoms. This imbalance can be caused by many

factors, including the use of broad spectrum antibiotics for other diseases, high levels of estrogen (as during pregnancy or hormone replacement therapy), or

certain medical conditions such as diabetes or HIV infection.

The diagnosis of vaginal yeast infection

Vaginal itching and a white vaginal discharge that is odorless and looks like cottage cheese are classic signs of a vaginal yeast infection. However, it is easy to misdiagnose a vaginal infection. If your symptoms are not typical of a yeast

infection, you are not sure of your diagnosis, or who are pregnant and have symptoms, consult your health care professional. A vaginal exam and possibly a

culture of vaginal discharge can help diagnose whether another type of organism is present.

Treatment of vaginal yeast infection

A vaginal yeast infection is usually treated with antifungal vaginal cream, tablets, suppositories or for several days. While some women prefer to take a pill by mouth, oral treatment may be reserved for recurrent infection may be caused by yeast throughout the body. This is mainly because oral medication affects the entire body, and vaginal treatment limits its effect on the genital

area. Oral antifungal medications can cause side effects as headache, nausea and abdominal pain, vaginal treatment is unlikely to cause side effects.

Vaginal-counter medications are available to treat vaginal yeast infection, vaginal boric acid capsules are another option. If you have had a vaginal yeast infection before, not pregnant, and we are sure of their current symptoms are

the same as during the previous infection, you can self-treat the infection. If you have a fungal infection that keeps returning despite treatment, consult your health care professional. A recurrent yeast infection can be a sign of another

health problem.

Fungal infections are common during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, do not use any medication without first discussing your symptoms with your health care

professional.

Recurrent yeast infections Vaginal

Yes A yeast infection is considered to be recurrent if it has four or more infections that cause symptoms and are not associated with antibiotic use

within 1 year. Fungal infections are a serious and persistent problem around 5% of affected women and may be related to diabetes, pregnancy, or other health

condition.

If you have recurrent vaginal yeast infection, your health professional may be cultured to confirm that yeast is present. It can also be tested for certain

conditions that may make it more vulnerable to yeast overgrowth, such as diabetes or HIV infection.

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