Yeast Infection

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A yeast infection is a common condition that is easily treated and not usually serious. A yeast infection occurs when the natural balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina are upset, and too many yeast cells grow.

1 Causes
2 Symptoms
3 Diagnosis
4 Treatment
5 More Information

[edit] Causes

A healthy vagina is home to many bacteria and a few yeast cells. Normally, the most prevalent bacteria keep the balance of the other bacteria and yeast under control. When something happens to throw off the balance of the organisms in the vagina off, too many yeast cells can grow and cause an infection. Candida albicans is the type of yeast that is most often responsible for a yeast infection.

Things that can cause an imbalance include:

Antibiotics
High estrogen levels caused by pregnancy
Hormonal imbalance
Birth control pills
Vulvar injury due to not enough lubrication during sex
Diabetes
A compromised immune system
Tight fitting, non cotton clothing
Dirty underwear
Inks, dyes, and perfumes that come into contact with the genital area (soaps, toilet paper, douches, tampons)
Condoms with spermicide

Yeast infections can be sexually transmitted.

[edit] Symptoms

Symptoms of a yeast infection include:

Soreness in the vaginal area
Itching, from mild to intense
The problem is localized in the vagina and vulva
Discharge may be present. Discharge usually looks similar to cottage cheese, but it can vary in appearance from yellowish to clear in color, and thick to thin in consistency.
The discharge has a smell, similar to bread or beer
Symptoms are worse the week before your period

[edit] Diagnosis

You should have a doctor diagnose a yeast infection if this is the first time you have had one, or if you are pregnant. It is easy to misdiagnose a yeast infection, and other more serious infections need to be ruled out.

[edit] Treatment

Over the counter anti fungal preparations are available to use if you are not pregnant and know from experience that what you have is a yeast infection. Over the counter medicine comes in cream or suppository form that you place into the vagina, or oral tablets.

Do not treat a yeast infection yourself if you are pregnant, visit the doctor for treatment. If you go to the doctor and it is determined that you do have a yeast infection, you will be prescribed a prescription medication to get rid of it.