Vaginal Candidosis Treatment

 Vaginal Candidosis Treatment

Diagnosis
To diagnose a yeast infection, your doctor can:

• Asking you questions about your medical history. This could include gathering information about past vaginal infections or sexually transmitted infections.
• Get a pelvic exam. The doctor examines your external genitalia for signs of infection. The doctor then places an instrument (speculum) in your vagina to hold the walls of the vagina open and examine the vagina and cervix in the lower, narrower part of the uterus.
• Analysis of vaginal secretions. The doctor may also send a sample of vaginal fluid for tests to determine the type of fungus causing the infection. Identifying the fungus can help your doctor prescribe a more effective treatment for recurrent yeast infections.

Yeast Infection Treatments Products

Treatment
Treatment of yeast infections depends on the severity and frequency of the infections.

For mild to moderate symptoms and infrequent episodes, your doctor may recommend the following:

• Brief vaginal therapy. Taking an antifungal medicine for three to seven days usually relieves a vaginal yeast infection. Antifungal medications, which are available in creams, ointments, tablets, and suppositories, include miconazole (Monistat 3) and terconazole. Some of these drugs are available without a prescription and some are available only by prescription.
• Single dose oral medications. Your doctor may prescribe a single oral dose of fluconazole (Diflucan). Oral medications are not recommended if you are pregnant. To control more severe symptoms, you can take two single doses three days apart.
• See your doctor again if treatment doesn't resolve your symptoms or if symptoms return within two months.

If your symptoms are severe, or if you have frequent yeast infections, your doctor may recommend the following:

• Long-term vaginal therapy. Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal medication that is taken daily for up to two weeks, followed by once a week for six months.
• Oral medications in multiple doses. Your doctor may prescribe two or three doses of an antifungal medication to take by mouth instead of vaginal therapy. However, this therapy is not recommended for pregnant women.
• Azole resistant therapy. Your doctor may recommend boric acid, a capsule that is inserted into the vagina. This medication can be fatal if taken by mouth and used only to treat candida fungus that is resistant to common antifungal agents.

Alternative medicine
No complementary treatment has been shown to treat vaginal yeast infections. Some complementary and alternative therapies can alleviate symptoms when combined with doctor's care.

Talk to your doctor about alternative vaginal yeast infection treatments that may be safe for you.

Preparation for the consultation
If you've been treated for a yeast infection in the past, your doctor may not need to examine you and prescribe treatment over the phone. Otherwise, you may need to see a general practitioner or gynecologist.

What you can do

• Make a list of any symptoms you've had and for how long.
• Take note of essential information , including other illnesses you have and the medications and supplements you take.
• Avoid using tampons or douches before your appointment.
• Make a list of questions to ask your doctor.
• Questions to ask your doctor
• Do I need to take medication?
• Are there special instructions for taking the medications?
• Is there an OTC product that treats my condition?
• What can I do if my symptoms return after treatment?
• How can I prevent candida infections?
• What are the signs and symptoms to watch for?

During your consultation, do not hesitate to ask all the questions that occur to you.

What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor will likely ask you a number of questions, including the following:

• What other vaginal symptoms have you had? How long have you had symptoms?
• Do you notice a strong vaginal odor?
• Have you ever been treated for a vaginal infection?
• Have you tried over-the-counter products to treat the disease?
• Have you taken antibiotics recently?
• Do you have an active sex life?
• You are pregnant?
• Do you use scented soap or bubble bath?
• Do you douche or use feminine hygiene spray?