Vaginal yeast infections
Angela was taking antibiotics to treat her strep throat when she noticed a different vaginal discharge staining her underwear than usual. To make matters worse, she developed severe itching in the vaginal area.
Angela explained what was happening to her mother, and they went to the doctor's office together. The doctor told Julia that she had a vaginal yeast infection. Angela was very nervous about having to go to the doctor for such an intimate reason, but was reassured to learn that yeast infections can be a side effect of taking antibiotics.
What is a yeast infection?
A yeast infection is a common infection caused by a yeast called Candida albicans (a type of fungus).
Yeast infections usually occur in the hottest and most humid parts of the body, such as the mouth and vagina. We all have Candida albicans in our bodies, but we usually keep it in balance. But there are behaviors, such as taking antibiotics, that can alter this balance, creating a situation where a greater number of fungi of the genus Candida grow . Candida albicans overgrowth is called a yeast infection by doctors .
Yeasts of the genus Candida can overgrow for many different reasons. Stress, pregnancy and diseases that affect the immune system promote their reproduction. It is also favored by some medications, such as some oral contraceptives and steroids. If you are taking antibiotics, such as those used to treat strep throat, these medications can also kill "good" or beneficial bacteria that live in the body and that under normal conditions keep the growth of these yeasts at bay. vagina. Yeasts also proliferate when blood sugar levels are high. Girls with uncontrolled diabetes are more likely to develop yeast infections.
Many girls find that yeast infections tend to appear just before menstruation, due to the hormonal fluctuations that accompany the menstrual cycle. Clothes (especially underwear) that are worn too tight and / or that are made with fabrics such as nylon, which retain moisture and heat, promote these types of infections, since yeasts proliferate in these conditions . Scented soaps can irritate the vagina and douching can upset the healthy natural bacterial balance of the vagina. Therefore, they both favor vaginal yeast infections.
These infections can happen to any girl. And they are not considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD) . Although these infections can be spread through sexual intercourse, this type of infection is very rare. The partner of a person with a vaginal yeast infection does not have to be treated automatically, unless they have symptoms.
What are the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection?
The most common signs and symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include:
- itching and irritation in the vagina
- redness, swelling, or itching of the vulva (the folds of skin outside the vagina)
- thick, white vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese and is usually odorless (odorless), although it may smell like bread or yeast
- pain or stinging when urinating or having sex.
If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor or gynecologist. It is easy to confuse the symptoms of a yeast infection with those of some STDs or other types of vaginal infections. Your doctor will make the proper diagnosis so that you can treat yourself.
Males, can they develop yeast infections?
Boys can develop an infection on the head of the penis (or glans) caused by the same yeasts that cause vaginal yeast infections in girls. Men with diabetes or who take antibiotics for a long time are more likely to get these types of infections. A man with a yeast infection of the penis may have no symptoms at all, or the head of the penis may be red, sore, and itchy. Some men may also have a slight discharge from the penis or pain when urinating.
Boys who are not circumcised should take extra care to clean the area under the foreskin well. The hot, moist folds of the foreskin are a perfect medium for yeast to proliferate. Keeping the area clean and dry can help prevent fungal infections, but if symptoms appear, the affected person should go to the doctor for proper treatment.
How can I prevent yeast infections?
For most girls, there is no way to prevent yeast infections. You can feel more comfortable wearing breathable cotton underwear and avoiding sprays and douching. But there is no scientific proof that these guidelines help prevent vaginal yeast infections.
If you have diabetes, keeping your blood sugar level stable is the best way to avoid these infections.
If you think you might have a vaginal yeast infection, call your doctor for advice. Do not take leftover antibiotics or antibiotics or other medications prescribed for other people. They could be inappropriate for your condition. In addition, taking antibiotics when they are not necessary favors fungal infections.
Do I need to go to the doctor?
Yes. Treating a yeast infection is easy. But it is still important that you go to the doctor for a proper diagnosis, since there are other infections that cause symptoms similar to those of vaginal yeast infections but that require different treatments.
At the visit, your doctor may ask you to collect a urine sample (to rule out a urinary infection ) and to remove a sample of vaginal discharge for examination under a microscope.
If you have a vaginal yeast infection, your doctor will likely prescribe tablets or lozenges to take by mouth, or a vaginal cream, tablets, or suppositories. When you get home, carefully follow the instructions on the packaging. Vaginal creams, tablets, and suppositories often come with an applicator that helps insert the medicine into the vagina, where it will begin to work. If you are using vaginal treatment and you are having sex, you should stop having sex until treatment is complete because these medications can weaken condoms and diaphragms.
All of these medications can eliminate your symptoms in a couple of days and cure the infection in a week. It is important that you take medication for as long as the doctor tells you. Stopping the medication too soon could reactivate the infection. If you don't notice any improvement within a few days after finishing treatment, call your doctor.
Some of the medications used to treat yeast infections can be purchased without a prescription, but you shouldn't buy any just because you think you may have a vaginal yeast infection. It is important that you see a doctor to make a good diagnosis. If you have another type of infection, the problem could be aggravated by receiving improper treatment. Also, over-the-counter medications should not be used by people under 12 years of age or by girls who could be pregnant without first consulting a doctor.
Yeast infections can be bothersome, especially if they occur frequently. To help avoid them, follow your doctor's advice, wear cotton underwear, and try to wear loose clothing. Your body will thank you.
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