Friday, November 5, 2021

Symptoms of yeast infection

 Symptoms of yeast infection
So let's analyze the symptoms of candida. As with almost all diseases, fungal infection could present itself differently depending on who contracts it. In most women, however, experts in the field have highlighted the presence of common symptoms such as:

  • Itching and irritation around the vagina and vulva
  • Burning sensation when urinating (dysuria)
  • Burning during intercourse (Dyspareunia)
  • Redness and / or swelling in the vagina and vulva
  • Pain or tenderness in the vagina
  • Vaginal fissures
  • Very painful skin sores

Presence of watery or thick secretions and whitish in color so as to resemble ricotta.



Vaginal yeast infection

 Vaginal yeast infection

Three out of four women suffer from yeast infections. What is it about? What are the symptoms and causes? What, on the other hand, are the treatments? Getting informed correctly on this topic is necessary to understand how to behave when you feel: itching, burning or swelling in the private parts. However, it must be pointed out immediately that this infection does not constitute a serious and dangerous health condition for the one who contracts it.

First of all when we talk about this type of problem, especially female, we refer to a localized infection especially in the vagina and caused by a yeast called Candida albicans.


This fungus is normally present in the human body. It usually lives in humid and hot environments such as: the mouth, throat, esophagus, gastrointestinal tract and genitals. As we have already pointed out, it is a harmless fungus for the individual. In addition to this, the good bacteria present in our body usually prevent its proliferation. Under certain conditions it can become pathogenic and affect the mucous membranes.

What does this all mean? A pathogenic fungus is nothing more than an organism capable of causing disease in humans. How? Through uncontrolled proliferation. This happens when the control systems of this fungus fail and the latter takes advantage of it to 'expand'.

In general, vaginal candida is also known as: vulvovaginal candida and vaginal candidiasis.

This type of infection occurs mainly shortly before the menstrual cycle or in other certain conditions. As we have said, it mainly affects women, but it is possible that men are also infected. Male sexual partners of women with vaginal infections, for example, can contract male candida.

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Treatment of vaginal yeast infections

 Treatment of vaginal yeast infections

Antifungal drugs
Treatment of yeast infections is based on antifungal therapies, which can be used in the following ways:

  • as a cream, applied to the area affected by the infection
  • as an egg, to be inserted into the vagina
  • orally


Butoconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole and tioconazole are available without a prescription. The oils contained in these creams and ointments weaken latex-based condoms (not diaphragms), so you shouldn't use this type of contraceptive.

Oral antifungal drugs (such as fluconazole and itraconazole) must be prescribed. A single dose of fluconazole is as effective as creams and ointments; however, if infections recur frequently, repeated doses are required.

Prevention of vaginal yeast infections

 Prevention of vaginal yeast infections

Women who are at high risk of getting a yeast infection can take an oral antifungal to prevent it. Women are at greater risk:

  • diabetes
  • who need to take antibiotics for a long time
  • repeatedly affected by yeast infections, especially if they have a weakened immune system


Keeping the vulva clean and wearing loose-fitting, absorbent cotton clothing that allows for air circulation can reduce moisture, which encourages the growth of yeasts, thereby helping to prevent their growth.





Diagnosis of vaginal yeast infections

 Diagnosis of vaginal yeast infections

Medical evaluation
Examination of a sample of the discharge and / or cervical fluid

In case the woman's vaginal discharge is unusual and lasts for several days, or if there are other vaginal symptoms, it is advisable to consult the doctor.

Doctors suspect these infections based on symptoms, such as thick, white discharge that often resembles fresh cheese. Next, he asks questions about secretion, other symptoms, possible causes (such as diabetes, other conditions, the use of antibiotics or hormones), and hygiene.

To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor proceeds with the pelvic exam . While examining the vagina, the doctor collects a sample of the secretion with a small swab. The sample is then examined under a microscope and sometimes cultured (held in a substance that allows microorganisms to grow). With the information obtained from these tests, doctors are usually able to identify the microorganisms that cause symptoms.

Usually, doctors also swab a sample of fluid from the cervix (the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina) to detect sexually transmitted diseases.

Symptoms of Vaginal Yeast Infections

 Symptoms of Vaginal Yeast Infections

You may feel itching or burning in the vagina and vulva, especially during intercourse, and the entire genital area appears red and swollen. White, often thick, cottage cheese-like secretions may occur.

Symptoms of yeast infections can worsen the week before menstruation begins.




Causes of vaginal yeast infections

 Causes of vaginal yeast infections

In women of childbearing age, yeast infections due to Candida albicans are particularly common. Normally, this yeast resides in the skin or intestines, from which it can spread to the vagina. Yeast infections are not sexually transmitted;

Vaginal yeast infections are more likely in women:

  • during pregnancy
  • who have diabetes
  • with a weakened immune system, suppressed by drugs (such as corticosteroids or chemotherapy) or compromised by medical conditions (such as AIDS )
  • who use an intrauterine device (IUD)
  • who wear tight underwear that does not allow air circulation
  • taking antibiotics



Oral antibiotics tend to destroy vaginal bacteria that normally prevent yeast from developing. Therefore, their use increases the risk of developing yeast infections.

These infections occur mainly shortly before the menstrual cycle.

After menopause, yeast infections are less common, with the exception of women taking hormone therapy .

Male partners of women with vaginal yeast infections rarely become infected.