Vaginal yeast infection: symptoms, treatments and causes
What is Vaginal Yeast Infection?
A vaginal yeast infection happens when a fungus or yeast, usually Candida albicans , starts to grow in the vagina. This type of infection is very common, but can become serious if very frequent.
A healthy vagina has many bacteria and a small number of fungal cells. The bacteria most present in this organ, called Lactobacillus acidophilus, is responsible for keeping the vaginal flora balanced and preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi that are harmful to the vagina.
When some internal or external factor changes the balance of these organisms, fungi can multiply in the birth canal and cause symptoms. Prolonged use of antibiotics, for example, can cause this imbalance. High estrogen levels caused by pregnancy or hormone therapy may also be responsible, as may some illnesses such as diabetes and HIV infection.
Approximately one in five women have experienced a vaginal yeast infection at some point in their lives. Many of them suffer from the problem two or more times.
A vaginal yeast infection is not considered sexually transmitted, however, the fungus that causes this condition can be spread through oral-genital contact. It is easily treated, except in cases where it recurs – four or more times a year – when ongoing therapy is needed to maintain health.
Causes
Vaginal yeast infection is usually caused by Candida albicans , a microorganism that is normally present in the vagina, along with other bacteria. It can also be found in the skin and intestines. The vagina naturally contains a balanced mixture of yeasts and bacteria, called vaginal flora. Lactobacillus bacteria produce an acid that discourages yeast overgrowth in the vagina, thus helping to maintain the balance of the vaginal flora. However, disruption of this balance can result in yeast overgrowth.
Vaginal yeast infection can be caused by:
- use of antibiotics
- Pregnancy
- uncontrolled diabetes
- Impairment of the immune system
Anything that changes the type and amount of bacteria in the vaginal flora, such as frequent vaginal showers or inadequate lubrication.
Most of the time, the vaginal infection is caused by the fungus Candida albicans. However, in some cases the infection may be due to another type of fungus. These often respond poorly to conventional therapies and may need more aggressive treatment.
Most infections can be sexually transmitted, especially through oral-genital sexual contact. However, yeast infection is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, as the fungus is naturally present in the vagina and can also occur in women who are not sexually active.
Risk factors
Your risk of getting a vaginal yeast infection may be increased by a few factors:
- Use of antibiotics. These medications upset the normal balance between yeast and bacteria in the vagina. Antibiotics can decrease very "good" bacteria and result in increased yeast overgrowth in the vagina, sometimes causing symptoms of a yeast infection.
- Having a condition that affects your immunity, such as poorly controlled diabetes or HIV. Taking corticosteroid medications sometimes also weakens the immune system and increases the risk of fungal infections.
- Wear tight pants or underwear, which overheat the vaginal region
- Use intimate hygiene products or scented talcs in the vaginal area
- frequent vaginal shower
Symptoms
Symptoms of Vaginal Fungus Infection
Symptoms of vaginal yeast infection can be mild to moderate and include:
- Itching and irritation in the vagina or entry into the vagina (vulva)
- Burning sensation, especially during sex or when urinating
- Swelling and redness in the vulva
- vaginal pain
- White, thick, odor-free secretion with a cottage cheese appearance.
You may have a severe vaginal yeast infection if:
- It has severe symptoms such as excessive redness, swelling and the development of cracks and sores due to the itching
- Have recurrent infections (four or more per year)
- Your infection is caused by a type of fungus other than Candida albicans
- You're pregnant
- Your diabetes is not under control
- Have some disease that compromises the immune system.
- Diagnosis and Exams
- Seeking medical help
Go to the doctor immediately if:
- Do you experience abdominal pain and fever above 38 degrees along with a vaginal discharge
- You are pregnant and showing symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection
Make an appointment if you:
- Has an unusual vaginal discharge
- Do you have an unusual vaginal itching
- Feel pain during sexual intercourse or urination
- Have any other symptoms that might point to a vaginal infection
- Continue to have symptoms despite treatment
Health professionals who can diagnose and treat a vaginal yeast infection include:
- nursing professionals
- general practitioner
- Gynecologist.
- In the medical appointment
If this is the first time you have had symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection, your doctor will assess your vaginal discharge. Avoid using tampons or douche before the appointment, so that your doctor can assess the vaginal discharge.
The doctor will likely ask a series of questions, such as:
- What are you feeling?
- Do you notice a strong vaginal odor?
- How long have you had symptoms?
- Have you ever been treated for a vaginal yeast infection?
- Have you tried using any product to treat your condition?
- Have you taken antibiotics recently?
- Are you sexually active?
- You're pregnant?
- Do you use scented soap or bubble bath?
- Do you shower or use intimate hygiene sprays?
- What medications or vitamin supplements do you take regularly?
Being prepared for the appointment can make the diagnosis easier and save time so you can ask the doctor other questions. This way, you can already arrive at the consultation with some information:
A list of all your symptoms and how long ago they appeared
Medical history, including other conditions you have and medications or supplements you take regularly
Take your questions in writing, starting with the most important. This ensures that you will be able to answer the relevant questions before the consultation is over.
Diagnosis of Vaginal Fungal Infection
Your doctor may be able to diagnose your vaginal yeast infection based on your medical history and a physical examination. If symptoms are not typical of a vaginal yeast infection or you have recurrent infections, your doctor may look for signs of yeast or other organisms by doing some tests:
- Vaginal secretion culture
- Blood test
- Although the possibility of a vaginal yeast infection being detected during a routine Pap smear, this type of test is usually not ordered to diagnose vaginal infections.
Treatment and Care
Treatment of Vaginal Fungus Infection
Treatment for vaginal yeast infection will depend on its severity. For mild to moderate symptoms, with infrequent episodes, your doctor may recommend:
Single application of antifungal cream, or for a few days. Side effects may include mild burning or irritation during application.
Single dose oral antifungal drug
Make an appointment again if symptoms persist even with treatment or come back two months after they stop.
In the case of a complicated or severe vaginal yeast infection, treatment may include:
- Prolonged application of antifungal cream, from seven to 14 days
- Long-term antifungal medications, in two or three doses. This therapy is not recommended during pregnancy.
- For recurrent vaginal fungal infection, the doctor may recommend the use of a continuous medication to maintain the balance of the vaginal flora. Maintenance therapy lasts for months, and usually involves the use of oral medications. If they are recurrent, the doctor may recommend a treatment for your partner.
If you are pregnant and have symptoms of a vaginal infection, see a doctor to make sure you do not have any other conditions that could jeopardize your pregnancy. Other conditions with similar symptoms, such as bacterial vaginosis, gonorrhea or chlamydia, call for specific treatment to avoid pregnancy complications. Experts recommend that during pregnancy:
Local medicines such as creams and suppositories are used
The treatment lasts longer, using the drug for seven days or more. This is because vaginal yeast infection can be more difficult to treat during pregnancy.
Medicines for Vaginal Fungal Infection
The most commonly used medications to treat a vaginal yeast infection are:
- Candidate
- Colpatrin
- Fluconazole
- Gynazole-2
- Gyno-Icaden
- Micozen
- Isoconazole nitrate (vaginal cream)
- Miconazole Nitrate (vaginal cream)
Only a doctor can tell you which medication is best for you, as well as the correct dosage and duration of treatment. Always follow your doctor's instructions to the letter and NEVER self-medicate. Do not stop using the drug without consulting a doctor first, and if you take it more than once or in much larger amounts than prescribed, follow the instructions on the package insert.
- Living together (prognosis)
- Living / Prognosis
- Use external absorbent pads during treatment, as the internal ones can absorb the creams.
- Avoid using scented soaps to clean the area during treatment. Use neutral soap
- Avoid sexual intercourse if it is painful. Otherwise use a water-based lubricant to reduce irritation. But beware: antifungal oils or creams can weaken latex, in which case condoms can fail
- If the genital area becomes swollen or painful, try a sitz bath in plain water, or place a cool, damp cloth over the area. Do not rub to try to relieve itchiness.
Can vaginal yeast infection be cured?
A vaginal yeast infection can heal on its own, usually when menstruation starts. Menstrual blood raises the vaginal pH, turning it into a less acidic and more alkaline environment – and this prevents fungal cells from growing. This is because in the second phase of the menstrual cycle, in the days prior to menstruation, possibly due to the effect of progesterone, the vaginal ecosystem becomes more acidic, which favors the proliferation of fungi, which are already usual commensals of the vagina. With menstruation bleeding, the vaginal ecosystem is made alkaline and the development of fungi is stopped by the alkalinization of the vaginal environment. For other milder cases, the use of antifungal creams or medication may be enough to get rid of the problem.
Recurrent fungal vaginal infections can be difficult to prevent or cure. Women who have this problem should look for other causes (such as diabetes, hormone therapy, or treatment-resistant fungi) so that treatment can be more effective.
Prevention
Prevention
- Have a balanced diet. Some studies say that consuming lactobacilli-rich yogurt can help prevent infections, but it has not been proven. However, having a proper diet helps the body to function and fight disease more efficiently.
- Control diabetes
- Avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics
- Have good intimate hygiene habits
- After urination, clean the vagina in a front-to-back motion, thus preventing the spread of yeast or bacteria from the anus to the vagina or urinary tract.
- Wear cotton underwear and avoid synthetic fabrics. This helps keep the area airy and prevents the proliferation of bacteria and fungi
- avoid tight clothes
Do not do intimate showers or use deodorants powders or perfumes on the genital area. These items can alter the normal balance of organisms in the vagina.
