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A fungal infection of the vagina is known as a vaginal yeast infection. It causes severe itching, discharge, and irritation of the vagina and vulva tissues.
Vaginal yeast infection, also known as vaginal candidiasis, is quite common in women. Many women get it at least two times in life.
It is not a sexually transmitted infection. Being sexually active, especially in the initial time can raise the chances of vaginal yeast infection.
To treat vaginal candidiasis, your healthcare providers will prescribe you antifungals, mostly topical creams to be applied in the vagina. However, if you get it four times or more in a year, you may need to take long-term maintenance therapy.
Vaginal candidiasis is generally not a serious health condition. But it can be bothersome and must be treated on time. If you have a complaint of recurrent vaginal infections, you must consult with a healthcare provider. To get an expert opinion, you can visit a Gynecologist in Islamabad.
What Are The Symptoms of Vaginal Yeast Infections?
The symptoms of vaginal yeast infections may vary according to the condition, ranging from mild to severe. They can show up as:
- Itching in the vagina and vulva
- Redness and swelling of the vulva
- Vaginal pain and soreness
- Vaginal rash
- Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance
- Watery vaginal discharge
- Irritation in the vagina and vulva
- A burning sensation in the vagina that exacerbates during sexual intercourse or while urinating
Vaginal yeast infection needs to be treated soon. Otherwise, it can become complicated, leading to intense symptoms.
You may have a complicated vaginal yeast infection if:
- You have intense itching and irritation of the vagina and vulva that leads to tearing and cracking of the vagina
- You have a complaint of four or more times vaginal yeast infections
- You are pregnant
- A rare fungus causes vaginal infection
- You have diabetes
- You have a suppressed immune system due to chronic conditions such as cancer or long-term immunosuppressive agent intake such as corticosteroids.
When Should You See A Doctor?
You must visit the healthcare provider if you:
- Have got a vaginal yeast infection for the first time.
- Are unable to figure out whether either it is vaginal candidiasis or not.
- Do not feel better with over-the-counter topical antifungal vaginal creams.
- Have other symptoms too, apart from vaginal yeast infection.
- Have fever
Most commonly, vaginal infections occur due to Candida Albicans. However, it can occur due to other fungal organisms that are more difficult to treat. They need aggressive treatment.
What Are The Risk Factors For Vaginal Yeast Infections?
Factors that can increase the risk of vaginal yeast infections are:
Long term Antibiotics Use
Taking broad-spectrum antibiotics for the long term can kill the healthy bacteria in your body, which, in turn, causes overgrowth of fungus. Due to this, vaginal fungal infection occurs. If you take antibiotics for a long time, keep an eye on the health of your vagina.
Increased Estrogen Levels
Fungal infections are common in women who have high estrogen levels. Women who are pregnant, or take high-dose estrogen contraceptive pills have high estrogen levels in their bodies, which puts them at risk of developing fungal infections.
Uncontrolled Diabetes
Women having uncontrolled diabetes have an increased risk of vaginal infections. However, if their blood sugar levels remain controlled, the risk lowers down. The more controlled you keep your blood sugar levels, the more risk for infections is lowered.
Suppressed Immune System
Women having suppressed immune systems due to cancer or HIV or long-term immunosuppressant intake such as corticosteroids can increase the risk of vaginal yeast infections.
How Can You Prevent Vaginal Yeast Infections?
To prevent vaginal yeast infections, you can exercise the following tips:
- ● Do not wear tight wearing pantyhose
- Do not douche as it can remove healthy bacteria from your vagina
- Avoid staying in wet clothes for a long time
If you have a complaint of recurrent vaginal yeast infections, you can visit oladoc.com for more information.