You and your friends are together and chatting and one of them wants to know what is the cause of vaginal yeast infections. There is a discussion and this is what is said. The fungus that will cause these infections is called Candida. Your human skin carries yeast on it especially in areas of moisture. Areas of the vagina and the mouth are the areas that carry this yeast. Twenty to fifty percent of women carry yeast in these areas.
When new yeast is found in either of these two areas an infection can set in. When quantities of yeast increase when compared to the amount of normal bacteria cause a problem. These infections can also occur when chemotherapy is causing injury to the lining, when on a course of cortisone treatments, which suppress the immune system, or when taking immun-osuppressive drugs. The yeast multiplies, attacks the tissue and you get the infection called vaginitis.
Other causes, which may bring on vaginitis, are pregnancy or taking oral contraceptives. A diabetic may have a predisposition to these infections. Using douches or sprays used for hygiene can also increase the risk of infection. If normal bacteria that always protected it is erased for some reason or another, then infection is possible. It is possible to contract this infection by being sexually active although it is not considered a disease that is sexually transmitted.
There are a variety of symptoms. The infection causes itching, burning sensations, soreness and irritation, pain when urinating or during intercourse. You will present with a white discharge similar to cottage cheese. You will experience swelling of the vulva and redness.
You should see your doctor if this is the first infection that you have had or you believe it is a yeast infection. Thinking that you have an infection you can try to self-medicate by trying antifungal medication and if the symptoms do not disappear you should make an appointment with your physician if in addition to the regular symptoms other symptoms appear. Most treatment is successful, however if the infection reoccurs more than 3 or 4 times a year a longer course of treatment may be necessary.
Once it has been established that you have this infection your physician will prescribe medication to solve the problem. He may prescribe a cream that you can apply on and in the infected area. He may also prescribe some tablets for you to take. Pregnant women who have this infection will only be able to use creams.
Avoiding the infection is the best beginning. Any tight uncomfortable clothes that are made of a synthetic material should not be worn. Cotton fabric should be the choice especially for your panties. Wearing pantyhose all day long is something that should be avoided. Being very dry after a shower is vital. You must dry the genital area well and hair dryers set on cool and low do the trick.
For prevention of introducing bacteria you should wipe yourself carefully after urinating. Start at the front first and then go towards the back. If you are in damp clothes of any kind be sure to change them as soon as possible. Do not use douches, sanitary pads, hygiene sprays, or tampons. Perfumed toilet paper should be non-scented and white to avoid creating imbalance with the acid present in the vagina.
Dealing with yeast infections are harsh and nearly every woman will have to deal with one at least once in their life cycle. We have a yeast infection home remedy that can help get rid of those symptoms! The yeast infection home remedies are only a push away.