About Yeast Infections
The skin and vaginal areas contain small amounts of yeast that actually help to protect the areas. However, if the amounts become overgrown, a yeast infection can develop. A yeast infection is technically known as Candida albicans, and it occurs when the acidic environment of the vagina or surrounding skin becomes less acidic, which allows a yeast infection to begin growing.
Yeast infections should be diagnosed by a doctor; assuming that you have a yeast infection and treating it with over the counter medications may not be a good idea; it is best to allow a professional to diagnose the yeast infection and offer treatment options. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should probably make an appointment with a gynecologist: itching, burning, and/or swelling of the vaginal area; thick and/or discolored discharge; pain during sexual intercourse.
Most women develop at least one yeast infection at some point in life. In fact, any thing that causes the vaginal area to remain too moist is actually promoting the development of yeast infection. Also, some medications, especially antibiotics, can alter the acid levels of the vaginal area and aid in the growth of too much yeast, resulting in a yeast infection. Other things that can change the level of acid in this area are pregnancy, birth control pills, steroids, diabetes, and even menstruation. Also, a yeast infection can develop from wearing too-tight clothing. Ill-fitting undergarments or pants do not allow the vaginal area to breathe, which is necessary to prevent a yeast infection from developing.
Other preventative measures to ward off possible yeast infections include changing out of damp clothes as soon as possible. This means gym clothes, swimsuits, et cetera. Wearing breathable cotton undergarments and natural fabric clothing allows the passage of air to help keep the yeast from overgrowing. Also, avoid pantyhose or tights as much as possible-it is best to not wear them as part of the everyday wardrobe. In addition, avoid introducing bacteria to the vagina, which can cause the acid levels to decrease and therefore allow a yeast infection to develop. This means practicing proper hygienic rules, such as wiping from front to back when using the toilet, and drying properly with clean towels after bathing.
If, despite efforts to avoid it, a yeast infection does develop, you will probably be treated with a cream or suppository that is applied or inserted into the vagina. There are new pill form medications that are available by prescription. And to also treat the symptoms of the yeast infection, anti-itch creams may be recommended for use while the yeast infection is being treated as well. Again, it is very important that a doctor examine the possible yeast infection to rule out other causes of the symptoms, since other conditions have similar symptoms to those of a yeast infection. Remember, too, that it is possibly to pass a yeast infection to a sexual partner, so it is best to avoid intercourse for the duration of the yeast infection.
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