3 out of 4 women experience a vaginal yeast infection at some point in their lifetime. What is a vaginal yeast infection you ask? A vaginal yeast infection is a type of vaginitis – inflammation of the vagina that leads to vaginal irritation, severe itchiness and vaginal discharge.
Yeast is a type of fungus and the infections are caused by overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans. Though a yeast infection isn’t considered as a sexually transmitted disease, the fungus that causes the condition can spread through oral-genital contact. Vaginal yeast infection is very common and about 75 percent of women have one during their lives, and more than half of the 75 percent tend to have two or more vaginal yeast infections.
There are several symptoms of a yeast infection, and the most common one will be extreme itchiness in and around the vagina. Other symptoms include:
- Burning, redness, and swelling of the vagina and the vulva
- Pain when passing urine
- Pain during sex
- Soreness
- A thick, white vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese and does not have a bad smell
- A rash on the vagina
Sometimes, not all symptoms occur during a vaginal yeast infection and the signs of an infection are much like those of chlamydia and gonorrhea so it’s best to check with a doctor to be sure. Yeast infections can be cured with antifungal medicines that come in forms of cream, tablets, ointments and suppositories that are inserted into the vagina.
These products can be bought at a pharmacy or drug store or prescribed from a doctor at a clinic. Though common, a vaginal yeast infection can be prevented. Here’s how you can achieve that:
- Avoid vaginal douches
- Avoid scented hygiene products like bubble bath, sprays, pads, and tampons
- Change tampons and pads often during your period
- Avoid tight underwear or clothes made of synthetic fibers
- Wear cotton underwear and pantyhose with a cotton crotch
- Change out of wet swimsuits and exercise clothes as soon as you can
- Avoid hot tubs and very hot baths
Remember, if you face recurring infections, do consult a doctor regarding it. Otherwise, just keep as hygienic as possible ladies!
