A vaginal yeast infection is an infection of the
vagina that causes intense itching, irritation and
burning of the vulva, the area around the vagina,
with a typically thick and white discharge that
looks like cottage cheese and does not have a
bad smell.
It is caused by an overgrowth of the fungus
Candida.
Some other symptoms are; redness, and
swelling of the vagina and the vulva, pain when
urinating, pain during sexual intercourse and
soreness.
Women and girls of all ages can get vaginal
yeast infections. Almost half of women have
two or more infections. Yeast infections are
easy to treat, but it is important to see your
doctor if you think you have an infection.
Yeast infection symptoms are similar to other
vaginal infections and sexually transmitted
infections (STIs).
THE MOST AFFECTED GROUP
Some women are more at risk for yeast
infections. Yes, your risk for yeast infections is
higher if you are pregnant, using a type of
hormonal birth control that has higher doses of
estrogen, diabetic and your blood sugar is not
under control, you douche or use vaginal sprays,
if you recently took antibiotics medicines, or
have a weakened immune system.
Your vagina may have small amounts of yeast at
any given time without causing any symptoms.
But when too much yeast grows, you can get an
infection.
SEX AND YEAST INFECTIONS
A yeast infection is not considered an STI,
because you can get a yeast infection without
having sex. But you can get a yeast infection
from your sexual partner.
Condoms and dental dams may help prevent
getting or passing yeast infections through
vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Avoiding intercourse
when a woman has symptoms of a yeast
infection is the best way to prevent spreading
of the infection.
Using treatment when you do not actually have
a yeast infection can cause your body to
become resistant to the yeast infection
medicine.
This can make actual yeast infections harder to
treat in the future. If your partner is a man, the
risk of infection is low. Men who haven't been
circumcised are at higher risk.
INFECTION, PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING
During pregnancy, it's safe to treat a yeast
infection with vaginal creams or suppositories.
Do not take the oral tablet to treat a yeast
infection during pregnancy.
It may cause birth defects.
Yeast infections can happen on your nipples or
in your breast, commonly called "thrush" from
breastfeeding. Yeast thrives on milk and
moisture.
PREVENTION OF YEAST INFECTION
The following steps can be taken to lower your
risk of getting yeast infections; do not douche.
Douching removes some of the normal bacteria
in the vagina that protects you from infection.
change tampons, pads, and panty liners often,
do not wear tight underwear, pantyhose, pants,
or jeans. These can increase body heat and
moisture in your genital area.
Wear underwear with a cotton crotch, change
out of wet swimsuits and workout clothes as
soon as you can. After using the bathroom,
always wipe from front to back.
Healthline.com
vagina that causes intense itching, irritation and
burning of the vulva, the area around the vagina,
with a typically thick and white discharge that
looks like cottage cheese and does not have a
bad smell.
It is caused by an overgrowth of the fungus
Candida.
Some other symptoms are; redness, and
swelling of the vagina and the vulva, pain when
urinating, pain during sexual intercourse and
soreness.
Women and girls of all ages can get vaginal
yeast infections. Almost half of women have
two or more infections. Yeast infections are
easy to treat, but it is important to see your
doctor if you think you have an infection.
Yeast infection symptoms are similar to other
vaginal infections and sexually transmitted
infections (STIs).
THE MOST AFFECTED GROUP
Some women are more at risk for yeast
infections. Yes, your risk for yeast infections is
higher if you are pregnant, using a type of
hormonal birth control that has higher doses of
estrogen, diabetic and your blood sugar is not
under control, you douche or use vaginal sprays,
if you recently took antibiotics medicines, or
have a weakened immune system.
Your vagina may have small amounts of yeast at
any given time without causing any symptoms.
But when too much yeast grows, you can get an
infection.
SEX AND YEAST INFECTIONS
A yeast infection is not considered an STI,
because you can get a yeast infection without
having sex. But you can get a yeast infection
from your sexual partner.
Condoms and dental dams may help prevent
getting or passing yeast infections through
vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Avoiding intercourse
when a woman has symptoms of a yeast
infection is the best way to prevent spreading
of the infection.
Using treatment when you do not actually have
a yeast infection can cause your body to
become resistant to the yeast infection
medicine.
This can make actual yeast infections harder to
treat in the future. If your partner is a man, the
risk of infection is low. Men who haven't been
circumcised are at higher risk.
INFECTION, PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING
During pregnancy, it's safe to treat a yeast
infection with vaginal creams or suppositories.
Do not take the oral tablet to treat a yeast
infection during pregnancy.
It may cause birth defects.
Yeast infections can happen on your nipples or
in your breast, commonly called "thrush" from
breastfeeding. Yeast thrives on milk and
moisture.
PREVENTION OF YEAST INFECTION
The following steps can be taken to lower your
risk of getting yeast infections; do not douche.
Douching removes some of the normal bacteria
in the vagina that protects you from infection.
change tampons, pads, and panty liners often,
do not wear tight underwear, pantyhose, pants,
or jeans. These can increase body heat and
moisture in your genital area.
Wear underwear with a cotton crotch, change
out of wet swimsuits and workout clothes as
soon as you can. After using the bathroom,
always wipe from front to back.
Healthline.com
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