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Yeast Infection TreatmentAll contents Copyright 2012 by IvoryTowerGroup |
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You might believe you have yet another yeast infection, and decide to
treat it without medical advice. This path may or may not work for you,
and it may or may not cause complications. Whatever the case may be, it is
a dangerous habit you should not fall pray to, if at all possible.
Symptoms
Vaginal yeast infection and vulvitis can lead to symptoms that are not
clear, which means that aside from the yeast infection, other conditions
can cause the identical symptoms. The most common symptom of a vaginal
yeast infection is itching in the vulvar and/or vaginal area. Other
symptoms of vaginal yeast infection and vulvitis can include: burning,
soreness, pain during intercourse and/or urination, and vaginal discharge.
Vaginal discharge does not always have to be present, but when it occurs,
the discharge is odorless and typically has a whitish, thick appearance
and texture, like cottage cheese.
What is yeast?
Yeast is a fungus called Candida. The particular type of fungus most
commonly at the root of vaginitis is Candida albicans. Yeast is usually
present on normal human skin and in areas of moisture, such as the mouth
and vagina. In fact, on average, between 20%-50% of healthy women often
carry yeast in the vaginal area.
If you do think you have a yeast infection, your probability of making the
wrong diagnosis can be quite high, and you might put yourself at risk. It
is better to make a visit your local clinic or health care provider. This
is the sensible thing to do if you want to get to the bottom of the
problem.
What causes yeast infections?
Yeast infections may also happen as a result of injury to the inner
vagina, such as after chemotherapy. Also, women with suppressed immune
systems (for example, those taking cortisone-related medications such as
prednisone) develop vaginal yeast infections more frequently than women
with normal immunity. Other conditions that may predispose women to
developing vaginal yeast infections include diabetes mellitus, pregnancy,
and taking oral contraceptives. The use of douches or perfumed vaginal
hygiene sprays may also increase a woman's risk of developing a vaginal
yeast infection.
A vaginal yeast infection is not considered to be a sexually transmitted
infection (STD), since Candida may be present in the normal vagina, and
the condition does occur in celibate women. However, it is possible for
men to develop symptoms of skin irritation of the penis from a yeast
infection after sexual intercourse with an infected partner.
Treatments
Yeast infection treatment varies, but it may start with antifungal
medications applied topically in and around the vagina or with antifungal
medications taken orally. Sometimes, mixed infections with more than one
microbe can require combinations of treatments.
Topically applied antifungal creams include: clotimazole, butoconazole,
miconazole, and terconazole.
Over-the-counter treatments are an option for some women where yeast is
the cause of the infection. However, it should be noted that infection
other than yeast can cause symptoms that are similar. These include
bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. If symptoms are not
eliminated by over-the-counter products, patients should see their doctor
for evaluation.
Antifungal medications that are also available as vaginal tablets include:
clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex), miconazole (Monistat; Micatin),
terconazole (Terazol), and nystatin (Mycostatin). Oral medications for
yeast vaginitis and vulvitis include fluconazole (Diflucan).
12 Hour Cure For Yeast Infection
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