Vaginal yeast infections are a common health problem that many women experience at some point in their lives, but they are often embarrassed to talk about. You may have experienced this discomfort too. There are times when you can't even do your daily activities properly due to the constant itching and burning. So don't worry, this is a very common condition. Today, we will talk about everything very simply and openly.
What exactly is a yeast infection?
Simply put, a vaginal yeast infection is an uncontrolled, excessive growth of a type of fungus called Candida, which normally lives in our bodies.
Think about it, our vagina is like a beautiful ecosystem. It has good bacteria and a very small amount of fungi like `Candida` living in it. As long as these two are in balance, there is no problem. The good bacteria are like a police force, keeping the amount of that fungus in check. But if for some reason this balance is lost, for example, if the amount of good bacteria decreases, the `Candida` fungus has a reign of terror. They start multiplying at will. That is why we call it a yeast infection. Medically, we also call this condition `Vaginal Candidiasis`.
The most important thing is that this is not a sexually transmitted disease (STI). So don't be unnecessarily afraid of this. However, the discomfort caused by this is very high.
According to surveys, about three out of four women will get a yeast infection at least once in their lives. And about half of women will get it two or more times. It is especially common after puberty and before menopause.
What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?
If you suspect you have a yeast infection, check for the following symptoms. You may have one or more of these symptoms together.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Severe itching and inflammation | The main symptom is unbearable itching and burning in and around the vagina (vulva). This is what makes most people uncomfortable. |
| A white, thick discharge | Most of the time, this discharge is thick, white, and has a cottage cheese-like consistency. However, it can sometimes be watery. It usually does not have a bad odor. |
| Redness and swelling | The skin around the vagina may become red and swollen. |
| Burning during urination | You may feel a burning or painful sensation when urinating. This is because the acidic nature of the urine rubs against the delicate skin that has been damaged by the infection. |
| Pain during sex | Sexual intercourse can be painful because the vagina is swollen and sensitive due to the infection. |
| Fine cracks in the skin | You may notice small cracks or scratches on the skin around the vagina (vulva). |
The important thing is that these symptoms can be similar to other vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis, or some sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore, if you have these symptoms, it is very important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis rather than just guessing and taking medicine from the pharmacy.
Why do we get these yeast infections? What are the contributing factors?
As we discussed earlier, a yeast infection occurs when the balance between the natural bacteria and fungi in the vagina is disrupted. There are several reasons why this balance can be disrupted.
| Reason | How it affects |
|---|---|
| Use of antibiotics | This is the main reason. When you take antibiotics for a cold or other infection, like a cough, those medications kill not only the bad bacteria, but also the good bacteria in the vagina. This gives the out-of-control Candida fungus a good chance to grow. |
| Changes in hormone levels | During pregnancy, when using birth control pills, hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle can change the vaginal environment and make it more conducive to yeast growth. |
| Unmanaged Diabetes | A person with uncontrolled diabetes has high levels of sugar in their blood and urine. Yeast is a sugar-loving organism. Therefore, excess sugar in the urine acts as a good fertilizer for yeast growth. |
| Weakened immune system | When the body's immune system is weakened by conditions like HIV or certain medications (e.g. steroids), the body is unable to control the growth of this fungus. |
Other habits that increase risk
In addition to the above reasons, some of your daily habits can also increase your risk of yeast infections.
- Wearing wet clothes: Staying in sweaty clothes for a long time after taking a shower, getting out of a swimming pool, or exercising creates a moist, warm environment for yeast to grow.
- Very tight, poorly ventilated clothing: Wearing synthetic underwear and tight pants made of nylon and polyester can reduce ventilation and trap moisture, which can lead to yeast growth.
- Use of scented products: The use of scented soaps, vaginal sprays, deodorants, scented tampons, or sanitary pads can change the natural pH of the vagina and lead to infections.
How does a doctor diagnose this exactly?
When you go to see a doctor with your symptoms, he or she will first ask you questions and get to know you better. Then, for an accurate diagnosis, a pelvic exam may be performed. This involves taking a sample of vaginal discharge and examining it under a microscope to see if the fungus Candida is present. This can help determine whether you have a yeast infection or another condition.
How are yeast infections treated?
The good news is that yeast infections are easily treatable. Antifungal medications are mainly used for this. These medications come in several types.
1. Topical: These are pills or creams that are inserted into the vagina as a suppository. They are inserted into the vagina at night before going to bed for 1, 3, or 7 days (depending on the severity of the infection). Miconazole and Terconazole are the most commonly used medications.
2. Oral: Your doctor may prescribe you just one pill to take. Fluconazole is a common medication given this way. This is a very easy treatment.
3. Types of creams to apply: A separate cream can be given to apply to the itching and redness outside the vagina, that is, in the `vulva` area.
Very important: You should take the medicine your doctor prescribed for the full duration. Do not stop taking the medicine just because your symptoms have improved in a couple of days. Doing so will increase the risk of the infection returning without being completely cured.
It is best to avoid sexual intercourse during treatment, as it can further damage the vagina and increase discomfort. Also, some vaginal creams and pills can damage the rubber that condoms and diaphragms are made of.
Won't this get better on its own? Will it recur?
No. A yeast infection will never go away on its own. It must be treated with antifungal medication. If left untreated, the symptoms can worsen.
Usually, symptoms subside within a few days of starting medication, and complete recovery occurs within about a week.
Some women get these infections again and again. We call this condition `Recurrent Candidiasis`. If you get yeast infections more than four times a year , you should tell your doctor about it. He or she can then do some more tests to find the cause and possibly refer you to a long-term treatment.
What can we do to prevent yeast infections?
Fortunately, if we make a few small changes to our lifestyle and habits, we can greatly reduce the risk of developing yeast infections.
| What to do | Description |
|---|---|
| Wear cotton underwear. | Cotton underwear is breathable and absorbs moisture, eliminating the moist environment that yeast needs to thrive. Stay away from tight, synthetic clothing. |
| Change wet clothes quickly. | Change out of wet clothes and put on dry clothes immediately after exercising or sweating. |
| Avoid scented products | Use unscented, gentle products instead of scented soaps, sprays, and scented sanitary pads. Water alone is more than enough to clean the vagina. |
| Do not douche. | Douching is the act of washing the inside of the vagina with liquid. This destroys the natural good bacteria in the vagina, opening the door to infections. So stop this habit completely. |
| Control sugar | If you have diabetes, keeping your blood sugar levels under control and reducing your intake of sugary foods and drinks can also help control yeast infections. |
Take-Home Message
- A vaginal yeast infection is a very common condition caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida.
- This is not a sexually transmitted disease.
- Severe itching, inflammation, and a thick white discharge are the main symptoms.
- When symptoms appear, do not assume and treat, but definitely see a doctor and get a proper diagnosis.
- It is very important to use the medication prescribed for treatment for the full duration of the prescribed course.
- These infections can be prevented by simple things like good personal hygiene practices, staying dry, and wearing cotton underwear.
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