Vaginal yeast infection? Let's talk about this discomfort!

Do you also feel very uncomfortable with unbearable itching and burning in the vagina? Along with that, you may also have a white, milky discharge. This is a problem that many women experience and are a little embarrassed to talk about. But there is no reason to be afraid or ashamed of this. This condition is what we call a vaginal yeast infection. Today, we will talk about this clearly and simply.

What is this yeast infection?

Simply put, a yeast infection is an uncontrolled growth of a type of fungus called Candida, which normally lives in our bodies. Now you may be wondering, "Do I have a fungus on my body?" Yes, Candida is a fungus that lives healthy and harmlessly in places like our skin, mouth, digestive tract, and vagina. The "good bacteria" in our bodies keep this fungus in check.

But, for some reason, when the population of these 'good bacteria' decreases and the balance in the body is lost, the 'Candida' fungus is very happy. They start to multiply rapidly. That's when they multiply and we get these annoying yeast infections.

This condition is actually very common. According to surveys, three out of four women will get a yeast infection at least once in their lives. And many will get it twice or more. It is especially common after puberty and before menopause.

Do you also have these symptoms?

The symptoms of a yeast infection can vary slightly from person to person, but there are some common symptoms. Let's take a look at what they are.

Important: These symptoms can sometimes be similar to those of other vaginal conditions. Therefore, if you have these symptoms, it is wise to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis rather than trying to treat yourself based on guesswork .

Why is this happening? What are the reasons?

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 main reasons why this balance can be disrupted.

Other habits that increase risk

In addition to these main causes, some of our daily habits can also increase the risk of yeast infections.

• Wearing wet clothes: Wearing wet clothes for a long time, such as bathing suits or sweaty clothes from exercise, creates a warm, moist environment for yeast to grow.
• Tight, non-ventilated clothing: Wearing underwear and pants made of tight-fitting synthetic fabrics that have little ventilation.
• Scented products: Using scented soaps, douches, scented tampons, or sanitary pads can change the natural pH of the vagina and lead to infections.

Is this a contagious disease?

Yeast infections are not usually considered contagious. However, very rarely, they can be transmitted from one woman to another during sexual intercourse. And it is even rarer to pass it on to a male partner. So there is no need to worry too much about contracting this.

How exactly does the doctor find this?

When you go to see a doctor, he will first ask you about your symptoms. From the description you give, you can most likely suspect that it is a yeast infection.

However, to be 100% certain of the diagnosis, your doctor may take a small sample of vaginal discharge (via a swab) and examine it under a microscope. This test can also identify the type of yeast causing the infection. This will help determine the best treatment for you.

How is it treated?

The good news is that yeast infections are easily treatable. They are treated with antifungal medications. There are several types of these medications.

1. Oral Medication: The doctor may usually prescribe a single dose of a medication such as ``fluconazole.''

2. Topical Medication: These come in the form of a suppository. They are inserted into the vagina at night for a few days (usually 3 to 7 days). Miconazole and terconazole are two such medications.

3. Creams that are applied topically: There are also creams that are applied externally to reduce itching and inflammation of the skin around the vagina.

Depending on the nature of your symptoms and the severity of the infection, your doctor will determine the most appropriate treatment for you.

It is best to avoid sexual intercourse during treatment. This can help prevent further vaginal infection and pain. Also, keep in mind that some antifungal creams can weaken the effectiveness of condoms and diaphragms.

How long will it take for this to heal? Will it get better on its own?

Typically, you will start to notice a significant improvement in your symptoms within a few days of starting treatment. It can take about a week to fully recover. In more serious infections, it may take longer and the treatment may be longer.

No, a yeast infection never goes away on its own. It cannot be controlled without antifungal medication. So leaving it untreated will only make the discomfort worse and the infection worse.

If it keeps recurring, do I need to see a doctor?

Yes, absolutely. If you get yeast infections four or more times a year, we call it ``recurrent candidiasis''. If that happens, you should check for an underlying cause (such as uncontrolled diabetes). Your doctor will order tests and prescribe appropriate treatment.

What can be done to prevent it from recurring?

We can make some simple changes to our lifestyle to prevent frequent yeast infections.

• Don't douche: Avoid using any type of liquid to wash the inside of your vagina. This can kill the 'good' bacteria in your vagina and allow yeast to grow.
• Avoid scented products: Stop using scented soaps, vaginal sprays, scented sanitary pads, and tampons.
• Change out of wet clothes quickly: Change out of wet clothes as soon as possible after getting out of a swimming pool or the ocean, or after exercising.
• Wear cotton underwear: Wear cotton underwear that is breathable and absorbs sweat. Avoid tight-fitting clothes made of synthetic fabrics.
• Control diabetes: If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar levels within the appropriate range.

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