Vaginal yeast infection

Vaginal yeast infections will effect 3 out of 4 women in their lifetime. Many will have more than one. A lot of women have a problem with chronic yeast infections, meaning that they get four or more a year.A vaginal yeast infection is usually caused by a microorganism called Candida albicans. This microorganism is normally present in your body in small amounts and held in check by a bacteria called Lactobacillus acidophilus. When the balance of these two organisms are upset, that is when you can develop a vaginal yeast infection.

The symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are:

• Itching in the vaginal and vulvar area. If not treated , the itching will become so intense that it can be painful to walk or wear underwear.

• Burning in the vaginal area. The tissue becomes very red and inflamed and burning usually accompanies the itching.

• Pain with urination. When the urine comes into contact with the inflamed area sharp, stinging pain can be the result.

• Pain with intercourse. Everything in the vaginal area is red, swollen and inflamed. Any type of activity or friction will result in pain. It is important to note that having intercourse with a yeast infection will infect your partner also. So when you cure your yeast infection, your partner can pass it right be to you if he is not treated.

• Discharge. The discharge is usually thick, white and odorless. Occasionally it will have a slight yeasty smell like in bread or beer. It can have a texture like cottage cheese.

If you have never had a vaginal yeast infection before it is important that you see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Other conditions can sometimes mimic the symptoms of a yeast infection. Once diagnosed, your doctor will go over the best treatment option for you.

There are things that you can do to help prevent a vaginal yeast infection. One of the biggest factors in developing a yeast infection is the use of antibiotics. The antibiotics will kill off the bacteria that is making you sick but it will also kill off the Lactobacillus that keeps the yeast in check. It is a good idea to eat yogurt or drink acidophilus milk while taking an antibiotic. This will help replace the Lactobacillus in your body. Other things that you can do to prevent a vaginal yeast infection are:

• Dry the vaginal area thoroughly after a bath or shower.

• Wear only cotton panties. Synthetics hold in moisture.

• Change from a wet bathing suit or exercise clothes as soon as possible.

• Do not douche. This only will upset the balance of microorganisms in your vagina.

• Do not wear tight clothing. This traps moisture in and creates an environment for yeast to grow.

• Cut back on sugary foods, caffeine and refined carbohydrates.

A yeast infection is not the end of the world. Unfortunately, it is a fact of life for a lot of women. The good news is, it is common and curable. There are a lot of remedies out there to cure a vaginal yeast infection. Talk with your doctor to find the right choice for you.