Dear Ladies, Here Is Everything You Need To Know About Yeast Infection. A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection that causes irritation, discharge and intense itchiness of the vagina and the vulva — the tissues at the vaginal opening.
Also called vaginal candidiasis, vaginal yeast infection affects up to 3 out of 4 women at some point in their lifetimes. Many women experience at least two episodes. A vaginal yeast infection isn’t considered a sexually transmitted infection. But, there’s an increased risk of vaginal yeast infection at the time of first regular sexual activity. There’s also some evidence that infections may be linked to mouth to genital contact (oral-genital sex).
Medications can effectively treat vaginal yeast infections. If you have recurrent yeast infections — four or more within a year — you may need a longer treatment course and a maintenance plan.
Symptoms
Yeast infection symptoms can range from mild to moderate, and include:
Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva
A burning sensation, especially during intercourse or while urinating
Redness and swelling of the vulva
Vaginal pain and soreness
Vaginal rash
Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance
Watery vaginal discharge
Complicated yeast infection
You might have a complicated yeast infection if:
You have severe signs and symptoms, such as extensive redness, swelling and itching that leads to tears, cracks or sores
You have four or more yeast infections in a year
Your infection is caused by a less typical type of fungus
You’re pregnant
You have uncontrolled diabetes
Your immune system is weakened because of certain medications or conditions such as HIV infection
When to see a doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor if:
This is the first time you’ve had yeast infection symptoms
You’re not sure whether you have a yeast infection
Your symptoms aren’t relieved after treating with over-the-counter antifungal vaginal creams or suppositories
You develop other symptoms
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic
Causes
The fungus candida albicans is responsible for most vaginal yeast infections.
Your vagina naturally contains a balanced mix of yeast, including candida, and bacteria. Certain bacteria (lactobacillus) act to prevent an overgrowth of yeast.
But that balance can be disrupted. An overgrowth of candida or penetration of the fungus into deeper vaginal cell layers causes the signs and symptoms of a yeast infection.
Overgrowth of yeast can result from:
Antibiotic use, which causes an imbalance in natural vaginal flora
Pregnancy
Uncontrolled diabetes
An impaired immune system
Taking oral contraceptives or hormone therapy that increase estrogen levels
Candida albicans is the most common type of fungus to cause yeast infections. Yeast infections caused by other types of candida fungus can be more difficult to treat, and generally need more-aggressive therapies.
Risk factors
Factors that increase your risk of developing a yeast infection include:
Antibiotic use. Yeast infections are common in women who take antibiotics. Broad-spectrum antibiotics, which kill a range of bacteria, also kill healthy bacteria in your vagina, leading to overgrowth of yeast.
Increased estrogen levels. Yeast infections are more common in women with higher estrogen levels — such as pregnant women or women taking high-dose estrogen birth control pills or estrogen hormone therapy.
Uncontrolled diabetes. Women with poorly controlled blood sugar are at greater risk of yeast infections than women with well-controlled blood sugar.
Impaired immune system. Women with lowered immunity — such as from corticosteroid therapy or HIV infection — are more likely to get yeast infections.
Prevention
To reduce your risk of vaginal yeast infections, wear underwear that has a cotton crotch and doesn’t fit too tightly.
It might also help to avoid:
Tight-fitting pantyhose
Douching, which removes some of the normal bacteria in the vagina that protect you from infection
Scented feminine products, including bubble bath, pads and tampons
Hot tubs and very hot baths
Unnecessary antibiotic use, such as for colds or other viral infections
Staying in wet clothes, such as swimsuits and workout attire, for long periods of time
Here is an honest entry from a fellow university student who cared enough to raise awareness;
Yeast infection is something that is rampant amongst growing girls. I found out about this. It’s even possible that you might have had this infection once or twice. Not to worry, we all dey this lane.
About the time I turned 17, a few days after my birthday, I woke up to a burning sensation in my VA.gina that subsequently turned into itching and caused redness and soreness. I was so scared to tell my mum because after the whole rape incident I was not sexually active and she’d think I contracted an STD.
So I’d boil water with salt and sit on a bucket and it’ll relieve for a while until one night, the itching became so intense I cried as if I was bitten, I couldn’t itch anymore I was sore and discharging A lot, I was smelling in a way.
After some time, I managed to sleep off and the next morning I borrowed money until it was enough to get tablets, I kept inserting them with so much difficulty.
IT helped A lot but the burning sensation remained, the redness and itching whenever I was ovulating, it kept reducing slowly but not completely.
It’s one year and some months already and I know better so I’m getting better.
Yeast infection actually occurs when a fungus Candida grows out of control. Candida is kept under control by the lactobacilli and anything that tilts the balance between the lactobacilli and the candida risks a yeast infection.
Forget the whole English. It’s simply an overgrowth of the candida. That’s what I deduced from the whole research I made. Before a person bite tongue.
Yeast infection can be caused by Malnutrition, diabetes, douching the Vagina with soaps and antiseptics, using broad-spectrum antibiotics etc
Symptoms you could be experiencing a yeast infection: redness of the vulva, itching, burning sensation during s.ex and urination, v.aginal rash, thick yellowish odour free discharge.
Yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted infection please do not treat with antibiotics, open up and get the help you need.
You know that we have this habit of not always saying things that go on under our undies. My dear, be shameless about your health and seek medical attention whenever it’s due. The doctor no go kill you. No go d.i e in silence abeg