Whatever you call it, this kind of infection is caused by a fungus and is the second most common type of vaginitis. A naturally occurring fungus called Candida albicans usually causes this type of vaginitis. Yeast infections occur when certain internal or external factors change the normal environment of the vagina and trigger an overgrowth of a microscopic fungus, the most common being C. albicans. Besides causing most vaginal yeast infections, C. albicans also causes infections in other moist areas of the body, such as in the mouth (thrush), skin folds and fingernail beds. The fungi can also cause diaper rash.
An estimated three out of four women will have a yeast infection in their lifetime, although many women never bother to seek help. Some simply recover naturally while others treat themselves with home remedies or with anti-fungal vaginal creams available without prescription from the store.
There are two types of yeast infections:
Uncomplicated - a mild infection that responds to therapy.
Recurrent - more severe and often occurring in women who have diabetes or are infected with less treatable forms of yeast, such as Candida glabratia. Recurrent yeast infection normally occurs more than four times a year and needs a long initial treatment of around two weeks and then a follow-up therapy course for up to 6 months or longer.
The main symptom of a yeast infection is itching, but you may also have a white, thick discharge that resembles cottage cheese. If the urinary opening becomes inflamed, urination will increase and discomfort will be present. If the infection is severe, the vulva will swell and fine breaks, called fissures can occur. This causes vaginal discharges to become thicker and whiter.
Common causes of yeast infections include medications such as antibiotics and steroids, hormonal changes such as those associated with pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes and suppression of the immune system during illnesses, the use of oral contraceptives, obesity, and eating excessive amounts of sugars, starch, and yeasts.
Bubble baths, vaginal contraceptives, damp or tightfitting clothing and feminine hygiene products, such as sprays and deodorants, don't cause yeast infections, but they may increase your susceptibility to infection.
A yeast infection is typically not considered a sexually transmitted disease. Common treatments include prescription or nonprescription antifungal creams and suppositories and at-home remedies. Do not ignore symptoms or think they will go away. If left untreated it is possible for yeast infections to spread throughout the body (systemic candidiasis), resulting in many unpleasant and uncomfortable symptoms.
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