Itchy, Uncomfortable, and Confused? Here’s What You Need to Know About Vaginal Yeast Infections
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents Kinsley had become increasingly uncomfortable – itching, irritation, and the unpleasant discharge had made her quite anxious and embarrassed. She could barely speak about her condition with anyone. One evening, while searching the web for relief from growing discomfort, Kinsley found Cellmaflex, a digital health platform. Cellmaflex enabled her to get a nearby trusted gynaecologist, check patient reviews and make an appointment all while avoiding anxiety of having to make a call. The gynaecologist diagnosed Kinsley with a vaginal yeast infection. Now with clear-cut treatment plan and practical preventive tips, Kinsley felt capable of taking charge of her health. If you have ever faced an uncomfortable, unfamiliar sensation and felt unsure about the cause, you are not alone. This blog is here to guide you through everything you need to know about vaginal yeast infection – what it is, how to recognize the signs, effective treatments, and simple prevention strategies. By the end, you will feel empowered to address these concerns confidently and take charge of your health. What is Vaginal Yeast Infection A vaginal yeast infection, also known as vulvovaginal candidiasis or vaginal candidiasis, is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of a specific type of yeast called Candida. Candida is a natural part of your body, typically residing in areas like the mouth, digestive tract, and vagina, but it usually coexists peacefully with “good” bacteria that regulate its growth. However, when this balance is disrupted, Candida can multiply rapidly, leading to an infection. Vaginal yeast infections are characterized by burning, itching, redness around the vulva (the external part of the vagina), and noticeable changes in vaginal discharge. Though often mistaken for STIs, yeast infections are not STIs. They are, however, a common form of vaginitis, which is a condition marked by inflammation, pain, and possible infection in the vagina. There are several types of vaginitis, but yeast infections are among the most common. The maintenance of a healthy balance of bacteria in the body is important to keep Candida under control. Any form of disruption in balance caused by multiple factors. Management and prevention of vaginal yeast infections require an understanding of such triggers. According to National Center for Biotechnology Information’s February 2024 report, about 70% of women report having or had vaginal yeast infection in their lifetime, and an estimated 8% of women suffer recurrent infection. What Increases The Risk Of Getting a Yeast Infection Several factors elevate your predisposition to a yeast infection in your vagina. These include: You are undergoing antibiotic treatment with birth control pills or steroids Pregnancy or the post-partum A weakened immunologic defence, such as those health conditions that compromise this defence in your body. This compromises your ability to fight-off infections. Hyperglycemia or in other terms, high blood sugar. Elevated blood sugars can often foster the risk of getting affected by this infection. Lifestyle habits can also contribute to your risk, such as: Prolonged Dampness: Sitting in a wet bathing suit for too long. Sweaty Clothing: Not getting out of soggy or sweaty clothes promptly. Irritants: The use of perfumed tampons or vaginal deodorants. These may interrupt the normal flora of bacteria in the vagina. Knowing about these risk factors may assist in preventing infections. Symptoms of a Vaginal Yeast Infection A vaginal yeast infection usually presents with specific symptoms, which can include: Itching or burning: A constant feeling in the vagina and vulva.Thick, white discharge: It has a consistency of cottage cheese.Redness and swelling: The vagina and vulva are inflamed.Skin irritation: There are minute cuts or cracks in the vulvar skin because of fragility.Painful urination: Burning while urinating.Discomfort during sex: Some may experience this. These symptoms can have similarities with other sexually transmitted infections, such as STIs, and other conditions of the vagina. To establish a proper diagnosis or receive the right treatment when experiencing any of these signs, a healthcare provider is required. Why Do People Get Vaginal Yeast Infections When the balance of bacteria in your vagina is disrupted, it facilitates excessive growth of Candida yeast. The most common ways to develop this imbalance: Antibiotics: They not only target bad bacteria but also reduce the good bacteria in your vagina, creating an inbalance that would allow yeast to grow.Hormonal changes: Changes from pregnancy, oral contraceptives, or even menstrual cycles can create an imbalance in Candida.Poorly controlled diabetes: Increased sugar levels in the blood will cause changes in bacteria in the body, including urinary tract.Weakened immune system: Conditions such as HIV/AIDS or treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can weaken the immune function, which makes it difficult for the body to regulate yeast growth. Understanding these causes can help in managing and preventing future infections. How Do Yeast Infections Compare with Other Vaginal Infections Not all vaginal infections are yeast infections. Common distinctions include: Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): Typically presents with a thin, greyish discharge that has a strong “fishy” smell.Trichomoniasis: A sexually transmitted infection that may present with frothy yellow-green discharge and a foul odour. Accurate diagnosis by a healthcare provider will ensure proper treatment and avoid unnecessary complications. How is a Yeast Infection Diagnosed Your healthcare provider diagnoses a vaginal yeast infection. You’ll need to go in for an appointment and discuss your symptoms. Your provider may need to take a sample of discharge from your vagina to confirm a yeast infection. The combination of your symptoms and the discharge sample will tell your healthcare provider what type of infection you have and how to treat it. Treatments for Vaginal Yeast Infections: Over-the-Counter vs. Prescription Options Over the Counter (OTC) treatments: Antifungal creams or suppositories. Good for mild to moderate infections and are available almost everywhere. Prescription treatments: Oral antifungal drugs. Recommended for severe or recurrent infections. Your doctor may suggest an extended treatment course or multi-drug therapy in case you frequently experience infections. How do I decrease my chance of getting a yeast infection? You can often prevent vaginal yeast infections by making a few lifestyle changes. These changes can include: Not
