What is vaginal yeast infection? Symptoms, causes and treatment
Vaginal fungal infection is a very common type of infection in women. It occurs with symptoms such as localized burning in the vagina, itching, an unusually intense white discharge, frequent urination and pain during sexual intercourse. The most common germs causing this problem is a yeast cell called Candida albicans. Vaginal fungal infections are generally defined as vaginal candidiasis, since more than 90% of cases are identified to be caused by this fungus. A healthy vagina contains some bacteria and yeast cells. However, when the balance of bacteria and fungi changes, yeast cells can multiply and cause infection. Stress, pregnancy, diseases affecting the immune system, the use of antibiotics, some birth control pills, the use of improper hygienic products and underwear can cause Candida yeast cells to increase.
Vaginal fungi are not in the category of sexually transmitted diseases. Women who are not sexually active may also experience this problem. Although this disease is known as a female disease, it can be seen in men and can be treated with medication as in women. A man suffering from this disease can infect his sexual partner with this fungus.
Vaginal fungal infection is easy to treat and can be treated effectively with medications. The treatment results in relief within a few days, but in some severe cases it may be a little longer. If you have recurrent fungal infections - four or more in one year - you may need a longer treatment cycle and a care plan. If you think you have a vaginal infection, you should consult a specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Because the symptoms of vaginal yeast infection are similar to other vaginal infections and sexually transmitted infections. If you have a more serious infection, not a fungal infection, this can lead to significant health problems.
Symptoms of Vaginal Fungal Infection
Vaginal itching
Swelling around the vagina
Pain or burning during urination or during sexual intercourse
Redness
Vaginal rash
Vaginal pain
Whitish gray and intense vaginal discharge
In some women vaginal discharge may look like cheese
These symptoms are more likely to be the week before the menstrual period. Symptoms may exacerbate when yeast infection is not usually treated
Symptoms of complicated vaginal yeast infection
You may have a severe and complicated yeast infection and you should see a qualified doctor as soon as possible:
If your redness, swelling and itching symptoms are very intense and uncomfortable
If cracks or wounds have occurred
If you have four or more fungal infections per year
If the infection is caused by another fungus other than Candida albicans fungus
If you are pregnant
If you have uncontrolled diabetes
If your immune system is weak, HIV infection is weakened by certain medications or conditions you are using
When should I see a doctor for vaginal infection?
When you first see the symptoms of yeast infection
If you are not sure whether you have had a yeast infection
If your symptoms do not disappear after treatment with non-prescription antifungal vaginal cream or suppositories
If you are observing the symptoms of complicated yeast infection mentioned above
or other symptoms
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Do men experience fungal infections and what are the symptoms?
Candida albicans yeast cell, which causes vaginal yeast infection in women, may cause a similar infection in the penis head in men. Men with diabetes, long-term use of antibiotics or uncircumcised men are more prone to this infection. Uncircumcised men should clean the foreskin underneath properly. The warm, moist folds of the foreskin are the perfect environment for the growth of the fungus. Keeping the area clean and dry can help prevent an infection, but if symptoms occur, a specialist should be consulted.
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A man with a yeast infection may not have any symptoms, but sometimes the following symptoms may occur:
Redness or itching on the tip of the penis
Slight discharge
Pain when urinating
What are the causes of vaginal fungal infection?
Candida albicans fungus, which causes vaginal fungus, is a naturally occurring microorganism in the vaginal region. Lactobacilli (milk bacillus) bacteria control the growth of these fungi. But if there is an imbalance in your system, these beneficial bacteria will not work effectively. This causes overgrowth of the fungi of candida albicans. The factors that may cause this imbalance in your system are:
Use of antibiotics to reduce lactobacilli in your vagina
Pregnancy
Uncontrolled diabetes
Spiral use
Weak immune system
Birth control pill or hormone therapy to increase estrogen levels
Chemotherapy
Cortisone treatment
Consume sugary food and poor eating habits
Obesity
Hormonal imbalance near your menstrual cycle
Stress
Lack of sleep
Use perfumed vaginal hygiene sprays or similar products
Underwear or some pads that may prevent the vagina from breathing
Vaginal yeast infection can occur after some sexual activities, especially oral-genital sexual intercourse. However, this disease is not a sexually transmitted infection. Even sexually inactive women may develop yeast infections.
What specialization is involved in vaginal fungal treatment?
Primary care practitioners, including family physicians, internists, and pediatricians, can all treat fungal infections. However, if you get a vaginal yeast infection, you can see a gynecologist. If you have received treatment for a yeast infection in the past and are going to the same doctor, your doctor may repeat the treatment by telephone without seeing you again.
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Useful procedures before going to the doctor
Make a list of the symptoms you are observing and note how long you have experienced these problems
Write down the names and medical information you think is important if you have different treatments and medications, vitamins or supplements you use
Do not use tampons. So your doctor can evaluate your vaginal discharge
Consider your doctor's time limit and select the most important questions you want to ask and make a list
What can you ask your doctor?
How can I prevent fungal infections?
What symptoms should I pay attention to?
Do I need medication?
Should my partner or sexual partner be involved in the diagnosis and treatment?
Are there any non-prescription products that will cure my illness?
What can I do if my symptoms return after treatment?
How is vaginal yeast infection diagnosed?
Diagnosis of fungal infections is simple. Your doctor will ask you some questions in order to diagnose your disease correctly and apply effective treatment. The next step is pelvic examination. Your doctor will examine your external genitalia and observe signs of infection. It then places a speculum in your vagina to keep the vaginal walls open so that you can examine the vagina and cervix. It will also look at the area around the vagina to see if there is any contamination.
Depending on what you see in your physical examination, your doctor may take some samples from your vagina and send them to the laboratory. Laboratory tests are generally preferred in patients who have had regular infections or who have not responded to treatment. Determination of the fungal type in such patients is important for effective treatment.
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How is vaginal yeast infection treated?
In the treatment of vaginal fungus, oral tablets, suppository drugs applied to the vaginal region and antifungal creams applied to the external genital area are used. You may only treat yourself with non-prescription products without your doctor's diagnosis and advice if:
If you have mild symptoms and no pain
If you are not pregnant
If you are sure that your symptoms are caused by a vaginal yeast infection
If you have never been diagnosed with vaginal yeast infection, consult your doctor.
You have not been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
You do not have multiple recurrent infections
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Self-treatment can be risky at times. Because the symptoms of vaginal yeast infection may be similar to the symptoms of other sexually transmitted diseases, in which case a different treatment will be required. Therefore, it is more beneficial to see a doctor in any case. Each fungal infection is different, so your doctor will recommend the best treatment for you.
Simple fungal infections
For simple yeast infections, your doctor will usually prescribe an antifungal cream, ointment, tablet or suppository for 1-3 days. These drugs can be prescription or non-prescription. In general, treatment methods are as follows:
Short-term vaginal therapy: Antifungal drugs include creams, ointments, tablets and suppositories. An antifungal treatment course lasting one, three or seven days usually clears a yeast infection. It has been observed that a number of drugs including butoconazole (Gnazol-1), clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin), miconazole (Monistat 3) and terconazole (Terazol 3) are effective in treatment. Some of these are prescription and others are non-prescription drugs.
Single dose oral medication: Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal medication to be used orally. Or, you may recommend using two single doses at three separate intervals to relieve severe symptoms.
ATTENTION! Oral antifungal drugs should not be used by pregnant women. In addition, oral medications may have side effects such as nausea, headache, or abdominal pain.
Treatment with cream or suppository: Over-the-counter antifungal vaginal suppositories and creams are effective for many women and are a safe choice during pregnancy. Treatment usually lasts between three and seven days.
During the course of treatment, drugs may have side effects such as mild burning or irritation. Since suppositories and creams are oil-based, they can potentially weaken latex condoms and diaphragms. Therefore, your doctor may recommend an alternative contraceptive method.
Patients with simple fungal infections should follow the treatment process with their physician. If your symptoms return within two months, you will need to monitor them.
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Severe vaginal yeast infections
If your symptoms are severe, your doctor will choose a different treatment for you. Possible treatments for severe fungal infections include:
Prolonged vaginal treatment: A treatment course containing azole for seven to 14 days can successfully clear a yeast infection.
14-day cream, ointment, tablet or suppository vaginal treatment
Two or three doses of fluconazole (Diflucan)
Long-term use of fluconazole (Diflucan) six days a week for six weeks
Long-term use of topical antifungal drugs
If your infection recurs 4 times after 2 months or within 1 year: a long treatment can last from 6 months to 1 year
It may be necessary to test your sexual partner for fungal infections
Use a condom during sexual intercourse if you suspect anything
Herbal and alternative therapies for vaginal yeast infection
What natural and alternative therapies are available? If you do not prefer to use prescription medication for vaginal yeast infection, you can try treatment with natural drugs with the consent of your doctor. It is also important for your doctor to confirm that some herbs may interfere with the medications you may take or cause unwanted side effects.
Natural products for the treatment of vaginal yeast infection
Yoghurt: Yoghurt, vagina in a healthy amount of probiotic lactobacilli are abundant. However, studies have not been able to effectively prove any benefit to the treatment of vaginal yeast infection when you eat a cup daily. However, in a recent Italian study, it was observed that when the probiotic tablet was inserted directly into the vagina (once a day for 7 nights, then every 3 nights for 3 weeks and then once a week), it treated 87% of the fungal infection.
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Preparation of yogurt wick: Put yogurt on the fingers of a plastic glove and freeze. Apply every night as a suppository before going to bed
Coconut oil: Coconut oil is a natural antibacterial agent used topically in India for centuries. To apply the oil into the vagina, immerse a sterile tampon in the oil and insert it into the vagina. You can do this 4-5 times every night. Also use natural coconut oil in your meals.
Tea tree oil: Today it is an approved method for the treatment of yeast infection in Italy. 10 drops can be added to a bucket of water to wet the pelvic area. Alternatively, it may be applied by buffer as in coconut oil. When picking up tea tree oil, make sure the oil is not diluted with alcohol
Boric acid vaginal suppositories: Some experts may recommend vaginal boric acid capsules as a treatment option, especially for infections that cannot be treated with prescription or over-the-counter antifungal yeast infection drugs. Boric acid is a white crystalline chemical with antifungal and antiviral properties. It is used in various pharmaceutical products and is also available without a prescription.
Garlic: If none of the above suggestions solve the problem, you may have to intervene more seriously. Before bed, take a peeled clove of raw garlic, damage the entire surface with a fork and apply it to the vagina as a suppository.
Prevention and methods of vaginal fungal infections
Eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and skim milk products
Keep your blood sugar under control
Avoid unnecessary antibiotic use
Eat yogurt or use probiotic supplements
Wear natural fabrics such as cotton, linen or silk
Wash underwear with hot water
Avoid tight clothes such as tight pants, pantyhose and tights.
Do not use feminine deodorant or scented tampons or pads
Avoid sitting in a bathtub filled with hot water or taking frequent hot showers
Keep your vaginal area clean. Use mild, odorless soap and water for cleaning
Then wipe the toilet from front to back to avoid spreading fungi or bacteria from the anus to the vagina or urinary tract.
Wear cotton underwear that helps keep your vaginal area dry and does not retain heat and moisture. Try to sleep without underwear.
Replace your wet swimsuit now
Replace pads or pads frequently
Do not use vaginal deodorant spray or powder. These substances can alter the normal balance of organisms in your vagina
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