What is vaginal yeast infection? How is it treated?
Many women treat itching, burning and tenderness by attaching themselves to a fungal infection. However, these complaints may also be due to a more serious underlying problem.
What is vaginal yeast infection?
It is an infection that causes complaints such as itching, burning, stinging and tenderness in the inner and outer part of the vagina (vulva). The causative agent is a type of fungus called genellikle candida genellikle. In some women, it may recur frequently and become a chronic infection. Fungal infection is frequently observed in menstruating women, but rarely after menopause (if not receiving hormone therapy) or before menstruation.
What are the symptoms of vaginal yeast infection?
The most common symptoms of vaginal yeast infection are:
Itching (the most common complaint)
Redness, burning and stinging sensation inside and outside of the vagina
Burning and pain when urinating
Pain during sexual intercourse
Vaginal discharge (usually white, cheesy or watery discharge)
How do I know if I have a yeast infection?
Symptoms observed in fungal infection may also be due to infections such as bacterial vaginosis and trichomonas, or skin conditions such as allergic dermatitis. Therefore, it would be wrong to think that the condition with each itch is due to fungal infection. You should therefore consult your doctor for a definitive diagnosis. The best way to determine fungal infection is to take a sample from the vaginal discharge, to examine it under a microscope or to cultivate it. Your doctor may perform additional tests to determine if there is any other infection associated with the fungal infection.
How did the mushroom get into my body?
Vaginal fungal infection is often caused by a fungal species called ida candida ”. Candida fungus is naturally present in the intestine and vagina and does not normally cause any complaints. However, if the balance of the flora (microbial environment) in the intestine and vagina is impaired due to diseases such as drugs (especially antibiotics), diabetes, or stress-induced immune system problems, the fungal microbe will multiply and cause complaints.
What are the risk factors for vaginal yeast infection?
It is not possible to identify the cause of fungal infection in many women. However, several risk factors for vaginal yeast infection have been identified:
Antibiotics - antibiotics kill bacteria and are ineffective against fungal species. Antibiotics kill the probiotic bacteria that are normally present in the vagina and protect the vagina against invasive species such as fungi, causing deterioration of the flora of the vagina.
Birth control pills - birth control pills and similar hormonal protection methods increase the risk of fungal infection. The main factor causing this increase is estrogen hormone.
Other birth control methods - birth control methods such as spiral, diaphragm, vaginal sponge, also increase the risk of yeast infection. Although the use of condoms does not normally increase the risk of yeast infection, it may cause allergic reactions in some women, causing fungal-like symptoms such as burning, stinging and itching.
Weakening of the immune system - more frequent fungal infection occurs when the immune system is weakened due to stress or illness.
Pregnancy - the risk of vaginal discharge and fungal infection increases as the immune system is suppressed during pregnancy.
Diabetes - vaginal yeast infection is more common, especially in patients with insufficient sugar control.
Sexual intercourse Although vaginal yeast infection is not transmitted sexually, it is more common in sexually active women.
How is fungal infection treated?
In the treatment of fungal infection, pills, suppositories placed in the vagina or creams that are especially applied to pruritus and sensitive areas are used. Although the duration of treatment varies depending on the characteristics of the infection, it is usually short-lived, but you should pay particular attention to your doctor's advice. Since many patients do not continue treatment for the recommended time after their symptoms have resolved, the likelihood of recurrence of the infection increases.
In the presence of frequent recurrent fungal infections, treatment may need to be continued longer than usual and sometimes may extend up to 6 months.
One of the common questions is whether you need treatment for your sexual partner. Fungal infection is not sexually transmitted, so you and your partner do not need treatment.
How soon will I recover after treatment is started?
Within a few days…
If your complaints do not regress in a short time, you should see your doctor. Additional or different medication (s) may be given where the complaints persist.
What should I do if I have a frequent fungal infection?
Fungal infection is considered to be common if it repeats 4 or more times a year and this is observed in 5-8% of women. If you have frequent recurrent vaginal itching and tenderness, do not try to treat it on your own and always talk to your doctor. Because you may have a different disease (allergy, lichen sclerosis, eczema, VIN, etc.) that causes symptoms similar to a fungal infection. In addition, your complaints may be due to a different type of fungus, in which case you will need different medicines.
Many women prefer probiotic-containing foods (eg yogurt, kefir, etc.) and medications more frequently to prevent fungal infection in order to maintain vaginal flora balance. However, the effect of probiotics in the treatment of yeast infection is uncertain.
How can I be protected against vaginal yeast infection?
Fungal infection often develops due to some of the triggering causes mentioned above. This may be caused by inappropriate use of antibiotics, excessive diet or weight loss that lowers the resistance of your body, the use of birth control pills and other hormone-containing medications. In addition, excessive cleaning (especially washing the inside of the vagina with various cleansers) habits that disrupt the balance of the vaginal flora may also be the predisposing factor for yeast infection. However, contrary to what is often said, wearing synthetic underwear or tight clothing has no effect.
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