Treating Vaginal Yeast Infections
Vaginal yeast infections can be eliminated completely by avoiding the factors that cause it. Find out how you can control and avoid vaginal yeast infections here.
Yeast infections are very common among both men and women. Also known as Candidiasis, yeast infections are caused by the yeast Candida albicans. Candida albicans is a kind of yeast that is naturally found in the human body, mainly in the mucosal membranes like in the mouth, intestines, vagina etc. Yeast infection also occurs mainly in moist and warm places of the body like the mouth and vagina. When this yeast infection attacks the vagina it is called a vaginal yeast infection.
Vaginal yeast infections are caused by an over growth of Candida albicans in the body. This overgrowth changes the beneficial Candida albicans (in yeast form) into a harmful fungus which attacks the body causing the vaginal yeast infections. But what brings about the overgrowth of Candida albicans and thus vaginal yeast infection?
The causes for vaginal yeast infection are similar to other yeast infections. The main cause is the use of antibiotics. These antibiotics kill the harmful and beneficial bacteria in the body. This absence of bacteria allows the vaginal yeast infection causing yeast to multiply indiscriminately and attack the body. Another common cause of vaginal yeast infection is the use of antibacterial soaps and douses that women use. These destroy the beneficial bacteria that keep the yeast levels under control, thus allowing it to grow with abandon.
Women on birth control pills also notice that they tend to develop vaginal yeast infections often. This is because the synthetic estrogen in the pills feed the yeast and helps it grow in number causing vaginal yeast infections. A similar hormonal change occurs before and after menstruation at which time many women observe the presence of vaginal yeast infections. Many girls and women notice vaginal yeast infections when they wear tight clothes and synthetic underwear. This doesn’t let the skin breathe and there is a lot of moisture and heat trapped which is a perfect breeding ground for the yeast and vaginal yeast infections.
Sometimes vaginal yeast infections can spread through sex. In case the partner has a yeast infection on his penis, it can be transmitted to the woman during intercourse.
Symptoms of vaginal yeast infections are quite typical. There is an itching and irritation in the vagina which can lead to soreness and redness. In a vaginal yeast infection, the vulva also itches and feels sore. A characteristic symptom of vaginal yeast infections is a cheesy white discharge which is odourless and sticky.
Vaginal yeast infections also cause a burning sensation during urination. The woman also experiences pain, discomfort and irritation during sexual intercourse if they have a vaginal yeast infection.
Identifying vaginal yeast infections is not very difficult. However sometimes it’s easy to mistake the signs of a sexually transmitted disease for vaginal yeast infections and mistreat it. Thus in order to treat a vaginal yeast infection correctly, it is important that you visit a gynaecologist and get professional advice.
Treating vaginal yeast infections involves avoiding the factors that cause it. Thus to help control and avoid vaginal yeast infections, it is best not to wear tight and synthetic clothes, to avoid using antibacterial soaps, shampoos and douses, not to use perfumed tampons and sanitary napkins, to not use feminine deodorants etc. In fighting a vaginal yeast infection it is best to keep the genital area dry and clean.