It is estimated that 75% of all women will experience vaginitis at some time in their life. Although this condition can occur from several types of microbes, Candida yeast is the most common cause. Yeast is normally present in moist areas of the body such as the vagina and the mouth. Under normal conditions, it remains harmless, however, if the protective bacteria within the vagina are decreased, Candida cells begin to multiply, invading vaginal tissue, causing the lining to become irritated.
Causes
A common cause of Candida infection is antibiotic use. Antibiotics that are prescribed for urinary tract or other infections can decrease the amount of healthy protective bacteria in the vagina resulting in the overgrowth of yeast. Other causes include diabetes mellitus, oral contraceptives, pregnancy, cortisone medication or using douches or feminine hygiene sprays. Although this type of vaginitis is not classified as a sexually transmitted disease, men can develop skin irritations on the genital area due to sexual intercourse with a partner who is infected.
Signs and Symptoms
The most common symptom of Candida vaginal infection is itching. Although this is a typical symptom, it can also be a common symptom in other conditions as well. Additional symptoms of Candida infections include a discharge that is whitish, thick and odorless, painful urination, pain during intercourse and burning and soreness.
Diagnosing Candida Infections
A physical examination by a physician will usually reveal a white thick discharge covering the vaginal walls. To confirm the diagnoses the physician will perform a scraping of the vagina for specimen collection, which will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. This test provides the most accurate and cost efficient way to diagnose this type of infection.
Treating Yeast Infections
For mild symptoms, over-the-counter medications usually provide effective treatment. When these types of medications are ineffective and because symptoms can mimic other disorders, seeking professional treatment from a women's health specialist in Southaven can provide an accurate diagnoses as well as an effective treatment. Sometimes combination treatments are required if the cause of vaginitis is due to two or more microbes. Most women's health specialists will prescribe vaginal suppositories or tablets for treating this type of vaginitis. Oral medications often cause side effects such as nausea, abdominal pain and headache whereas these other forms of treatment are less likely to cause side effects.
Prevention
There are preventative measures women can take to reduce the risk of yeast infections. These include wearing cotton underwear to help prevent moisture, use an unscented, mild soap for cleansing daily, always wipe from the front to the back, avoid douches and feminine sprays and avoid taking antibiotics, unless absolutely necessary.
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