Vaginal yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, is a
brought about by the abnormal increase in the number of species of Candida, of
which Candida Albicans is the most common culprit. A type of fungus, Candida
Albicans is normally present on the human skin and in various areas of the body
where it is generally warm and moist.
Under a variety of conditions, a change in the environment
where they live in causes them to increase in quantity beyond normal, causing
the infection. Among the signs and symptoms of vaginal infection include:
itching, burning and painful sensation in the vaginal area; redness and
soreness in the affected region; a noticeable discharge. Encountering these may
help you properly identify the signs and symptoms of vaginal yeast infection.
Itching, burning and painful sensation
For some women, the easiest way to identify if she is
suffering from vaginal yeast infection is that she itches severely in and
around the vaginal area. The itching may not be present at all times. But when
it does, it itches so badly a lot she finds it difficult to perform normal
daily activities, such as to ambulate.
Urination may also go together with a burning sensation, or
be generally painful for her to do so. But this bothersome urination may also
be present with other forms of infections, such as urinary tract infection
(UTI). One good way to tell apart the burning sensation that is caused by a
yeast infection from that which is caused by a urinary tract infection is to
notice when exactly the sensation is experienced. The urine is acidic in
nature. So if the burning sensation is felt when the urine reaches outside,
then it is most likely brought about by a yeast infection. Urinary tract
infection, on the other hand, causes a burning sensation as the urine passes
through the urinary tract on its way out.
Redness and soreness in the affected region
A slight to severe redness localized in the vaginal and
vulvar areas is another sign of yeast infection. Soreness and irritation of the
said areas may also be presenting symptoms, which make sexual intercourse an
extremely painful experience for the woman.
Unusual seepage down there
Most women associate a thick discharge that somewhat
resembles cottage cheese with vaginal yeast infection. Its consistency may
typically range from thick and not clumpy at all, faint yellow to white, and to
thin and clear. The discharge may or may not have a starchy odor to it,
something that resembles the smell of bread or beer. Yeast, by the way, is used
in making bread as a leavening agent, and in the fermentation of beer.
Since not everyone who has vaginal yeast infection gets a
discharge, still the best and easiest way for a woman to tell whether or not
she is experiencing yeast infection symptoms is that she itches in and around
the vaginal area.
Yeast infection in other body parts
As mentioned earlier, Candida is normally present in the
skin and in most areas of the body that are warm and moist. This means that
signs and symptoms of candidiasis may also appear in different areas of the
body in many different ways.
Yeast infection may occur in the mouth, in diaper areas and
skin folds. And in people with weakened immune system, such as those with AIDS,
yeast infection may also affect the gastrointestinal tract, such as the
esophagus and the stomach.
Helpful Tips in the Prevention of Yeast Infection
Vaginal yeast infection is caused by a fungal infection. The
culprit, commonly Candida Albicans, is usually present on normal human skin and
in other areas that are generally warm and moist. But whenever a change in
their environment sets off their multiplication beyond normal quantity, vaginal
yeast infection occurs. Prevention of yeast infection is not at all that
tricky, provided you follow a few helpful tips.
- Always put on underwear that allows the area to breathe.
The best material for underwear to be made of is cotton. Synthetic materials,
such as Nylon or Lycra, may trap moisture in and around the vaginal area. So
use panties made of all cotton, not just around the crotch area.
- As much as possible, avoid wearing tight clothing such as
tight pants or pantyhose. Don’t use pantyhose alone; wear cotton underwear
beneath it. Try to stay away not only from skin tight clothing, but also from
those that are made of synthetic materials. A tight and moist environment
provides for growth of yeast.
- Wipe from front to back every time after using the toilet.
Yeast normally dwells in the intestinal area. Wiping otherwise than the
prescribed front to back will only transfer the yeast from the rectum to the
vaginal area.
- Dry the vaginal area thoroughly with a clean towel after
showering or swimming. Remember that a moist environment only encourages the
growth of yeast which may lead to infection. Try to remove your wet bathing
suit after swimming as soon as possible.
- Try not to use any
perfumed products in the vaginal area. Spare yourself from irritations which
may eventually lead to infections by avoiding the use of scented or colored
toilet paper, tampons, pads or panty liners. The chemicals used especially for
such products can be irritating to the vaginal area.
- Staying away from the douche may do you no harm. Douching
is not good for you because it washes away the naturally existing protective
mucous of the vagina and it upsets the normal pH balance of the vagina. Imagine
if the good bacteria in your vagina, like Lactobacillus, is washed out of it by
douching – it only causes the bad ones to multiply and cause infections.
- Remember not to use petroleum based products as substitute
lubricants for vaginal lubrication when engaging in sexual intercourse. Always
opt for water based lubricants instead. Using lubricants such as petroleum
jelly is an oil by-product; not only is it bad for latex condoms, but it also
provides an environment suitable for the proliferation of yeast.
- Try not to wear any
undergarment, underpants or pajama bottoms to bed. Remember that a moist
environment encourages growth of yeast. Letting your vaginal area exposed to
natural air keeps it dry, thus inhibiting yeast from multiplying. Wear a night
gown instead, or you may also go bare.
- Research has shown that daily consumption of yogurt also
helps in the prevention of yeast infection. Yogurt contains the bacterium
Lactobacillus acidophilus, which aids in counterbalancing the multiplication of
yeast whenever a disruption in the balance of microorganisms in the body
occurs. However, eating yogurt alone will not cure a vaginal yeast infection.
Prevention of yeast infection is simple once you abide by
the list above. The fundamental approach is to create and maintain an
environment which inhibits the growth of yeast in the vaginal area.
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