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Yeast
Infection
(fungal infection - treatable with medication)
What is a yeast
infection?
Candidiasis, also
known as a "yeast infection" or VVC (Vulvovaginal
Candidiasis),
is a common fungal infection that occurs when there is
overgrowth of the fungus called Candida. Candida
is always present in the body in small amounts. However, when
an imbalance occurs, such as when the normal acidity of the
vagina changes or when hormonal balance changes, Candida
can multiply. When that happens, symptoms of candidiasis
appear.
What are the symptoms of a yeast
Infection?
Women with a yeast
infection usually experience genital itching or burning, with
or without a "cottage cheese-like" vaginal discharge. Males
with genital candidiasis may experience an itchy rash on the
penis.
How common are
yeast infections and who can get it?
Nearly 75% of all
adult women have had at least one genital "yeast infection" in
their lifetime. On rare occasions, men may also experience
genital candidiasis. Yeast infections occur more frequently
and more severely in people with weakened immune systems.
There are some other conditions that may put a woman at risk
for yeast infections:
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes mellitus
- Use of broad-spectrum
antibiotics
- Use of corticosteroid
medications
How are yeast
infections transmitted?
Most cases of
Candida infection are caused by the person’s own
Candida organisms. Candida yeasts usually live in
the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina without causing
symptoms . Symptoms develop only when Candida becomes
overgrown in these sites. Rarely, Candida can be passed
from person to person, such as through sexual intercourse.
How are yeast
infections diagnosed?
The symptoms of
yeast infections are similar to those of many other genital
infections. Making a diagnosis usually requires laboratory
testing of a genital swab taken from the affected area by a
physician.
How are yeast
infections treated?
Antifungal drugs
which are taken orally, applied directly to the affected area,
or used vaginally are the drugs of choice for vaginal yeast
infections. Although these drugs usually work to cure the
infection (80%-90% success rate), infections that do not
respond to treatment are becoming more common, especially in
HIV-infected women receiving long-term antifungal therapy.
Prolonged and frequent use of these treatments can lessen
their effectiveness.
Are
over-the-counter (OTC) treatments for yeast safe to use?
Over-the-counter
treatments for yeast are becoming more available. As a result
more women are diagnosing themselves with yeast infections and
using one of a family of drugs called "azoles" for therapy.
However, misdiagnosis is common, and studies have shown that
as many as two-thirds of all OTC drugs sold to treat yeast
were used by women without the disease. Using these drugs when
they are not needed may lead to a resistant infection.
Resistant infections are very difficult to treat with the
currently available medications for yeast.
Can yeast
infections become resistant to treatment?
Overuse of these
antifungal medications can increase the chance that they will
eventually not work (the fungus develops resistance to
medications). Therefore, it is important to be sure of the
diagnosis before treating with over-the-counter or other
antifungal medications.
What will happen
if a person does not seek treatment for yeast?
Symptoms, which
may be very uncomfortable, may persist. There is a chance that
the infection may be passed between sex partners.
How can someone
tell the difference between yeast infections and a urinary
tract infection?
Because yeast
infections and urinary tract infections share similar
symptoms, such as a burning sensation when urinating, it is
important to see a doctor and obtain laboratory testing to
determine the cause of the symptoms and to treat effectively.
Can Yeast
Infections be prevented?
Some ways to help prevent
vaginal yeast infections are:
- Avoid wearing wet clothing
for long periods of time.
- Wear cotton underwear. Nylon
and other synthetic fabrics retain moisture and heat.
- Avoid tight fitting
clothing. Tight clothing increases moisture and may create a
favorable environment for yeast growth.
- Avoid diets rich in sugar.
Sugar can alter the pH balance of the vagina.
If you think you have a vaginal
yeast infection and you have never had one before, visit your
physician to rule out other illnesses, familiarize yourself
with the symptoms (so you will know next time) and seek proper
treatment.
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