Certain antibiotics, diabetes, a week immune system, and normal changes in your hormone levels can lead to yeast infections. Many treatments for yeast infections, like creams, suppositories, vaginal tablets, or oral medicines have to be prescribed by a nurse or doctor.
An overgrowth of candida or penetration of the fungus into deeper vaginal cell layers causes the signs and symptoms of a yeast infection. Overgrowth of yeast can result from: Antibiotic use, which causes an imbalance in natural vaginal flora. Pregnancy.
Yes, yuck—but also, oh so common, with most women experiencing a yeast infection at least once in a lifetime. Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a certain type of fungus, resulting in an imbalance of bacteria in your vagina.
Women tend to be more likely to get vaginal yeast infections if their bodies are under stress from poor diet, lack of sleep, illness, or when they are pregnant or taking antibiotics. Women with immune-suppressing diseases such as diabetes and HIV infection also are at increased risk.
Girls can have vaginal infections for all sorts of reasons that have nothing to do with sexual contact — such as stress, for example. Even if you're not having intercourse, fingering and oral sex can lead to infection. Ask your boyfriend to wash his hands before touching your genitals.
In particular, foods high in sugar, refined grains, dairy products, processed meats, and alcohol may promote the growth of Candida ( 28 ). While more research is needed, one study found that people who avoided these foods during treatment for Candida had better outcomes after 3 months ( 28 ).
“Lactobacillus rhamnosus, the most researched probiotic, has been found to be beneficial in the prevention of yeast infection,” explains Dr. Goje.
Yeast infections are a common condition and treatment is available; however, the condition may recur. Women that suffer from recurrent yeast infections - four or more in one year - require special treatment. A yeast infection is one of the most common types of vaginitis, or inflammation of the vagina.
Signs and Symptoms of Yeast Infections
Burning sensation, especially while urinating or during sexual intercourse. Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva. Redness and swelling of the vulva. Thick, white or grayish vaginal discharge that resembles cottage cheese.
A lack of regular hygiene practices, such as daily showers and brushing your teeth, or a constantly damp environment can also lead to chronic yeast infections. You're also at risk of recurring yeast infections if you have a weakened immune system. The following can weaken your immune system: age.
Supplementation with probiotics to boost the body's overall population of lactobacilli can help restore the balance of microflora in the vagina and thus help prevent common female problems such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection, and urinary tract infection.
Studies have shown that when taken, probiotics will improve symptoms for those who already have a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis. Probiotics are also able to prevent a potential infection. These bacteria work to balance out the pH level of the vagina, which makes for a healthy and hospitable environment.
Factors that increase the risk of developing vaginitis include: Hormonal changes, such as those associated with pregnancy, birth control pills or menopause. Sexual activity. Having a sexually transmitted infection.
The bottom line is this: Yeast infections aren't caused by being dirty. They're caused by a host of factors, many entirely natural and many outside the control of the person experiencing one.
High levels of estrogen cause Candida fungi to overgrow. Because of this, it's common to get a yeast infection around the time of your period. Some people get yeast infections around the same time of their cycle every month, a condition called cyclic vulvovaginitis.
Fortunately, most yeast infections are not serious. Left untreated, yeast infections will usually go away on their own, but the severe itching can be hard to tolerate for some.
As a rule, showers are better than baths when you're in the process of treating a yeast infection. If you do take a sitz bath with Epsom salt, apple cider vinegar, boric acid, or any other home remedy while you're treating your yeast infection, don't soak for more than 10 minutes at a time.
In particular, foods high in sugar, refined grains, dairy products, processed meats, and alcohol may promote the growth of Candida ( 28 ).
The candida diet requires people to avoid foods and drinks that could increase the risk of Candida overgrowth. These include gluten, sugar, alcohol products, and certain types of dairy. The diet focuses instead on eating lean proteins, healthful fats, nonstarchy vegetables, and probiotics.
Vaginal yeast infections are a common problem in women. Itching is the most common symptom of a vaginal yeast infection. Women may also note pain with urination, soreness or irritation, pain with intercourse, or reddened and swollen vulvar and vaginal tissues.
redness, swelling, or itching of the vulva (the folds of skin outside the vagina) a thick, white discharge that can look like cottage cheese and is usually odorless, although it might smell like bread or yeast. pain or burning when urinating (peeing) or during sex.