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.
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.
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.
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.
If I Get a Yeast Infection, When Will It Go Away? Mild yeast infections may clear up in as few as three days. Sometimes, they don't even require treatment. However, moderate to severe infections may take one to two weeks to clear.
With yeast infections, discharge is usually thick, white, and odorless. You may also have a white coating in and around your vagina. With bacterial vaginosis, you may have vaginal discharge that's grayish, foamy, and smells fishy. (But it's also common for BV to have no symptoms.)
Yeast infections often cause thick, white, clumpy vaginal discharge that usually doesn't smell (or only smells slightly different than normal). You might also have a creamy, whitish coating in and around your vagina. Most yeast infections lead to itching, burning, and/or redness in or around the vagina.
When a woman has too much Candida in her vagina, then we say she has a yeast infection. A yeast infection is not considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD) because you don't have to have sex to get it.
Causes and Risk Factors of Yeast Infection
Pregnancy. Certain types of medication, including hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills, patches, or vaginal rings), antibiotics, and steroids. Immune-suppressing diseases, including HIV. Diabetes.
—Dirty but delicate
Hands should, for all intents and purposes, be considered sex toys. When not used in a hygienic matter, they cause all manner of unpleasantness up in yer biznasty, including urinary tract infections, yeast infections, STIs, staph infections and so on.
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.
There may be an odor, such as a strong fish-like odor, especially after sex. Yeast infections produce a thick, white discharge from the vagina that can look like cottage cheese. The discharge can be watery and often has no smell. Yeast infections usually cause the vagina and vulva to become itchy and red.
“Saliva is not a lubricant! The result can upset your vaginal microbiome and leave you susceptible to developing yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.
Causes of vaginal itching without discharge
Infections — Your vagina or vulva may feel itchy due to a candida infection or genital warts from a viral infection. Bacterial vaginosis can sometimes result in vulvar itching (although it's rare), likely due to contact dermatitis.
Yeast infections can be uncomfortable, but they're usually not serious. You may have itching or irritation in or around your vagina, as well as a thick, white discharge. In many cases, an antifungal treatment will clear up your symptoms.
Complications of untreated yeast infections
If left untreated, vaginal candidiasis will most likely get worse, causing itching, redness, and inflammation in the area surrounding your vagina. This may lead to a skin infection if the inflamed area becomes cracked, or if continual scratching creates open or raw areas.
Canesten® Thrush Oral Capsule is a convenient and effective treatment for yeast infections. The oral capsule contains an effective antifungal agent that treats the cause of thrush in both women and men. The treatment is easy to use at home or on the go and irritating symptoms should begin to disappear within 2 days.
What is the fastest way to get rid of a yeast infection? The fastest — and most reliable — way to get rid of a yeast infection is to visit a doctor if you suspect you have one. They will likely prescribe fluconazole, an oral treatment that may take 1 week to get rid of the infection.
What causes vaginal itching? Infections might be the cause. You may have bacterial vaginosis, a yeast infection, or an STI. Menopause-related hormonal changes, diabetes, or skin conditions are other possible causes.
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.
Other than itching and being dried out, it can lead to or exaggerate yeast infections. The vagina is a delicate ecosystem and if something as serious as dehydration throws it off, the PH balance can be thrown off and a domino effect of complications can be set into motion.
Use plain, unperfumed soaps to wash the area around the vagina gently every day. Spread your lips apart and gently clean around the folds with a clean washcloth or your hands. Remember to avoid getting water or soap inside your vagina. Let the area dry naturally or pat it dry with a towel.