A vaginal yeast infection is considered a fungal infection that results in itchiness, discharge, and irritation of your vulva as well as the vagina. It is also known as vaginal candidiasis and affects every 3 out of 4 females some time in their life. A lot of women get around two rounds of the condition.
It is not a sexually transmitted disease. However, the infection comes at increased risk when a woman becomes sexually active for the first time.
The Signs and Symptoms of vaginal yeast infection
- Irritation and itching in the vulva and vaginal region
- A sensation of burning during urination or sex
- Swelling and redness of the vulva
- Pain and soreness in the vagina
- Rash
- Odor-free discharge of white and thick nature having cottage cheese appearance
The Causes of vaginal yeast infection
Candida albicans is a fungus that is responsible for a lot of vaginal infections of the yeast. The vagina has some bacteria and yeast in a natural state. Lactobacillus help in preventing yeast overgrowth in the area. However, when that balance gets disturbed, the penetration of the candida into the deeper cell layers of the vagina results in the symptoms of the vaginal yeast infection.
Yeast overgrowth may result from the following things:
- Pregnancy
- Use of antibiotics result in a disturbance of natural flora in the vagina
- Uncontrolled blood sugar levels
- Compromised immune system
- Use of oral contraceptive pills or hormonal therapy
The Treatment Options for vaginal yeast infection
Most doctors prescribe the patient a vaginal therapy consisting of a course of antifungal treatment. These are taken for around a week and help in clearing out the fungal infection. Tablets, ointments, and creams including terconazole and miconazole are given, for example, to treat the condition. While most of these medications are available as OTC drugs, some come with only a prescription.
You might also be prescribed a heavy, single-time, single-dose fluconazole medication. If you have more relatively severe symptoms, you might have to take two single fluconazole doses with a gap of three days. However, this isn’t recommended, given you are pregnant.
If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, telemedicine makes it possible for you to get the care you deserve. Schedule a virtual consultation with a Telakai Health online Provider and get on the road to recovery. Schedule your visit today.
