Is It A Vaginal Yeast Infection Or Something Else
Every year, millions of cases of vaginitis affect women of all ages, but they are especially susceptible during the reproductive years.1 Fluctuating hormonal levels, bacteria, and sexual activities are just a few of the most common reasons women experience vaginal infections and discomfort. Knowing your body well and understanding your symptoms, causes, risk factors and treatment options will help you decide upon a course of action that is right for you.
How Is Vaginal Thrush Treated
During treatment, avoid irritants such as soaps, bath oils, bubble baths, spermicides, vaginal lubricants and vaginal hygiene products.
Avoid taking oral thrush treatments if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, and use one of the other methods instead. Babies can also develop thrush once they are born. Thrush in babies can be easily treated too. Parents are advised to visit their doctor or ask their health visitor for advice.
Treatment is not usually needed for a sexual partner of someone who has thrush, unless they have symptoms. If you have a sexual partner, be aware that vaginal creams can damage latex condoms, diaphragms and cervical caps.
In most cases, treatment will relieve the symptoms. However, some women may have thrush that keeps coming back, and others seem to get it almost continually. In these instances, doctors may prescribe longer courses of treatment.
You should seek medical advice if:
- the treatment you are using for vaginal thrush is not working
- you keep getting thrush despite treatment
- you start to feel unwell, particularly if you think you have a high temperature
- you have a weakened immune system
How Is A Skin Yeast Infection Diagnosed And Treated
Your healthcare provider may know you have a skin yeast infection from your signs and symptoms. He or she may take a sample of your skin to check for fungus. He or she may also look at areas of your skin under ultraviolet light to show which type of yeast infection you have. You may be given an antifungal cream or ointment to treat the infection. You may be given antifungal medicine as a pill if your infection is severe.
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Reasons Vaginal Itch Happens When You Dont Have A Yeast Infection
Overview
When vaginal itch strikes, you may assume that you have a yeast infection. But think twice before you dash to the store for an over-the-counter antifungal remedy.
There are many other potential reasons for vaginal itch. If you treat the condition improperly, you may do more harm than good.
Occasional vaginal itching is common and often resolves on its own. Persistent itching may be a sign of something more serious. Here are five possible reasons for vaginal itching other than a yeast infection:
- vaginal lubricants and spermicides
- fabric softeners
- tampons and sanitary pads
Prolonged friction from activities such as riding a bike, wearing tight clothes or underwear, and horseback riding may also cause contact dermatitis and vaginal itch.
It may be challenging to determine the exact cause of contact dermatitis. However, once the irritating offender is identified and eliminated, most cases go away on their own.
To help the healing process along, try soaking in a lukewarm bath with a few tablespoons of baking soda for up to 15 minutes a few times a day. Severe cases of contact dermatitis may require treatment with a steroid prescription cream.
Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal infection. It may be caused by douching or an overgrowth of bad bacteria. Symptoms may include:
- thin white, grey, or green vaginal discharge
- a foul, fishy vaginal odor
- burning during urination
How Is Vaginal Thrush Diagnosed
Thrush can be confused with other conditions that cause itching and redness with or without discharge. These other conditions include herpes infections and bacterial infections.
Your doctor will examine you and take a swab or do further tests to confirm the diagnosis. If you get thrush a lot, they may also want to rule out other medical conditions like diabetes or HIV.
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Hour Natural Yeast Infection Cure
Yeast infections are arduous when they occur yet, many women suffer from recurrent yeast infections. Many studies define recurrent yeast infections as approximately 4 or more episodes in a years time. Women who suffer from this recurrent condition often try a variety of products and remedies yet, much of the time they do not find total relief.
One woman who suffered from recurrent yeast infections was Linda Allen. In Linda Allens situation, she had developed a systemic Candida problem. Not only was Candida causing recurrent infections, but was also destroying her health. Lindas doctor did not know the exact cause of her unusual symptoms.
The doctor merely prescribed stronger antibiotics to combat her unusual health problems. These antibiotics helped her symptoms initially, but never worked long term. And, it seemed she could never get rid of her recurrent yeast infections.
Linda would struggle with her Candida problem for about 12 years before she discovered a way to mitigate, and eliminate, Candida from her body. The long journey to being free from Candida probably started when Linda visited a naturopathic practitioner.
The naturopath diagnosed linda with a systemic yeast infection. Although the naturopath did not provide Linda with a permanent solution for her problem, they did point her in the right direction.
What Is A Yeast Infection
A yeast infection is one of the most common infections that Americans experience. While a vaginal yeast infection is most common, yeast infections can occur in other places around the human body, such as the mouth or armpits. Men also experience yeast infections, but usually less frequently than their female counterparts.
A vaginal yeast infection, also known as candida vulvovaginitis, is a common infection that many women experience. Yeast infections are not considered STIs and can develop for a variety of reasons. Vaginal yeast infection symptoms can be irritating and uncomfortable, but will usually go away with proper treatment and attention.
Yeast infections can develop because of lifestyle habits, environmental changes, skin-to-skin contact with someone that has a yeast infection, health conditions such as diabetes, and even other cyclical changes in the body.
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When Should I See A Doctor
You should see a doctor if:
- this is the first time you’ve had symptoms of thrush
- the symptoms don’t clear up with over the counter treatments after 7 to 14 days
- you have 4 or more yeast infections a year
- you are aged under 16 or over 60
- you have diabetes
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you are worried you or your partner could have a sexually transmitted infection
If you have had thrush before and treated it successfully, but it was more than 6 months previously, then it is fine to treat it yourself without seeing a doctor.
However, if you are pregnant and have thrush , you should see your doctor before starting any treatment.
Common Symptoms In Men
Men can get yeast infections too. They can happen when thereâs an overgrowth of fungus on the skin. This can happen if a man has sex with a female partner who has a vaginal yeast infection. Itâs more common in men who arenât circumcised. The symptoms include:
- Itching, burning, or redness on the
- A thick, white substance in the skin folds of the , and moistness
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Conditions That Can Mimic A Yeast Infection
Six possible causes of symptoms that may masquerade as yeast infections include:
If you arent getting relief from the usual measures, or you arent quite sure of the diagnosis, its worth a trip to the office to get checked out, says Dr. Zanotti. Call your doctor to be sure youre addressing any problems with appropriate treatment.
An Allergic Reaction Or Sensitivity
Your vaginal area is sensitive, which means it may be sensitive to certain products you use.
As with other parts of the body, the vulvar and vaginal areas can develop a contact dermatitis reaction to detergents, lotions, soaps and creams that you use Dr. Nelson said. In addition, depending on what products you use, they can also alter the which can lead to increased risk of infections like bacterial vaginosis.
This kind of vaginal irritation is known as noninfectious vaginitis. It can cause itching and burning and vaginal discharge.
Treatment: Treating an allergic reaction or sensitivity will depend on whats causing the symptoms and then eliminating them to see if symptoms resolve. Sometimes short courses of steroid creams can help with the itching.
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How Is Yeast Infection Treated
Your healthcare provider will consider your age, overall health, how widespread the infection is and other factors to determine your treatment.
Yeast infections can be easily treated with ointments or other anti-yeast creams.
- Yeast infection in the mouth may be treated with a medicated mouthwash. Or it may be treated with lozenges that dissolve in the mouth.
- If you have a severe infection and have a weak immune system, you may need to take an oral anti-yeast medicine.
- Esophageal yeast infections are usually treated with oral or intravenous anti-yeast medicines.
- Yeast infections of the nails are treated with an oral anti-yeast medicine.
- Yeast infections in the skin folds can be treated with anti-yeast powders.
How Do You Prevent Yeast Infections
Here are ways to avoid yeast infections:
- Take antibiotics only as directed by your health care provider.
- Dont take bubble baths.
- Change tampons, pads and panty liners often, and avoid scented ones.
- Do not wear tight underwear, pantyhose, pants or jeans. These can increase body heat and moisture in your genital area.
- Wear cotton underwear, or at least, underwear with a cotton crotch. Cotton helps keep you dry and doesn’t hold in warmth and moisture, which the fungus needs to thrive.
- Change out of wet swimsuits and tight workout clothes as soon as you can.
- After using the bathroom, always wipe from front to back.
- Avoid hot tubs and very hot baths.
- If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control.
Eating foods that contain acidophilus bacteria may also help prevent yeast infections, Hudepohl says.
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Other Things It Could Be
If youve been having symptoms of a yeast infection for weeks and treatments dont seem to be offering any relief, you might be dealing with something else.
Yeast infection symptoms can resemble those of other vaginal health issues, so its important to make sure you know what youre treating before you choose a medication.
If you use antifungal treatments when you dont have a fungal infection, your symptoms probably wont improve.
Yeast Infection Bumps At Different Areas Of The Body
- Bumps that are not fluid filled around your lips
- Inflamed red bumps around your mouth
- White patches on the tongue
- White patches on the inside walls of the cheeks
- White spots on the roof of the mouth also are a sign of yeast infection.
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Weird But True: You Can Have A Yeast Infection Without Knowing It
If youve ever had a yeast infection, you know it isnt fun. Between the itching and weird discharge, its not exactly a party in your pants. But its also possible you’ve been a part of the yeast infection club and didn’t even know it.
According to Jessica Shepherd, M.D., an assistant professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology and director of Minimally Invasive Gynecology at The University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, up to 20 percent of all yeast infections can have no symptoms.
All yeast infections are not characterized by itching and discharge, she explains. Some are mild and do not cause the usual symptoms.
Board-certified ob-gyn Pari Ghodsi, M.D., says classic yeast infections have a cottage cheese-like discharge, but the infection can also just cause redness, burning, and irritation. Some women, on the other hand, may just feel like something isnt quite right down there, but wont be able to pinpoint why. And, if your pain threshold is higher than the average person, or youre just not paying that much attention to whats happening down there , you can have a yeast infection and not know it.
If you have a yeast infection and dont realize it, its actually not a huge deal. In fact, Ghodsi says it doesnt necessarily need to be treated unless you have some kind of symptoms, have an underlying medical condition, or are pregnant .
What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Vaginal Yeast Infections
Vaginal yeast infections can cause:
- redness, swelling, or itching of the vulva
- 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 or during sex
If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor or gynecologist. It’s easy to confuse the symptoms of a yeast infection with those of some STDs and other vaginal infections. Your doctor can make sure you are treated for the right type of infection.
If you have a vaginal yeast infection, your doctor can recommend treatment to clear up the symptoms and cure the infection quickly.
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Capsaicin For Natural Itch Relief
A study published in Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. , related that capsaicin may help relieve skin itchiness. According to the study, capsaicin acts on skin sensory nerves and triggers the release and depletion of certain chemicals, such as substance P .
The depletion of these chemicals then limits the neural transmission from these nerve fibers over time. Consequently, capsaicin has been used to treat itching in various disorders.
According to the study, many reports and clinical studies have related successful treatment of symptoms in patients with the following disorders:
- Uremic Pruritus Chronic kidney disease associated itching.
- Aquagenic Pruritus A skin disease causing severe itching from contact with water
- Prurigo Nodularis A skin disease causing hard, itchy lumps.
- Brachioradial Pruritus Abnormal sensations causing itching or burning around the outer forearm and occasionally in the shoulder and neck region.
- Notalgia Paresthetica A sensory neuropathic condition causing itchiness in the upper to middle back.
This study also cites research done on 33 people with prurigo nodularis. In this cited study, capsaicin was applied topically 4 to 6 times a day. The use of capsaicin resulted in total remission of itch in all of the patients within 2 weeks.
The control of itching with topical capsaicin lasted for up to 10 months with continued use. However, itching returned shortly after the use of capsaicin was halted.
How to use Capsaicin
Common Types Of Vaginal Infections
Burning, itching, and an unpleasant odor are just some of the common symptoms of vaginal infections. But treatments vary by condition, so it’s important to know which type of vaginal infection you have.
Alamy
Vaginal infections and vaginitis, or inflammation of the , are very common so much so that most women will experience one or the other, and likely both, during their lifetime.
Symptoms of either a vaginal infection or vaginitis may include vaginal discharge, itching, burning, pain, and a strong odor.
While some vaginal infections are caused by sexually transmitted diseases, other very common ones are not.
Some women seem to be more prone to vaginal infections than others for reasons that are not entirely obvious, says Gregory R. Moore, MD, MPH, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Stamps Health Services at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta.
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After Yeast Infection Treatment
It can take 1-2 days before someone feels relief from their symptoms. In the meantime, wearing loose fitting clothing and trying to stay cool may help soothe the itch and discomfort. Avoid scratching, because this can cause breaks in the skin which can become infected. Itâs best to not have sex until a yeast infection is gone because sex can cause more discomfort, and the vaginal creams and suppositories may weaken latex condoms.
Article was originally published July 26, 2018
Do You Need To See A Doctor Or Can You Self Treat
Always talk with your health care provider before treating yourself for a yeast infection. Heres why:
- Your infection may not be caused by yeast. The symptoms for sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginitis can mimic yeast infections, but require different treatments. If not treated correctly, these conditions can cause serious health complications.
- Frequent yeast infections could be a sign of something more serious going on in your body, like uncontrolled diabetes.
- You can develop a resistance to antifungal medication if you dont actually have a yeast infection. This can make actual yeast infections harder to treat in the future.
- Some antifungal medicines can weaken condoms and diaphragms, increasing your chance of getting pregnant or an STI when you have sex.
Once your provider has confirmed that the infection is caused by yeast, shell either write you a prescription or recommend an over-the-counter medication.
If you get more than four vaginal yeast infections a year, or if your infection doesn’t go away after using over-the-counter treatment, you may need to take regular doses of antifungal medicine for up to six months. Check with your health care provider.
I think women just need to be aware of their bodies, and be aware that not all infections and treatments are the same, Hudepohl explains. And that’s why talking to their provider about what is happening with their symptoms is most important.
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