When Is A Longer
When treating complicated vaginal yeast infections, an initial treatment is typically followed by maintenance treatment. In the initial phase of treatment,
- creams or suppositories are used for 1 to 2 weeks, or
- instead, one oral tablet is taken every three days for about a week.
This is usually followed by maintenance treatment, where you take one antifungal tablet per week over a period of six months. If you cant take tablets for instance, due to a pregnancy or interactions with other drugs you can use only creams or suppositories for the whole treatment period.
What Is The Difference Between A Yeast Infection And Bacterial Vaginosis
One of the differences between BV and a yeast infection is that BV produces a foul-smelling, fishy odor, while a yeast infection produces no vaginal odor. Additionally, a yeast infection may cause redness and inflammation of the vulva, while BV doesnt produce such symptoms.
To determine whether a vaginal infection is BV or a yeast infection, a doctor may:
- ask about your medical history, including previous vaginal infections, which may have been sexually transmitted
- perform an examination to look for signs of infection and vaginal discharge
- take a sample of the discharge for analysis to see whether overgrowth of harmful bacteria or fungi is present
- test the pH of the vaginaa pH of
Home Remedies For Yeast Infections
For those who want to try a more natural approach to treatment, things like tea tree oil, coconut oil, garlic, oil of oregano, or even yogurt have shown some signs of effectiveness. However, these treatments are spotty and you should still talk to your doctor about using a home remedy, as some herbs and natural supplements can interact with other medications you may be taking. In addition, its always helpful to receive a complete diagnosis from your doctor in case your condition isnt a yeast infection or is being caused by another underlying condition.
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Diagnosis Of A Yeast Infection
Though it may be tempting to self-diagnose a vaginal yeast infection, since effective over-the-counter treatments exist, experts recommend you see a doctor.
Several other conditions notably bacterial vaginosis , trichomoniasis , and dermatitis can cause symptoms similar to yeast infections, making self-diagnosis difficult. In one study published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, only about 34 percent of women who purchased OTC antifungal medications accurately diagnosed themselves with a yeast infection.
You should especially see a doctor if:
- This is your first yeast infection.
- Medications for a previous yeast infection are not working on your current infection.
- Your symptoms differ from previous yeast infections.
To diagnose a yeast infection, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and medical history, perform a pelvic exam, and take a sample of vaginal discharge. A lab technician will examine the discharge to determine if there is an overgrowth of candida.
Diagnosing And Treating Yeast Infections At Home
Did you know 3 out of 4 women will get a yeast infection in their lifetime? Many will get more than one. The good news for womenespecially those who experience more than oneis you may be able to diagnose and treat a yeast infection from home. If you have never had a yeast infection, youll want to go to your doctor or at least talk to them first and get their advice.
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How Do You Get A Yeast Infection
Anything that disrupts the natural balance of yeast, candida, and bacteria can have the potential to lead to a yeast infection. Some things that may increase your chance of getting a yeast infection are:
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Use of antibiotics
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Having higher levels of estrogen
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Not changing out of wet clothes, like a swimsuit or gym clothes, can create prolonged moist environments for yeast to grow.
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Regularly douching in women
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Using scented feminine products
Yeast infections are not considered sexually transmitted diseases and are unlikely to be contagious in most cases. However, those who are prone to yeast infections, or who have a lowered immune system, may be able to contract a yeast infection from someone else through kissing, breastfeeding, or sexual intercourse.
When To Contact A Healthcare Provider About A Yeast Infection
Many women who have had several yeast infections can tell that their symptoms indicate a yeast infection. But those who are experiencing symptoms for the first time should see their healthcare provider for an appropriate diagnosis . Other women who should contact their healthcare provider include:
- Those with 4 or more yeast infections per year
- Women who may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease
- Women with certain conditions such as diabetes, or who are immunocompromised from certain medications or conditions like HIV or cancer
- Women who have not had success with OTC treatments
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Research And Statistics: How Many People Get Yeast Infections
About 70 to 75 percent of women will get a vaginal yeast infection at least once in their lives. And 50 percent of these women will experience more than one infection.
What’s more, 5 to 8 percent of women experience recurrent or chronic yeast infections, and come down with four or more yeast infections in a single year.
Vaginal yeast infection is the second most common type of vaginal infection, after bacterial vaginal infection, in the United States. It results in 1.4 million outpatient visits a year.
Use Medications As Directed To Treat An Infection
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Top 10 Brown Discharge Home Remedies: How To Get Rid Of Brown Discharge
Every diseased condition has some or the other natural cure. There are some home remedies and treatments for treating this at home.
These home remedies are more of precautionary measures.
What Causes Yeast Infections
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normal changes in hormone levels
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antibiotics, cortisone, and other drugs
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a weak immune system
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a natural reaction to another person’s genital chemistry
Yeast infections arent an STD. They arent contagious, and cant spread to another person during sex. But sexual contact sometimes leads to yeast infections your body chemistry can have a bad reaction to another persons natural genital yeast and bacteria, which causes yeast to grow.
People can also get a yeast infection on their mouth, throat, or tongue thats called “thrush.”
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How To Treat A Yeast Infection
Fortunately, a yeast infection is easily treated. Here are some popular ways to do so: 1. Head to the store or to the pharmacist and purchase some over-the-counter thrush medication. Most of these come with an external cream and a pill or an internal cream. All are effective. Yeast infections are common, so this medication is readily available. 2. Go to see your doctor or gynecologist if this is your first or second yeast infection, theyll simply prescribe you the medication above. If you are getting them frequently, then they may decide to investigate the cause. 3. Your doctor may also prescribe a single-dose medication, most likely fluconazole . If you have more severe symptoms, you may be instructed to take two single doses, three days apart. 4. There are some home remedies, such as using oregano oil or garlic, but its not recommended to use these as they may make the problem far worse.
Brown Discharge With Urinary Tract Infections
Risks of a treatment regimen for abnormal pap smear test at The Womens Hospital, Victoria Australia4 include pain, bleeding with clots and dark brown discharge.
Footnotes
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How Can I Prevent Vaginal Yeast Infection Discharge
If you experience abnormal discharge these are some ways you can prevent yeast infection
- Stop vaginal douching
- Avoid vaginal perfumes
- Avid synthetic underwear
- If you are HIV infected, then visit your doctor. Inform him or her about your illness and you will be placed on HIV drugs.
- If you are diabetic, you should monitor your blood sugar. Blood sugar lowering drugs are used to treat diabetes mellitus.
- Change your birth control pill. High dose COC pill can cause a yeast infection. Your doctor would change to other contraceptive methods.
What Should I Do If I Get Repeat Yeast Infections
If you get four or more yeast infections in a year, talk to your doctor or nurse.
About 5% of women get four or more vaginal yeast infections in one year. This is called recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis . RVVC is more common in women with diabetes or weak immune systems, such as with HIV, but it can also happen in otherwise healthy women.
Doctors most often treat RVVC with antifungal medicine for up to six months. Researchers also are studying the effects of a vaccine to help prevent RVVC.
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Preventing Persistent Yeast Infections On Your Chest
If you have recurrent yeast infections between or under your breasts, consider taking these steps to make them less likely to come back:
- Wear clothes and undergarments made of natural, breathable fabrics that dont trap moisture close to your skin.
- Always shower and dry off completely after a workout or time spent outdoors.
- Wash and dry any bras or other tops you wear close to your skin during an active yeast infection. Consider using bleach in the wash.
- Consider changing your diet to cut down on sugar and carbohydrates. Increase your intake of probiotics, like those found in yogurt
- If youre overweight or have diabetes, talk with your doctor about healthy, sustainable lifestyle changes you can make to avoid future yeast infections.
Ruling Out Other Vaginal Conditions
A few other vaginal conditions result in symptoms that are like those of thrush. See your doctor if you:
- have had several episodes of thrush in a short period
- have had recent sex without a condom with a new partner
- have associated pain in your pelvic area or abnormal bleeding
- treated yourself with a thrush treatment and your symptoms havent gone away.
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What Are The Risks Associated With Antifungal Drugs
Antifungal drugs that are applied to the skin or mucous membranes are generally well tolerated. The possible side effects include further irritation of the inflamed areas, burning and itching.
When using mechanical contraceptive devices, it’s important to read the package insert carefully. Some antifungal drugs are oily. This can make contraceptives like condoms more porous, allowing sperm to pass through them.
If antifungal drugs are taken in the form of tablets that you swallow, they can lead to other side effects such as headaches, dizziness, nausea and diarrhea. There are also a lot of medications that shouldn’t be used together with antifungal drugs because they may influence each others effect. These include certain medicines, blood-pressure-lowering drugs and medications for psychological problems. You can find out about these drug-drug interactions in the package insert that comes with the antifungal drug.
Can I Get A Yeast Infection From Breastfeeding
Yes. Yeast infections can happen on your nipples or in your breast from breastfeeding. Yeast thrive on milk and moisture. A yeast infection you get while breastfeeding is different from a vaginal yeast infection. However, it is caused by an overgrowth of the same fungus.
Symptoms of thrush during breastfeeding include:
- Sore nipples that last more than a few days, especially after several weeks of pain-free breastfeeding
- Flaky, shiny, itchy, or cracked nipples
- Deep pink and blistered nipples
- Shooting pain in the breast during or after feedings
If you have any of these signs or symptoms or think your baby might have thrush in his or her mouth, call your doctor. Learn more about thrush in our Breastfeeding section.
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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.
Are Yeast Infections Contagious
Technically, yeast infections are contagious, but only through certain physical contact. You can give someone a yeast infection through vaginal or oral intercourse or through sex toys. Its also possible to transmit a yeast infection by kissing someone with oral thrush. In the case of new mothers, it is also possible for a baby to get a fungal rash at birth if their mother has a vaginal yeast infection at the time of delivery. Its also possible for a mother to pass on a yeast infection to their babys mouth during breastfeeding if theres an excess of Candida in the breast area.
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Risk Factors And Other Considerations
If youre overweight or have diabetes, you have a higher risk for developing a yeast infection on your breasts.
Personal hygiene habits can also put you at higher risk. Not rinsing and towel-drying the area around and under your breasts may trigger a yeast infection in these areas. Wearing an unsupportive bra may lead to a yeast infection as well.
Environmental factors, such as humidity and heat, make these infections more common during summer months and in warm climates.
Keep the area dry and expose it to air as often as you can. Make sure to cleanse the area daily with a mild soap and warm water. Make sure to pat the area dry after washing.
Over-the-counter options to treat yeast infections include:
- clotrimazole, an antifungal
- hydrocortisone cream to reduce redness and swelling
Prescription-strength antifungals are also available to treat severe cases of yeast infections on your skin, such as topical nystatin.
If these treatments arent effective, your doctor can prescribe an oral antifungal medication, like fluconazole .
If your rash doesnt improve after treatment with antifungal medications, talk with your doctor about investigating your skin condition further.
Diagnosing A Yeast Infection: Signs To Look For
Once a woman has had a yeast infection, its usually easier for her to identify another one when symptoms first appear. Common symptoms can include:
- Thick, white discharge
- Burning feeling especially when peeing or having sex
- Vaginal pain, redness and swelling
Sometimes there are no obvious symptoms, so its important to know what your bodys normal healthy state is. With a yeast infection, there is typically no odor. If youre not sure if you have an infection, you can use the MONISTAT® Symptom Checker to help guide you. Its just a few questions and should take you less than 1 minute to complete.
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Duration Of Yeast Infection
Most yeast infections clear up within a few days, depending on the severity of the infection and the medication used.
But up to 8 percent of women develop recurrent or chronic yeast infections . These infections are typically due to non-albicans species, and may require different treatment.
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What To Do If I Think I Have A Yeast Infection
It’s best to see a doctor if you think you may have a yeast infection, or if you have anything different going on, like changes in your vaginal discharge. Other infections can cause similar symptoms, including some sexually transmitted diseases . Your doctor can recommend the best treatment for you.
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