What Causes Repetitive Yeast Infections

How Are Vaginal Yeast Infections Treated

If you’re using a vaginal treatment and are sexually active, you should not have sex until the infection has been completely treated because these medicines can weaken condoms and diaphragms.

All these types of medicine can clear up your symptoms in a couple of days and cure the infection within a week. It’s important to take the medicine for the whole time its prescribed. If you stop taking it too soon, the infection could come back. If you’re not feeling better within a few days of finishing treatment, call your doctor.

Some medicines used to treat yeast infections are available without a prescription, but you see a doctor for your diagnosis before buying one. You could have another type of infection that might get worse if not properly treated. Also, over-the-counter medicine should not be used by anyone younger than 12 or girls who might be pregnant without talking to a doctor first.

In Case You Need A Refresher These Are The Symptoms Of A Yeast Infection

According to the Mayo Clinic, yeast infection symptoms usually range from mild to moderate and include:

If you have a complicated yeast infectionpotentially including chronic yeast infectionsyour symptoms might be more severe and include things like extensive redness, swelling, and itching that can lead to tears, cracks, or sores on your vulva.

How To Fix A Yeast Infection

Yeast infections can typically be treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams, ointments, suppositories or tablets. But if you keep getting yeast infections, you may need to be treated with up to a six-month course of prescription antifungals, per the Office on Women’s Health.

“Some newer vaginal yeast infection medications have come out for the treatment of resistant strains,” Dr. Gersh says.

Lifestyle changes won’t clear an existing infection, but they can help reduce the likelihood that a cleared infection comes back. Some strategies to try:

• Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom.
• Wear breathable, loose-fitting bottoms made from natural materials like cotton.
• Eat yogurt or take a vaginal support probiotic. Eating eight ounces a day or taking âLactobacillus acidophilusâ capsules may help reduce infection risk, the Office on Women’s Health notes.
• Support your overall health by getting enough sleep and keeping your stress levels in check, Dr. Gersh recommends.

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What Causes A Yeast Infection

There are several possible causes of a yeast infection, but most are caused by a specific type of fungus called candida albicans. .

In addition, there are situations that put you at greater risk for developing a yeast infection. These include:

• Using antibiotics
• Having a compromised immune system
• Failing to control diabetes
• Increasing estrogen levels, which may be caused by oral contraceptives or hormone therapy
• Being pregnant.

While infections caused by candida albicans are common and generally easy to treat, recurring infections are sometimes caused by a less common fungus, which means well need to provide a more specialized, long-term treatment.

You Have A Blood Sugar Imbalance

Insulin resistance caused by prediabetes, diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome is another common trigger for recurring yeast infections, Dr. Gersh says. Blood sugar imbalances can cause excess sugar to accumulate in the urine, which can affect the vaginal environment and set the stage for yeast growth.

âFix it: âTalk with your primary care provider if your blood sugar isn’t well controlled. Together, you can determine whether lifestyle changes like diet and exercise can address the problem or whether you need to take medication to get your blood sugar back into balance, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

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How To Prevent The Recurring Yeast Infections

1. Mind Your Underwear

Avoid synthetic underwear and wear cotton instead, or underwear that has a cotton lining in the crotch. Cotton increases air flow, decreases moisture buildup, and allows more air to reach your genital area and try not wearing underwear at night when you sleep.

2. Avoid Douching and Hot Tubs

3. Avoid Nonoxynol-9

Products containing nonoxynol-9 are used as vaginal spermicides, and are a widely used in condoms. Some medical studies have linked it to an increase in recurring yeast infections. So read your package and throw away all your latex condoms.

4. Avoid Scented Products

Avoid using fragrances, hygiene sprays, or powders in the genital area, and not tampons while you have an infection. Scented products, such as tampons or pads, can also lead to problems with yeast infections. They can upset the balance of your vaginal flora and cause irritation, both of which could lead to a yeast infection.

5. Wipe from Front to Back

Always practice good hygiene when you clean or wipe your vaginal area, it’s always best to do it from front to back. Otherwise, you may introduce more bacteria and fungus into your vaginal area, and remember to wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.

6. Keep Dry and Loose

How Does Syphilis Transmission Happen

The syphilis transmission happens via skin-to-skin contact. Normal skin should come into contact with one of the syphilis lesions depending on the syphilis stage:

• Chancre – painless sore that can be on any part of the body
• Rashes that usually brownish pink, not itchy, that affect any part of the body . Syphilis rashes can take any form or shape and for that reason syphilis is called the âGreatest pretenderâ

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Prevention Of Vaginal Yeast Infection

Women who are at high risk of a yeast infection may need to take an antifungal drug by mouth to help prevent yeast infections. Such women include those with the following:

• A need to take antibiotics for a long time

• Repeated yeast infections, particularly in women with a weakened immune system

Keeping the vulva clean and wearing loose, absorbent cotton clothing that allows air to circulate can reduce moisture, which encourages the growth of yeast, and thus help prevent yeast from growing.

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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What Can You Do To Treat It

Treatment of a recurring yeast infection is typically with the help of antifungal medications called azoles. These medications can be purchased over-the-counter or by prescription in higher concentrations through your health care provider, and come in various forms, such as suppositories, medicated tampons, and vaginal creams. The medications might include:

The vaginal therapy lasts one to seven days, depending on the product. These treatments are effective if your yeast infections are caused by C. albicans. However, some infections are caused by other Candida species, such as C. glabrata, which may require treatment with a Mycostatin tablet or vaginal cream, a vaginal gel containing flucytosine and the antifungal amphotericin B, or other treatment.

You’re Taking Antibiotics Too Often

That can set the stage for yeast like candida to grow out of control and cause an infection, especially if someone is taking antibiotics frequently, says Felice Gersh, MD, ob-gyn and founder and director of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine in Irvine, California.

âFix it: âIf you’re taking antibiotics regularly or often, reducing your use can help bring your vaginal bacteria back into balance, making it harder for yeast infections to develop.

Talk with your doctor before making any changes to your antibiotic regimen.

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Do Guys Get Yeast Infections

Guys who are not circumcised need to take extra care to clean properly beneath their foreskins. The warm, moist folds of the foreskin are the perfect environment for yeast to thrive. Keeping the area clean and dry may help prevent an infection. If symptoms do show up, a doctor can treat the infection.

Facts About The Contagiousness Of Gonorrhea

• Someone who has more than five sexual partners in their lifetime is more likely to get gonorrhea. Clearly, the number of different partners matters.
• Gonorrhea can be transmitted immediatelyâas soon as a person becomes infected with it.
• It doesnât matter if the infected person has symptoms of gonorrheaâtheyâre still contagious.
• An infected person can transmit the infection as long as they have it i.e., until theyâre cured, which is seven days after they finish treatment. Again, it doesnât matter if they have signs or symptoms of the infection.

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How Can I Determine The Cause Of My Chronic Yeast Infection

Itâs very difficult to determine the cause of a recurrent yeast infection. The cause is obvious in only a minority of cases.

The most common cause is believed to be a genetic predisposition of the vaginal mucosa to Candida albicans, which results in a small amount of yeast causing a significant inflammatory reaction.

What Are The Side Effects Of Using Boric Acid For Yeast Infections

While boric acid is a cheap and effective way to treat yeast infections, you need to talk to your doctor before using it. This not only ensures that boric acid is a good treatment option for you, but also allows your doctor to check for any other vaginal infections that might be causing irritation.

A consultation with a gynecologist is recommended for any vaginal symptoms that are not responding to over-the-counter or at-home remedies, Andersen says. Its important in these cases to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.

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Getting And Passing Gonorrhea Via Oral Sex

If you wish to understand how likely it is that youâll contract gonorrhea through oral sex, you need to know a few things:

• How gonorrhea infection is passed
• What groups of people are more likely to have gonorrhea
• When is transmission of the infection more likely
• How the type of oral sex affects risk

Letâs discuss each of these!

A Pharmacist Can Help With Thrush

You can buy antifungal medicine from pharmacies if you’ve had thrush diagnosed in the past and you know the symptoms.

A pharmacist can recommend the best treatment for you. Ask if they have a private area to talk if you’re embarrassed.

You should not use antifungal medicine more than twice in 6 months without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.

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How Is A Yeast Infection Under Your Breasts Treated

Treatment for a yeast infection under your breasts may include an antifungal medication. Your healthcare provider may recommend an antifungal cream, ointment or other solution. You can buy many antifungal creams over-the-counter. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a stronger antifungal option if necessary. You can apply antifungals directly onto the infected area of your skin. Topical antifungal medications include:

In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend an antifungal medication taken by mouth. This includes medications such as fluconazole. They may also recommend a steroid cream to help relieve your symptoms.

Its important to keep the area under your breasts clean and dry to help get rid of a yeast infection. This can also help prevent yeast infections from returning in the future. Exposing the area under your breasts to air may help. Drying powders may also help dry out your skin and prevent future yeast infections.

What Should I Do If I Have Frequent Yeast Infections

If you get more than four vaginal yeast infections per year, have a discussion with your healthcare provider. Your provider may:

• Test to confirm that you have a vaginal yeast infection.
• Order a blood sugar test for diabetes.
• Test for HIV/AIDS.
• Discuss any possible hormonal changes .

Your healthcare provider will use your test results to make sure you receive the right treatment. It can be important to treat the underlying cause while treating your yeast infection. Controlling the reason for the infection can help prevent future vaginal yeast infections.

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Chronic Yeast Infections Causes

Which ones apply to you?

Below is a list of the most common causes of chronic yeast infections. Each one of these is considered a risk factor for developing a yeast infection, and may be the cause of your chronic yeast infections. The importance of this section: if any of these apply to you and you are keep getting frequent yeast infections, you may want to address these as a part of your treatment. For some issues such as medication, hormonal imbalances and diabetes you may need to consult with your doctor. Others may require lifestyle changes or dietary changes.

As an opportunistic organism, candida is likely to keep causing issues as long as these imbalances are not resolved. Becoming aware of these in many cases is a big part of the solution.

Did you know? Antibiotics use is one of the most common causes of yeast infection and candida issues.

Treatments Of Recurring Yeast Infections

Treatment of a yeast infection requires antifungal medicines referred to as azoles. You can get these medicines either over-the-counter or as prescription medicines and they are available in various forms such as suppositories, vaginal creams and medicated tampons. Some of these medicines are

Depending on the medicine used, the therapy may last from one to seven days. These medicines are effective in curing recurring yeast infections caused due to Candida albicans.

However, some vaginal infections may be caused by other species of Candida such as Candida glabrata. These can be treated by using Mycostatin tablet or vaginal cream or a vaginal gel having the antifungals flucytosine and amphotericin B as ingredients.

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How Is A Yeast Infection Under Your Breasts Diagnosed

Your healthcare provider will perform a physical examination to diagnose a yeast infection under your breasts. They may be able to diagnose a yeast infection by looking at the skin under your breasts. If you have a bright red rash, your provider may be able to tell its a yeast infection.

Your healthcare provider may want to collect a sample of the rash for testing. They may use a tongue depressor or scalpel to gently scrape some of the skin from the infected area. A pathologist will look at the sample under a microscope. This can help them determine the type of fungus thats causing the infection.

How Can I Prevent A Yeast Infection Under My Breasts

You can prevent a yeast infection under your breasts by keeping the area clean and dry. You can also use drying powders to prevent yeast infections. Other steps you can take to prevent yeast infections under your breasts include:

• Breast pads: If youre using disposable breast pads, make sure to use pads without waterproof liners. Change your breast pads frequently. If youre using reusable breast pads, make sure to wash them in warm, soapy water.
• Bras: Wear clean, supportive cotton bras. Change your bra at least once a day. Wash your bras in hot, soapy water. Dont sleep in your bra.
• Hand washing:Wash your hands often. Wash your hands before and after breastfeeding. Also, wash your hands before and after applying antifungal cream to your breasts.
• Diet: Avoid sugary and starchy foods, and limit alcohol. Consider adding a probiotic to your diet. Losing weight may help prevent yeast infections.

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What Does A Yeast Infection Under Your Breasts Look Like

A yeast infection under your breasts looks like a bright red rash. The rash will appear under your breasts and at the top of your torso where your breast skin touches your chest. The breast rash may be:

• Raised, swollen or tender.
• Itchy or painful.
• Burning or stinging.

The skin around the rash may be dry, flaky and cracked. The rash may produce blisters that crust over and ooze.

How Gonorrhea Is Passed From Person To Person

Gonorrhea is the gram-negative bacteria that live mainly on the mucosal columnar epithelial of the affected organ both inside and outside of cells . Transmission happens during sexual contact. Upon arrival to a new host, gonorrhea forms small colonies at the area of the contact and starts invading the mucosal cells. This generally takes one or two hours after contraction of the infection.

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Stopping The Cycle Of Genital Yeast Infections

The genital area naturally contains Candida. Once this balance is disrupted, though, Candida overgrowth can happen.

For some people, being prone to yeast infections is simply hereditary. Overgrowth of yeast can also happen as a result of:

Genital yeast infections are also more common in people with compromised immune systems and who have diabetes. Sexual activity and high estrogen levels are other risk factors.

There are also studies suggesting chronic yeast infections may be due to hypersensitivity to Candida.

A genital yeast infection can cause burning and itching sensations. You may also notice a red rash, especially around the vulva or anywhere . When you urinate, you may see a cottage cheese-like discharge and feel burning on the surrounding skin.

Over-the-counter suppository medications can usually treat vaginal yeast infections. However, if this is your first yeast infection or first recurring yeast infection, you may want to see your doctor. They can rule out the possibility of other infections.

Once treated, you can help keep genital yeast infections from returning by keeping good hygiene habits and promoting normal vaginal bacterial balance. Here are some tips:

• Wear cotton underwear and loose clothing.
• Take daily showers.