How To Get Rid Of A Yeast Infection
How to get rid of a yeast infection.
If youre a woman, youve got a pretty good chance of experiencing a yeast infection at some point in your lifetime. Vaginal yeast infection, or candidiasis, is a very common condition and can cause skin rashes, itchiness and irritation, and strange-looking discharges. It can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable condition to have, but luckily, its very treatable and typically goes away in just a few days with medications. Knowing the symptoms and what to look for are important to be able to diagnose and treat them quickly. Below are answers to some common questions about yeast infections.
Untreated Yeast Infection May Become Worse
Untreated yeast infection usually cause the yeast infections symptoms to become worse. What starts as a mild case of yeast infection that can be easily managed at home, may turn into a complete nightmare as the infection grows out of control and causes many unpleasant symptoms and discomforts. A few common examples:
- Recurring vaginal yeast infection that become chronic and more severe, causing more discomfort such as burning and irritation.
- Additional new symptoms may appear as the infection spreads to other body areas or affects other body systems. What started as a common vaginal yeast infection, skin rash or oral thrush may evolves into digestive issues, new food allergies, mood swings, brain fog, mental confusion, unexplained weight gain and many other symptoms.
Will A Yeast Infection Go Away Untreated
Will a yeast infection go away untreated? There’s a simple answer to this question, and it’s no. Yeast infections are caused by an aggressive fungus that start life in your body as the Candida Albicans yeast. Fungus breeds at an alarming rate already, but you have the yeast in your body mutating as well so you need to treat your infection as soon as possible.
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Untreated Yeast Infection Symptoms May Re
This is a known problem not just with yeast infection, but with many other conditions that are left untreated. When you have an underlying issue that is left untreated, in many cases the symptoms re-occur when you least expect them such as when you are stressed, which acts as a trigger. Flights, weddings, job interviews, big presentation at work, exactly the times we need and hope to be at our best.
The fact that you have mild yeast infection symptoms that stay consistent without causing too many discomforts doesnt guarantee that the yeast infection doesnt evolve under the surface. In most cases, the opposite is the case. Something to consider.
Yeast infection treatment
Are you treating the symptoms or the cause?
A common problem with many yeast infection treatment plans, is that they only treat the symptoms and do not address the root cause of the symptoms. The one plan fits all rarely works for yeast infections since each case may be caused by a different reason, and therefore the needed treatment may be completely different as well.
When the root cause is properly addressed, many yeast infection symptoms go away on their own without treatment needed on the affected areas. On the other hand, when only the symptoms are treated and the source of the problem is left untreated, the symptoms usually keep coming back and become worse as the infection evolves and spreads.
When To See A Doctor For A Yeast Infection
As with any womens health concern, you should always consult a doctor to prescribe appropriate treatment. Insufficient treatment can cause recurring symptoms or chronic infections.
People of menstrual age are more likely to experience yeast infections than younger people with vaginas who have not yet started menstruating. This is likely due to many different factors, but the hormonal changes that bring about menstruation can play a role in increasing yeast infection risk for some people.
Among people who get recurring yeast infections, many report experiencing symptoms at the same time every month, in sync with their menstrual cycle. High levels of estrogen can lead to candida overgrowth, and estrogen increases after your period. Yeast infections that occur before your period may be due to changes in vaginal pH that happen during that time as part of your cycle.
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Can A Urinary Tract Infection Kill A Cat
Remedies and Treatments for Cat Urinary Tract Infection. Urinary tract diseases are common in cats and can cause discomfort and distress. If left untreated, a UTI can lead to partial or complete blockage of the urethra. This can lead to kidney failure or rupture of the bladder, which could be deadly.
Related Conditions To Yeast Infections
Vaginal concerns can be a common occurrence. Sometimes the cause is obvious, such as changes in menstrual cycle, sexual activity, or a new product you may be using. Other times, the cause may not be as clear. If youve had a yeast infection before, it may be easy to assume your yeast infection symptoms have the same cause, but that is not always the case. There are a few conditions with symptoms that can be mistaken for yeast infection symptoms.
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What Can I Expect If I Have Vaginitis
Vaginitis is uncomfortable, but finding the cause and the right treatment can bring you relief. If chemical irritants are causing your vaginitis, you can improve your symptoms by avoiding the offending lotion, detergent, spray, etc. Bacterial and antifungal medications may take up to two weeks to clear your infection. Antiviral medications for viral vaginitis cant cure the virus, but they can cause your symptoms to go away faster. Getting the right diagnosis and treating all causes of your vaginitis is key when it comes to relieving your symptoms.
How Do You Prevent A Penile Yeast Infection
You can help prevent a penile yeast infection by avoiding sexual contact with a partner who has a yeast infection.
You should also avoid having sex with anyone while you have an active yeast infection, as you could pass the infection back to your partner. This could cause the two of you to pass an infection back and forth.
To lower the risk of getting a yeast infection or passing one along, do the following:
- Wear an external condom each time you have sex to help reduce your chances of developing a yeast infection.
- If you are uncircumcised, clean under the foreskin with soap and water, and return your foreskin to its usual position after you have sexual intercourse.
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Is It Safe To Use Over
Yes, but always talk with your doctor or nurse before treating yourself for a vaginal yeast infection. This is because:
- You may be trying to treat an infection that is not a yeast infection. Studies show that two out of three women who buy yeast infection medicine don’t really have a yeast infection.2 Instead, they may have an STI or bacterial vaginosis . STIs and BV require different treatments than yeast infections and, if left untreated, can cause serious health problems.
- Using treatment when you do not actually have a yeast infection can cause your body to become resistant to the yeast infection medicine. This can make actual yeast infections harder to treat in the future.
- Some yeast infection medicine may weaken condoms and diaphragms, increasing your chance of getting pregnant or an STI when you have sex. Talk to your doctor or nurse about what is best for you, and always read and follow the directions on the medicine carefully.
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.
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Can Vaginitis Go Away Untreated
It isnt a good idea to wait for vaginitis to disappear unless you know whats causing it. For instance, some mild yeast infections go away on their own, but not all cases do. Bacterial vaginosis usually clears up on its own, but left untreated, it can put you more at risk for STIs. It can also cause complications if youre pregnant. The symptoms from viral vaginitis may resolve on their own, but in the meantime, your provider needs to know about any STIs you have so they can monitor any cell changes. Some kinds of high-risk HPV can lead to cervical cancer.
Speak with your healthcare provider to determine whats causing your vaginitis, and follow their guidance about what treatments are best.
When To See Your Doctor
You should see a doctor if youre not 100 percent sure that you have a yeast infection. They may diagnose you with a yeast infection, or they may discover a more serious condition.
If youre treating what you think is a yeast infection without doctor diagnosis and it doesnt clear up in a week or two, see a doctor. The medication youre using may not be strong enough, or you may not have a yeast infection.
You should also visit a doctor if the infection returns in a couple of months. Having more than one yeast infection in a year could be an indication of an underlying medical condition.
Dont put off seeing a doctor if your symptoms include:
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Signs Of A Complicated Infection
Sometimes the symptoms of a yeast infection can be more serious and require extra care. You might need a longer course of treatment or a plan to keep the infection from coming back.
You can get a more complicated infection if:
- You have uncontrolled diabetes
- Your immune system is weakened by medications youâre taking or a health condition like HIV
Your infection might also be more complicated if itâs caused by a different type of fungus than what commonly causes yeast infections.
Signs of a complicated infection include:
- Symptoms so severe that it causes tears or sores
- A recurrence of yeast infection four or more times in a year
When To Seek Medical Care
- If its the first yeast infection youve ever had. See a doctor to be sure its not a more serious problem that needs a different treatment, such as a urinary tract infection or an STI.
- Youre pregnant. Any medications, including over-the-counter vaginal creams, need to be approved by your doctor during pregnancy.
- You often get yeast infections. If you have four or more yeast infections in a year, doctors call it recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. If you have it, youll need treatment for up to six months with an anti-fungal medication. Frequent yeast infections can also be a sign that you have diabetes or another medical condition.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Yeast Infections
The symptoms of a yeast infection may include one or more of the following:
- Discharge that is usually white/tan in color, similar to cottage cheese and may smell like yeast/bread
- Other discharge may be greenish or yellowish, also similar to cottage cheese and may smell like yeast/bread
- An increase in discharge
- Burning sensation during urination or intercourse
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How Long Does A Yeast Infection Last And Other Yeast Infection Questions
Until you have one, you probably dont know much about yeast infections. Theyre not something that tends to come up in conversation with family and friends, and you certainly dont learn about them in any health class. Yet this fungal infection affects a lot of people. Its the second most common type of vaginal infection, accounting for 1.4 million doctors visits in the United States every year.
If you suspect you have a yeast infectionor worse, if you have one that seems to keep coming backyou can find relief. Read on to learn all about vaginal yeast infection, including how long a yeast infection lasts, if a yeast infection goes away on its own, how to get rid of a yeast infection, and what else you may have if its not a yeast infection.
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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.
Management Of Recurrent Thrush
If you experience repeated episodes of thrush, its recommended that you see your GP to confirm that its thrush and that you dont have an STI. Your GP can check for the presence of other skin conditions that may have similar symptoms and exclude other conditions that can cause thrush .
Any factor contributing to the overgrowth of Candida albicans should be identified and managed. If no contributing factors are found, a course of preventative treatment may be recommended.
There is no evidence to support the treatment of male partners of women who experience thrush. Thrush outbreaks, while uncomfortable, do not cause any long-term health issues. There is also no clear evidence that dietary changes prevent thrush, but the research is limited.
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Why Do Adults Get Thrush
Because of having a weakened immune system, diabetes, using medications that weaken the immune system, or taking antibiotics for a long period of time. Oral thrush can also be a sign that something else is wrong with your health such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, or other oral infections. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of oral thrush its important to see your doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.
Vaginal Thrush And Sex
You can still have sex when you have vaginal thrush. However, it can be uncomfortable and you may experience a burning sensation during or after sex. Use plenty of lubricant to protect your skin.
Thrush is not an STI, but male partners can sometimes get redness and irritation after sex.
The treatment for thrush can weaken condoms, so apply the treatments after you have had sex if you are using condoms.
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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.
When Should You Seek Help At Physicianone Urgent Care
If you are experiencing sudden, debilitating pain in the pelvic area, you should go to the emergency room right away. For any other concerns related to possible UTIs or yeast infections, the professionals at PhysicianOne Urgent Care can help.
PhysicianOne Urgent Care is here 7 days per week for high-quality, convenient walk-in urgent care. Contact us at 1.855.349.2828, or stop in today for a convenient, walk-in visit. If youre looking to save time, find a location near you and check in online, today!
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What If I Keep Getting Yeast Infections
A yeast infection is considered to be chronic if you get one four or more times within one year. The same things that can contribute to normal yeast infections can also cause them to be chronic – taking regular medications, hormone therapy or pregnancy, or having a condition that affects your immune system.
Information On Yeast Infection
Most doctors prefer pessaries or vaginal tablets to treat vaginal yeast infections, rather than oral medications. Oral antifungal medications may cause side effects, such as headache, nausea, abdominal pain, while vaginal local treatments doesn`t present these side effects. Oral antifungal treatment isn`t recommended during pregnancy.
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What Tests Diagnose A Candida Yeast Infection
For healthy people, most physicians can diagnose a Candida yeast infection without laboratory tests. Occasionally, if the infection wont go away or involves the entire body, more extensive tests may need to be performed.
- The only definitive way to diagnose a vaginal yeast infection is to complete a full gynecologic exam.
by Social Joey | Oct 1, 2021 | Uncategorized
Yeast infections are extremely common among women, with nearly 75% of women experiencing one at some point in their lives. If you havent had a yeast infection, its important to know what they are, what causes them and what you can do about them, since these infections are so common.
Our AFC Urgent Care Fountain City team provides further information on yeast infections below, so keep reading!