Vaginal Yeast Infection and its Treatment Options

A vaginal yeast infection (or candidiasis) is a common fungal infection. Most women suffer from it at least once in their lifetime if not more. Yeast cells are present in a healthy vagina. But when their balance is disturbed, it can result in an infection. You can use yeast infection pills or other medications to relieve the symptoms.

Causes

Vaginal yeast infection is caused by Candida, a type of yeast. The presence of Lactobacillus bacteria controls its overgrowth. But when the balance of bacteria is disturbed, Candida can grow.

Other factors that can disturb the balance of bacteria and cause yeast infection are the use of antibiotics, a weak immune system, pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes, and hormonal imbalance due to your menstrual cycle.

Symptoms

Itching in the vagina is one of the most common symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection. Itching can be mild to extremely severe. Redness, burning during urination, pain during sexual intercourse, soreness, swelling, thick white discharge, and rashes are other common symptoms.

The symptoms may not disappear on their own. They may even come and go over a period of a few weeks.

Seek treatment if you experience it for the first time. Leaving it untreated can worsen the symptoms. If it occurs frequently, consults a doctor for further treatment.

Treatment

The treatment for vaginal yeast infection can include a mix of pills, ointments, and creams.

One of the most common yeast infection pills used to treat the condition is fluconazole (Diflucan). It is used to treat chronic yeast infections also. Often one dose of Diflucan is enough to treat the infection. Your doctor may prescribe another dose if the infection persists.  Other medicines are clotrimazole (Lotrimin), butoconazole (Gynazole), terconazole (Terazol), and miconazole (Monistat). Most of these medicines are available on prescription only.

You can also try over-the-counter (OTC) bacteria supplements if you have been on antibiotics. This will help reduce the chances of developing a vaginal yeast infection. You can also try an OTC boric acid-based vaginal suppository to prevent the occurrences of yeast infections. It may only be used in case yeast infection pills don’t show results. Boric acid, in the form of a pill, is to be inserted into the vagina. Even though you can buy it without a prescription, it is best to consult a doctor before using it to treat your yeast infection.

Your doctor may also recommend that you consume yogurt to reduce the chances of further infections. During infections, your doctor may recommend the use of coconut oil over the vagina in addition to medicines.

Prevention

Refrain from using scented products close to the vagina. Remove wet clothes immediately. Do not wear synthetic panties. Do not wear tight-fitting clothes or pantyhose for long periods.

See a doctor as soon as you begin to experience the symptoms of vaginal yeast infection. If you are not comfortable seeking medical treatment for vaginal yeast infection in a person, you can use online medical portals or websites or use OTC yeast infection pills.