Up to 75% of women will experience a yeast infection at some point. For some women it can be as frequent as several times a year. Vaginal yeast infections are often called 'Thrush'.
The most common form of vaginal yeast infection is caused by the fungus Candida albicans. It is quite natural to have this fungus present in the vagina but it is normally kept in check by the acidity of the vagina and 'good' bacteria that live there. If something changes the natural balance of things the fungus will increase in numbers and that is what causes the discomfort.
This 'unbalancing' within the vagina can occur for various reasons and many women can not make a direct link between cause and effect. Typical triggers are menstruation, antibiotics (because they kill the 'good' bacteria as well as the 'bad'), douching (cleansing the vagina with water or perfumed products), pregnancy and diabetes. However, there may be no direct link with any of these factors. Keeping the vulva and vagina moisture free can help prevent the growth of yeast.
It is important to remember that an infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans is not in itself dangerous but it can cause severe discomfort. The symptoms include itching and soreness around women's private parts. There is often inflammation which can make wearing tight clothing very uncomfortable. There is commonly a change in vaginal discharge, it will become thicker and sometimes white and 'cottage cheese' like.
If you have never had vaginal thrush before then it is advisable to go to the doctors to get it checked out. There are other infections that can cause a burning and itching sensation around the vagina including STD's and Bacterial Vaginosis.
Lots of women self diagnose and there is nothing wrong with this. In fact it makes perfect sense. If you are familiar with the symptoms and know what works to reduce them then buying over the counter medication is logical. There is no need for a trip to the doctors and you can eliminate the discomfort quicker.
Medical practitioners tend to be none the wiser about the specific causes of vaginal yeast infections. In fact the reasons tend to vary between different women so it is essential that you start to learn and pick up on the personal signals that predict an outbreak. Look carefully at you diet, is it linked to menstruation, have you taken any antibiotics or hormonal drugs etc.
Typically women who suffer from re-occurring bouts of vaginal yeast infections are told to avoid tight fitting clothing, wear cotton underwear, keep the vaginal area dry (dry carefully after a shower and do not sit around in wet swim suits), do not bathe or wash this area with perfumed soaps.
The trouble is many women find that the doctors will prescribe treatment to reduce the symptoms. This will alleviate the problem for a while but frequently drugs will only provide a short term solution.
The most common form of vaginal yeast infection is caused by the fungus Candida albicans. It is quite natural to have this fungus present in the vagina but it is normally kept in check by the acidity of the vagina and 'good' bacteria that live there. If something changes the natural balance of things the fungus will increase in numbers and that is what causes the discomfort.
This 'unbalancing' within the vagina can occur for various reasons and many women can not make a direct link between cause and effect. Typical triggers are menstruation, antibiotics (because they kill the 'good' bacteria as well as the 'bad'), douching (cleansing the vagina with water or perfumed products), pregnancy and diabetes. However, there may be no direct link with any of these factors. Keeping the vulva and vagina moisture free can help prevent the growth of yeast.
It is important to remember that an infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans is not in itself dangerous but it can cause severe discomfort. The symptoms include itching and soreness around women's private parts. There is often inflammation which can make wearing tight clothing very uncomfortable. There is commonly a change in vaginal discharge, it will become thicker and sometimes white and 'cottage cheese' like.
If you have never had vaginal thrush before then it is advisable to go to the doctors to get it checked out. There are other infections that can cause a burning and itching sensation around the vagina including STD's and Bacterial Vaginosis.
Lots of women self diagnose and there is nothing wrong with this. In fact it makes perfect sense. If you are familiar with the symptoms and know what works to reduce them then buying over the counter medication is logical. There is no need for a trip to the doctors and you can eliminate the discomfort quicker.
Medical practitioners tend to be none the wiser about the specific causes of vaginal yeast infections. In fact the reasons tend to vary between different women so it is essential that you start to learn and pick up on the personal signals that predict an outbreak. Look carefully at you diet, is it linked to menstruation, have you taken any antibiotics or hormonal drugs etc.
Typically women who suffer from re-occurring bouts of vaginal yeast infections are told to avoid tight fitting clothing, wear cotton underwear, keep the vaginal area dry (dry carefully after a shower and do not sit around in wet swim suits), do not bathe or wash this area with perfumed soaps.
The trouble is many women find that the doctors will prescribe treatment to reduce the symptoms. This will alleviate the problem for a while but frequently drugs will only provide a short term solution.
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