enquiry@riomed.com
+44 02380 277 044
Itchy, Uncomfortable, and Confused? Here’s What You Need to Know About Vaginal Yeast Infections.
Help Others Discover – Click to Share!
Table of Contents
Kinsley had become increasingly uncomfortable—itching, irritation, and the unpleasant discharge had made her quite anxious and embarrassed. She could barely speak about her condition with anyone. One evening, while searching the web for relief from growing discomfort, Kinsley found Cellmaflex, a digital health platform. Cellmaflex enabled her to get a nearby trusted gynaecologist, check patient reviews and make an appointment all while avoiding anxiety of having to make a call. The gynaecologist diagnosed Kinsley with a vaginal yeast infection. Now with clear-cut treatment plan and practical preventive tips, Kinsley felt capable of taking charge of her health.
If you have ever faced an uncomfortable, unfamiliar sensation and felt unsure about the cause, you are not alone. This blog is here to guide you through everything you need to know about vaginal yeast infection—what it is, how to recognize the signs, effective treatments, and simple prevention strategies. By the end, you will feel empowered to address these concerns confidently and take charge of your health.
What is Vaginal Yeast Infection
A vaginal yeast infection, also known as vulvovaginal candidiasis or vaginal candidiasis, is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of a specific type of yeast called Candida. Candida is a natural part of your body, typically residing in areas like the mouth, digestive tract, and vagina, but it usually coexists peacefully with “good” bacteria that regulate its growth. However, when this balance is disrupted, Candida can multiply rapidly, leading to an infection.
Vaginal yeast infections are characterized by burning, itching, redness around the vulva (the external part of the vagina), and noticeable changes in vaginal discharge. Though often mistaken for STIs, yeast infections are not STIs. They are, however, a common form of vaginitis, which is a condition marked by inflammation, pain, and possible infection in the vagina. There are several types of vaginitis, but yeast infections are among the most common.
The maintenance of a healthy balance of bacteria in the body is important to keep Candida under control. Any form of disruption in balance—caused by multiple factors. Management and prevention of vaginal yeast infections require an understanding of such triggers.
According to National Center for Biotechnology Information’s February 2024 report, about 70% of women report having or had vaginal yeast infection in their lifetime, and an estimated 8% of women suffer recurrent infection.
What increases my risk of getting a yeast infection?
Several factors elevate your predisposition to a yeast infection in your vagina. These include:
- You are undergoing antibiotic treatment with birth control pills or steroids
- Pregnancy or the post-partum
- A weakened immunologic defence, such as those health conditions that compromise this defence in your body. This compromises your ability to fight-off infections.
- Hyperglycemia or in other terms, high blood sugar. Elevated blood sugars can often foster the risk of getting affected by this infection.
Lifestyle habits can also contribute to your risk, such as:
- Prolonged Dampness: Sitting in a wet bathing suit for too long.
- Sweaty Clothing: Not getting out of soggy or sweaty clothes promptly.
- Irritants: The use of perfumed tampons or vaginal deodorants. These may interrupt the normal flora of bacteria in the vagina.
Knowing about these risk factors may assist in preventing infections.
Symptoms of a Vaginal Yeast Infection:
A vaginal yeast infection usually presents with specific symptoms, which can include:
- Itching or burning: A constant feeling in the vagina and vulva.
- Thick, white discharge: It has a consistency of cottage cheese.
- Redness and swelling: The vagina and vulva are inflamed.
- Skin irritation: There are minute cuts or cracks in the vulvar skin because of fragility.
- Painful urination: Burning while urinating.
- Discomfort during sex: Some may experience this.
These symptoms can have similarities with other sexually transmitted infections, such as STIs, and other conditions of the vagina. To establish a proper diagnosis or receive the right treatment when experiencing any of these signs, a healthcare provider is required.
Why Do People Get Vaginal Yeast Infections?
When the balance of bacteria in your vagina is disrupted, it facilitates excessive growth of Candida yeast. The most common ways to develop this imbalance:
- Antibiotics: They not only target bad bacteria but also reduce the good bacteria in your vagina, creating an inbalance that would allow yeast to grow.
- Hormonal changes: Changes from pregnancy, oral contraceptives, or even menstrual cycles can create an imbalance in Candida.
- Poorly controlled diabetes: Increased sugar levels in the blood will cause changes in bacteria in the body, including urinary tract.
- Weakened immune system: Conditions such as HIV/AIDS or treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can weaken the immune function, which makes it difficult for the body to regulate yeast growth.
Understanding these causes can help in managing and preventing future infections.
How Do Yeast Infections Compare with Other Vaginal Infections?
Not all vaginal infections are yeast infections. Common distinctions include:
- Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): Typically presents with a thin, greyish discharge that has a strong “fishy” smell.
- Trichomoniasis: A sexually transmitted infection that may present with frothy yellow-green discharge and a foul odour.
Accurate diagnosis by a healthcare provider will ensure proper treatment and avoid unnecessary complications.
How is a yeast infection diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider diagnoses a vaginal yeast infection. You’ll need to go in for an appointment and discuss your symptoms. Your provider may need to take a sample of discharge from your vagina to confirm a yeast infection. The combination of your symptoms and the discharge sample will tell your healthcare provider what type of infection you have and how to treat it.
Treatments for Vaginal Yeast Infections: Over-the-Counter vs. Prescription Options
Over the Counter (OTC) treatments:
- Antifungal creams or suppositories. Good for mild to moderate infections and are available almost everywhere.
Prescription treatments:
- Oral antifungal drugs. Recommended for severe or recurrent infections. Your doctor may suggest an extended treatment course or multi-drug therapy in case you frequently experience infections.
How do I decrease my chance of getting a yeast infection?
You can often prevent vaginal yeast infections by making a few lifestyle changes. These changes can include:
- Not douching — douching can kill bacteria that actually control fungus.
- Avoid the use of feminine deodorants.
- Avoid the use of scented tampons or pads.
- Take off wet clothes, like bathing suits or gym clothes, as soon as you can.
- Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes.
- Use water-based sexual lubricants.
- Maintaining your blood sugar levels in a normal range if you have diabetes.
The symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are similar to other conditions. If you have any questions, a physical exam by your healthcare provider will help.
Possible complications of untreated or chronic yeast infection:
Although most vaginal yeast infections are not dangerous, untreated or chronic infections can lead to complications such as:
- Continued discomfort: Symptoms may worsen over time without treatment.
- Skin infections: The patient may scratch and injure skin, causing secondary bacterial infections
- Impaired quality of life: Recurrent infections can cause emotional distress and disrupt daily activities.
When to see a doctor?
Seek medical attention if:
- Symptoms persist following over-the-counter remedies.
- You often have recurrences (have four or more infections annually).
- You are pregnant, and have a weakened immune system.
- Symptoms are heavy, accompanied by fever and chills or abdominal tenderness.
How Cellmaflex helps patients
Cellmaflex is an all-in-one digital healthcare hub for the patients. With Cellmaflex, patient can sign up free and easily find a suitable healthcare provider. In one click, patients can browse through the directory of the specialists they can see, check the availability of their preferred doctors, and even book appointments online without having to make any calls or waste hours in waiting rooms.
Direct results of the tests can be accessed by the patients, anywhere, at any time. In addition, patients can locate pharmacies nearest to them through Cellmaflex. This ensures prompt availability of various medications and supplements that may aid in better management.
Cellmaflex empowers patients to take charge of their health with smooth appointment scheduling, rapid viewing of test results, and even hassle-free coordination with specialists for the required care. Cellmaflex provides patients with the support they need every step of their journey.
Vaginal yeast infection is common but manageable with proper care. Whether it is understanding the symptoms, exploring the treatment options, and learning prevention strategies, the key is to be proactive and vigilant.
Just like Kinsley, you can take control of your health with ease and convenience. With Cellmaflex, booking a doctor’s appointment is just a few clicks away—no phone calls, no stress, just expert care when you need it.
Don’t let discomfort hold you back! Book your appointment through Cellmaflex today and prioritize your well-being.
*Disclaimer: Please note that the information is strictly for informative purposes. It is not intended to be used in lieu of professional medical advice, inclusive of diagnosis or treatment. It is strongly advised that you seek a doctor’s medical advice on any treatment or medical condition that you learn about.
