Many people believe that only women get yeast infections, and that a vaginal yeast infection is the only kind.
While this is completely untrue, it goes to show just how prevalent the feminine form of the affliction has become in the western world. About 75% of all women will need vaginal yeast infection treatment once in their lives, and 50% of all women will suffer recurrence.
There are many more-general yeast infection causes discussed elsewhere on this site, but for this article about vaginal yeast infections, there are a few others to mention:
- Tight clothing and synthetic clothing. Both tight clothes, and synthetic clothes, raise your body temperature and vaginal moisture levels. Synthetic underwear in particular prevents a woman's genitals from "breathing." With higher body heat, greater moisture, and less air flow against the skin, the normally-low
levels of Candida yeast have a better chance to flourish into a vaginal yeast infection. - Hygiene problems, especially combined with an active sex life.
- Using lubricants based on glycerin, a compound similar to sugar, which feeds yeast.
Symptoms of Vaginal Yeast Infection
Women suffering from a vaginal yeast infection will notice one or more of the following signs:
- A thick, white, odorless discharge. The discharge is usually described as "cheesy" in texture.
- Skin pain, or unpleasant tingling, inside, or around the vagina.
- Extreme heat and painful sensitivity during vaginal sex.
- Burning sensations when peeing.
- Bad vaginal odor similar to raw fish.
A yeast infection is usually a fairly minor health problem. However, some of the above symptoms are shared with other vaginal maladies, including STDs. It's a good idea to have your doctor ensure these symptoms are caused by a vaginal yeast infection before you decide on a home treatment.
Just because a vaginal yeast infection is "fairly minor" doesn't mean you should ignore it. Left untreated, a yeast infection can spread to the blood, and from there it can spread to your brain and other internal organs - becoming a very serious health problem.
Vaginal Yeast Infection Treatment
By far, the best approach for treating a vaginal yeast infection is a two-pronged approach. Address potential problems coming from diet or lifestyle, and take medication or supplements to clear the existing infection.
Treating your diet and lifestyle: Read about general yeast infection causes - the list above is not the end-all, be-all of reasons behind a vaginal Candida infection. Your vulnerability to a yeast infection is greatly affected by food and drink, decisions about taking general (seemingly-unrelated) medicines, and more.
Treating the existing yeast infection: Vaginal yeast infection treatment can be a very simple affair, if caught early, and if the infection happens when you're having no other health problems. Unless you are pregnant, or were recently ill, or have any other reason to believe your immune system is "out of whack," then an over-the-counter cream will often be your best immediate choice for yeast infection treatment. Read more about yeast infection treatment here.
