Vaginal yeast infections can cause discomfort, itching, and burning in the vagina. There are various things that can trigger a vaginal yeast infection, ranging from the side effects of drugs to certain diseases. Although harmless, this condition can get worse if not treated properly.
Vaginal yeast infection is known as vaginal candidiasis, which is a type of candidiasis that occurs in the female sex organs. This condition is a female problem that is quite common at all ages. It is estimated that 3 out of 4 women have had a vaginal yeast infection.
Signs and Symptoms of Vaginal Yeast Infection
Vaginal yeast infection is an infectious disease that causes various complaints to the intimate organs, including the outer vagina called the vulva. The following are the various signs and symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection:
- Severe itching in the vagina
- Pain or stinging when urinating or having sex
- The outside or lips of the vagina (vulva) appear red and swollen
- Vaginal pain and rash
- Clumped vaginal discharge but odorless
Symptoms of vaginal yeast infection that are felt by each patient are different. Some women who experience vaginal yeast infections only experience one of the symptoms above and are not too severe.
However, there are others who experience symptoms of a severe vaginal yeast infection. In this condition, a vaginal yeast infection can cause sores on the skin around the vagina and last for weeks or even months.
Causes and Risk Factors for Vaginal Yeast Infection
The main cause of vaginal yeast infection is yeast Candida albicans. Under normal conditions, this fungus does live in the vagina and various places in the body, without causing health problems.
However, under certain conditions, this fungus can thrive and thrive. When mushrooms Candida If the fungus grows too much, it can cause an infection in the vagina and cause symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection.
Fungal growth Candida Uncontrolled and trigger vaginal yeast infections can be caused by various things, namely:
- Side effects of medications, such as antibiotics, birth control pills, and estrogen hormone therapy
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or menopause
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Weak immune system, for example due to side effects of chemotherapy, malnutrition, and HIV/AIDS
- Douching vaginal discharge, which is the process of cleaning the inside of the vagina by spraying a special cleaning fluid
- Women's intimate organs are often wet or damp, for example due to the use of underwear that is too tight and cannot absorb sweat
In addition, several other factors, such as a previous history of vaginal yeast infection, overweight or obesity, hormonal disturbances, stress, and lack of sleep can also increase a woman's risk of having a vaginal yeast infection.
Vaginal yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted infection because this condition can be experienced without sexual intercourse. However, in some cases, a woman can get a vaginal yeast infection from her sexual partner. However, transmission of vaginal yeast infections through sexual intercourse is rare.
Vaginal yeast infection diagnosis and treatment
To determine whether the complaints you are experiencing are indeed caused by a vaginal yeast infection or not, you need to consult a doctor.
In determining the diagnosis of a vaginal yeast infection, the doctor will perform a physical examination, including a pelvic examination, and supporting examinations, such as blood tests, urine tests, and vaginal fluid analysis.
After that, the doctor can provide treatment according to the severity of your vaginal yeast infection symptoms and how long you have had it.
There are several kinds of treatment that can be given by doctors to treat vaginal yeast infections, namely:
- Oral antifungal drugs, such as fluconazole and itraconazole
- Topical antifungal drugs in the form of vaginal creams, ointments, liquids, or tablets (suppositories), for example miconazole, clotrimazole, nystatin, sulfanilamide and boric acid
- Antihistamines to reduce vaginal itching
Antifungal medications, whether taken orally or topically, may need to be used for weeks or months, even if your symptoms improve. This is to ensure that the yeast that causes the infection in your vagina is completely gone.
Meanwhile, antihistamines may be stopped if your vaginal itching has improved. After the treatment is complete, you need to go back to the doctor to make sure that the vaginal yeast infection you are experiencing has healed.
How to Prevent Vaginal Yeast Infections
To prevent vaginal yeast infections, you can do the following:
- Wear underwear that can absorb sweat well, such as cotton underwear.
- Avoid wearing pants or underwear that are too tight.
- Avoid using tampons or pads for too long panty liners.
- Avoid using feminine hygiene fluids (douching).
- Clean the vagina the right way, namely washing the vagina from the lips of the vagina to the anus with clean water, then dry.
- Avoid risky sex, such as unprotected sex and frequent change of partners.
- Adjust your diet to be healthier, for example limiting foods that are too sweet and fatty.
Sometimes, the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection can be similar to those of other diseases, such as bacterial vaginosis and sexually transmitted infections. Because the causes are different, the treatment is not the same.
Therefore, to treat vaginal yeast infections properly, you need to see a doctor. After confirming that the complaint you are experiencing is indeed caused by a vaginal yeast infection, the doctor will provide the appropriate treatment.