Yeast Infection (Vaginal) - Treatment, Symptoms, Causes & More

Some Common Causes of a Yeast Infection are:

• Antibiotic use, which causes an imbalance in natural vaginal flora
• A weakened immune system, perhaps due to chemotherapy or HIV
• Pregnancy
• Estrogen-raising oral contraceptives
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Poorly controlled diabetes

Where other types of candida fungus are responsible for yeast infections, treatment can be more difficult. Usually more aggressive therapies are required.

Yeast Infection Treatment

Yeast infection treatment options include:

• Pharmacy Medication: There are readily available yeast infection medicines and medications that effectively treat vaginal yeast infections.
• Anti-Fungal Medicine. This is generally used to tackle the infection. This can be taken in tablet form orally, or as a pessary that is inserted into the vagina. A cream is available to relieve the irritation. Anti-fungal medicine should be prescribed by the physician who will check the patient & mostly will do high vaginal swap.
• Long-Term Treatment Plan. In the case of recurrent yeast infections - such as four or more in one year - a longer treatment course for up to six months could be required along with a maintenance plan.
• Medical Guidance. Visit a doctor or a sexual health clinic to help identify whether something is causing the condition, such as sexual activity or period. The use of anti-fungal medicine more than twice in six months is not recommended without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.

Yeast Infection Risk Factors

There are a few risk factors that can increase the odds of a yeast infection developing. Some are more avoidable than others, but women who are more vulnerable include those with:

• An impaired immune system, perhaps due to corticosteroid therapy or HIV infection.
• Uncontrolled diabetes, where blood sugar levels are poorly managed.
• A course of broad-spectrum antibiotics which kill a range of bacteria, including healthy bacteria found in the vagina.
• Higher estrogen levels that come with pregnancy, high-dose estrogen birth control pills or estrogen hormone therapy.

Yeast Infection Prevention

Some of the steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of vaginal yeast infections are more manageable, inexpensive & maybe involve modest lifestyle adjustments. Among the easiest adoptable measures is the wearing of underwear that has a cotton crotch.

To prevent a yeast infection, it is suggested to avoid:

• Underwear garments that fit too tightly.
• Intimate washing routines that remove protective vaginal bacteria.
• Scented feminine products, including bubble bath, pads & tampons.
• Significant time in wet clothes, such as swimsuits & workout gear.
• High temperature baths & hot tubs.
• Unnecessary antibiotic use, such as for colds.