Yeast Infection Treatment

You might believe you have another yeast infection, and decide to treat it yourself. This path may or may not work for you, and it may or may not cause complications. Whatever the case may be, it is not the best of paths.

Symptoms

Vaginal yeast infection and vulvitis can lead to symptoms that are nonspecific, meaning that aside from the yeast infection, other conditions can cause very similar symptoms. The most common of symptoms is itching in the vaginal and/or vulvar area. Other symptoms of vulvitis and vaginal yeast infection can include: soreness, burning, pain during urination and/or intercourse, and vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge does not always have to be present, but when it occurs, the discharge is odorless and typically has a thick, whitish appearance and texture, like cottage cheese. What is yeast?

Yeast is a fungus called Candida. The particular type of fungus most commonly responsible for vaginitis is Candida albicans. Yeast is usually present on normal human skin and in areas of moisture, such as the mouth and vagina. In fact, on average, between 20%-50% of healthy women often carry yeast in the vaginal area.

If you do think you have an infection, your likelihood of making the wrong diagnosis can be quite high, and you might be putting yourself at risk. It is better to visit your health care provider or local clinic. This is the reasonable thing to do if you want to get to the bottom of the situation.

What is the cause of yeast infections?

Yeast infections occur when new yeast is introduced into the vaginal area, or in a situation where there is an increase in the quantity of yeast already present in the vagina relative to the quantity of normal bacteria. For example, when the normal, protective bacteria are eliminated by antibiotics (taken to treat a urinary tract, respiratory, or other infections) or by immunosuppressive drugs, the yeast can multiply, invade tissues, and cause irritation of the lining of the vagina (vaginitis).

Yeast infections can also happen as a result of injury to the inner vagina, such as after chemotherapy. Also, women with suppressed immune systems (for example, those taking cortisone-related medications such as prednisone) develop vaginal yeast infections more frequently than women with normal immunity. Other conditions that may predispose women to developing vaginal yeast infections include diabetes mellitus, pregnancy, and taking oral contraceptives. The use of douches or perfumed vaginal hygiene sprays may also increase a woman's risk of developing a vaginal yeast infection.

A vaginal yeast infection is not considered to be a sexually transmitted infection (STD), since Candida may be present in the normal vagina, and the condition does occur in celibate women. However, it is possible for men to develop symptoms of skin irritation of the penis from a yeast infection after sexual intercourse with an infected partner.

Treatments

Yeast infection treatment varies, but it may start with antifungal medications that are applied topically in and around the vagina or with antifungal medications taken by mouth. Sometimes, mixed infections with more than one microbe can require combinations of treatments.

Topically applied antifungal creams include: clotimazole, butoconazole, miconazole, and terconazole.

The over-the-counter topical treatments are an option for some women where yeast is the cause of the infection. However, it should be noted that infection other than yeast can cause similar symptoms. These include bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. If symptoms are not eliminated by over-the-counter products, you should see your doctor for further evaluation.

Antifungal medications that are also available as vaginal tablets include: clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex), miconazole (Monistat; Micatin), terconazole (Terazol), and nystatin (Mycostatin). Oral medications for yeast vaginitis and vulvitis include fluconazole (Diflucan).