Yeast Infection--"Where Does This Nasty Infection Come From?"

Yeast infections are truly nasty looking. Although this fungus that causes the infection (Candida) can grow in many areas, most often it is associated with the vagina and the vulva. In this article I will focus on the ever prevalent vaginal yeast infection. If you are experiencing a great deal of burning, itching, and redness around the vaginal area and you notice a white, thick discharge resembling cottage cheese (yuck) you may very well have a yeast infection. Most likely, with this type condition, you will also experience pain during sex and pain during voiding.

The first step is to make an appointment with your gynecologist or doctor in order to make a correct diagnosis. The doctor will examine you for discharge and swelling and will probably get a sample to test in order to determine if you truly have a yeast infection.

Antibiotics and steroid medications have been known to cause yeast infection; also, your sugar intake, using birth control pills, pregnancy, and lack of sleep can all contribute to yeast infection. The disease can be transmitted through sexual activity, but not likely.

Antifungal medication is commonly used in the treatment of yeast infections. The medicines come in the form of tablets, creams, and suppositories. These types of treatments can be obtained in a drug store or grocery store. Call your doctor first.

There are measures to take in the prevention of yeast infection. A person should stay clean and dry in the crotch area, no scented personal products such as spray, pads, and tampons. Even with unscented feminine hygiene products, make sure to change very often. Wear cotton underwear and make it roomy, not binding in the crotch area. Avoid douches. When you wash and rinse the pubic area, be sure to use a towel and a blow dryer to dry. You may use some Zesorb powder to absorb perspiration in the feminine areas. If you are doing a great deal of sitting, use cool material such as wool or sheep skin. Change your underwear two or three times a day to avoid sweating in them. If you should already have a yeast infection, remember no sexual intercourse, no tampons, and no douches. Do avoid alcohol and processed food. Eat many vegetables, grains and proteins.

Treatment for yeast infections usually does work—it is not particularly hard to clear up. It must be treated according to the general locality of the infection. The treatment slows does the rapid growth of the yeast and the infection goes away. It will probably come again at some point in life, but you can treat it again. There is a lubricant in condoms that may cause yeast infection also. It could be caused by an allergic reaction to the latex or a chemical called nonoxynol 9. Studies have implicated this chemical. Also an injury to the vagina by something rubbing against the internal skin and damaging or irritating it can also add to the growth yeast infection.

If you know about the causes, symptoms, prevention, etc. of yeast infection, it will be much simpler to cure or avoid it. Always go to your doctor if yeast infection is suspected and always educate yourself on the subject.