Vaginal Yeast Infection Treatment
Yeast infection treatment depends on the level of severity.
When it comes to simple infection, doctors usually prescribe several common cures:
- antifungal cream, tablet or ointment. Treatment should be taken from 1 to 3 days until all yeast infection symptoms are gone
- single dosage of Diflucan.
Patients with simple infection should regularly check with their healthcare provider till the treatment course is completed. It is necessary to ensure the medication has positive effect.
Complicated yeast infection calls for more efficient treatment and additional analysis. This is due to the fact that there are some candida types that will not respond to common ways of infection treatment. In this case patients need more aggressive medication course. The level of infection complexity may be identified under the following symptoms:
- swelling, redness, itching
- having over 4 yeast infections per 1 year
- chronic and uncontrolled diseases such as diabetes.
In case any of the abovementioned symptoms occurs, a patient needs more aggressive treatment course which may include:
- 14-day cream usage, ointment or tablets
- increase of Diflucan dosage by 2 or 3 times depending on severity
- parallel treatment of your sexual partner
- use of condoms during coitus.
Antibiotics â Diflucan 150 mg one single dose.
Why A Diagnosis Is So Important
Clearly, a topical treatment intended for Candida will not help if Candida is not the cause of your symptoms. Some infections caused by bacteria or parasites will have temporary symptoms that go away, making it look like your self-medication worked but only the symptoms are gone. The infection may still be there, even though you cant feel it, and it could be doing damage. If you use a yeast infection medication and the symptoms disappear, you could be lulled into thinking all your problems are gone, when theyre not.
You should definitely see your doctor if you try a non-prescription yeast infection treatment and it doesnt work, even if youve had a yeast infection before and the symptoms seem obvious. The same can be said if you try one of the natural yeast infection cures, but your symptoms dont clear up.
Your doctor may be able to diagnose your symptoms without a laboratory test, but if shes not sure, your doctor will take a swab from the affected area and send it for culture in the lab.
You should also ask your doctor for a complete work-up if your yeast infections keep coming back. The chronic infections could be a way for your body to tell you that something much more serious is going on, such as diabetes, a thyroid disorder, leukemia, or AIDS.
Important Note:
You May Like: Can Cephalexin Treat Yeast Infections
Should I Call My Doctor Or Nurse If I Think I Have A Yeast Infection
Yes. Seeing your doctor or nurse is the only way to know for sure if you have a yeast infection and not a more serious type of infection.
The signs and symptoms of a yeast infection are a lot like symptoms of other more serious infections, such as STIs and bacterial vaginosis . If left untreated, STIs and BV raise your risk of getting other STIs, including HIV, and can lead to problems getting pregnant. BV can also lead to problems during pregnancy, such as premature delivery.
You May Like: Do Antibiotics Help With Yeast Infections
Symptoms Of Vaginal Yeast Infection
The main symptom is itching, but you may have white, thick discharge that resembles cottage cheese.
At the same time there are some other common symptoms and side effects of vaginal yeast infection. You should note that severity of symptoms depends on the length of untreated period. In other words if you leave it without any treatment for a long period of time it may have a negative effect and lead to more serious health problems. That is why you are recommended to consult your doctor in the following cases:
- vaginal discharge
- painful feelings while having sex with your partner
- rash and swelling.
What Std Feels Like A Yeast Infection
Some of the most common reasons for a skin reaction or allergy include trichomoniasis, herpes and genital warts. A change in laundry soap can also cause an issue with your pH balance which will lead to irritated dryness this is especially apparent during winter months when youre washing more clothes than usual!If none of these solve the problem I would recommend going back onto natural products instead because they are far less likely create problems later down lifes road.
Don’t Miss: What Does Brewers Yeast Do For Dogs
What Should I Do If I Get Repeat Yeast Infections
If you get four or more yeast infections in a year, talk to your doctor or nurse.
About 5% of women get four or more vaginal yeast infections in one year. This is called recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis . RVVC is more common in women with diabetes or weak immune systems, such as with HIV, but it can also happen in otherwise healthy women.
Doctors most often treat RVVC with antifungal medicine for up to six months. Researchers also are studying the effects of a vaccine to help prevent RVVC.
How Can I Reduce My Risk Of A Yeast Infection
You can often prevent vaginal yeast infections by making a few lifestyle changes. These changes can include:
- Not douching douching can kill bacteria that actually control fungus.
- Avoiding the use of feminine deodorants.
- Not using scented tampons or pads.
- Changing out of wet clothing, like bathing suits or gym clothes, as soon as you can.
- Wearing cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes.
- Using water-based sexual lubricants.
- Keeping your blood sugar levels in a normal range if you have diabetes.
The symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are similar to other conditions. If you have any questions, a physical exam by your healthcare provider will help.
You May Like: Yeast Infection In The Esophagus
What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Vaginal Yeast Infections
Vaginal yeast infections can cause:
- redness, swelling, or itching of the vulva
- a thick, white discharge that can look like cottage cheese and is usually odorless, although it might smell like bread or yeast
- pain or burning when urinating or during sex
If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor or gynecologist. Its easy to confuse the symptoms of a yeast infection with those of some STDs and other vaginal infections. Your doctor can make sure you are treated for the right type of infection.
If you have a vaginal yeast infection, your doctor can recommend treatment to clear up the symptoms and cure the infection quickly.
Bacterial Vaginosis Vs Yeast Infection
The third primary cause of vaginal infection is from Trichomonas, a parasite responsible for the trichomoniasis infection. There are five to eight million new cases of trichomoniasis each year in the United States. Trichomoniasis is particularly vexing because it may be asymptomatic in as many as 50% of the women who harbor the infection. The parasite can migrate up into the urinary tract, fallopian tubes and pelvis, causing infections and even preterm delivery and low birth weight babies. Trichomoniasis is considered to be a sexually transmitted disease.All three of these infections can increase a womans susceptibility to HIV infection. The symptoms of each infection can be virtually indistinguishable, but there are certain characteristics of each.Yeast infections are characterized by: redness, itching and burning around the vulva foul-smelling, thick, white discharge pain during intercourse and urination.The signs and symptoms of BV and trichomoniasis may be quite similar to yeast infections in terms of redness, itching and pain. With BV, however, the discharge tends to be thin, white or yellowish, and more uniform in appearance. Trichomoniasis discharge is typically a frothy, greenish-yellow secretion. Simple laboratory tests can distinguish between each of these infections using a swab of the fluid taken during a pelvic exam.
Read Also: Does Stress Cause Yeast Infection
What Is A Uti
A UTI is an infection in the urinary system or urinary tract. It can affect men or women. UTIs can affect any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys and ureters, but most occur in the urethra and the bladder, or the lower urinary tract.
A UTI is a bacterial infection. Although its symptoms can affect the genital area, a UTI isnt the same as a yeast infection. Depending on where the infection strikes, some UTIs can have mild symptoms, such as cloudy or strong-smelling urine. Women with a UTI might notice pain around the pubic bone and in the center of the pelvis.
Frequent urination with a painful or burning sensation is a common symptom of these bacterial infections, especially when they affect the bladder or urethra. Some people with UTIs in the kidneys, which can cause serious complications, can mistake these bacterial infections for STDs because of similar symptoms such as nausea and high fever.
When To See A Doctor
If youve never had a yeast infection before or you have symptoms that resemble those of another health issue, such as a STI, you may want to talk to a healthcare provider.
Its also a good idea to seek medical care if you have severe symptoms, such as sores or tears in your skin.
If you get yeast infections regularly, or more than four in a year, a healthcare provider can also help identify whats causing these frequent infections and help you find relief.
You should also follow up if OTC or prescription treatments dont cause at least some improvement in your symptoms after a few days.
Avoid going through multiple rounds of treatment without consulting your healthcare provider first. Otherwise, you could develop a resistance to the medication.
Read Also: Medicine For Yeast Infection Over The Counter
Do I Have Chlamydia Or A Yeast Infection
Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â its anonymous and free!
Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â its anonymous and free!
HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video.
Recommended Reading: How Will I Know If I Have Chlamydia
Having Sex With A Yeast Infection
At this stage, you may wonder if there is any chance of having sex while you have a yeast infection. For you and your partners safety, staying away from sex while you are still infected is recommended.
For instance, if you are experiencing symptoms such as burning and itching before, during, or after sex. Sex might be uncomfortable for you and your partner, and you could cause friction or trauma to your vaginal tissues. In addition, booking a consultation with your healthcare provider is highly advised for an informed course of action.
Your doctor would most likely conduct tests to ensure you dont have other STDs. After this, your doctor can advise you on the treatment options available.
Dont Miss: How To Get Rid Of Dogs Yeast Infection
Recommended Reading: Why Does Yeast Infection Keep Coming Back
Why Does Monistat Increased Itching
Some people may experience mild increases in vaginal burning, itching or irritation when using this product. Abdominal cramping has also been reported as an side effect but it should not be used at home without medical supervision because there are other causes for these symptoms besides just being inflicted by your favorite skincare routine!
What Else Could It Be
What if your , your discharge is different than usual, or you start experiencing pain when you pee or have sex , but your home test shows its not a yeast infection? There are a bunch of other things that can cause these symptoms. Unfortunately, all of these require going to the doctor to check out, because they dont have home tests, and most also require medications to clear up. Letâs learn about them!
One note about vaginal discharge. It changes throughout your menstrual cycle, and thatâs totally normal. It can range from no color at all to a milky white, and the amount can also change during your cycle â for instance, most people discharge more when theyâre ovulating, and of course, when theyâre turned on! So if the only symptom you have is more discharge than usual, you probably donât need to panic.
OK, now lets learn about the other things that itchiness and unusual discharge might be.
Read Also: Yeast Infection Common During Pregnancy
What Is A Yeast Infection
A yeast infection is the invasion and multiplication of a fungus in or on the body. Yeast infections are not usually transmitted from person to person and are not considered to be STDs. There are three types of yeast infections: Vaginal candidiasis, Thrush , and Invasive. This article will emphasize the vaginal type vs STDs.
When To Contact A Medical Professional
Keep your genital area clean and dry when you have vaginitis.
- Avoid soap. Just rinse with water to clean yourself.
- Soak in a warm, not hot, bath to help your symptoms. Dry thoroughly afterward.
Other tips are:
- Avoid using hygiene sprays, fragrances, or powders in the genital area.
- Use pads instead of tampons while you have an infection.
- If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar level in good control.
Allow more air to reach your genital area. You can do this by:
- Wearing loose-fitting clothes and not wearing panty hose.
- Wearing cotton underwear or underwear that has a cotton lining in the crotch. Cotton allows normal evaporation of moisture so that moisture buildup is reduced.
- Not wearing underwear at night when you sleep.
Girls and women should also:
- Know how to properly clean their genital area while bathing or showering.
- Wipe properly after using the toilet. Always wipe from front to back.
- Wash thoroughly before and after using the toilet.
Always practice safe sex. Use condoms to avoid catching or spreading infections.
You May Like: Can Uti Lead To Yeast Infection
Recommended Reading: How Do You Get Rid Of Yeast Infection
Why Does It Feel Like Paper Cuts Down There
Paper cut feeling down there could be caused by a yeast infection. On the other hand, it could occur because your immune system is weak or youre taking antibiotics. Sometimes, it can be a symptom of a sexually transmitted disease like genital herpes. Other possible reasons could be vaginal cuts and genital sores.
Any discomfort feeling down there would ruin anybodys day.
I get that from time to time, and it would cost me my confidence, and of course, scary what ifs would also come into my thoughts.
Paper-cut feelings in your private area may or may not be that serious. Most of the time, symptoms are treatable with at-home remedies and would heal as time passes.
Women Yeast Infections And Sexual Activity
But yeast infections can share many of the same symptoms as some STIs or sexually transmitted diseases , such as vaginal itching, burning, pain, and discharge.
Given the prevalence of STDs and yeast infections, its not unreasonable for a woman to wonder if a yeast infection may increase her risk of other vaginal infections.
For the most part, yeast infections arent associated with the development of an STD. But by scratching to relieve vaginal itching, you may inadvertently create microscopic tears in the skin that allow bacteria or viruses that cause STDs to enter your body more easily.
Don’t Miss: How To Detect Yeast Infection
Hiv And Vaginal Yeast Infections
Though yeast infections arent typically associated with STDs, they do have a well-known connection to HIV/AIDS, an STD that is often spread through sexual activity. HIV/AIDS can also be transmitted through direct contact of bodily fluids with an open wound or a tear in the skin and dirty needles.
HIV is a known risk factor for yeast infections it suppresses the immune system, allowing opportunistic infections to take root. In women living with HIV, vaginal yeast infections occur more frequently and are more difficult to treat, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Some research also suggests that the connection works the other way around: vaginal yeast infections may increase a womans risk of getting HIV.
In one study, researchers looked at women who were not HIV positive but who were in a sexual relationship with someone who was.
They found that the women who eventually contracted HIV were significantly more likely to have had yeast infections.
They concluded that women in high-risk relationships should receive regular gynecological evaluation and be taught how to prevent yeast infections and to treat them quickly when they do occur to decrease their risk of HIV infection.
Since yeast infections can irritate the vaginal lining even if you havent been scratching, its a good idea to use condoms if you plan to be sexually active while you have a yeast infection and dont know the HIV status of your partner.
Can Guys Get A Uti Or Yeast Infection
We often hear advice for women about preventing UTIs and yeast infections, but men can get UTIs and yeast infections, too. A UTI occurs when bacteria build up along the urinary tract, so both men and women can get them. In men, UTIs occur in the prostate, the bladder, the kidneys, and the urethra .
Recommended Reading: Yeast Infection In Cat Ears
More Yeast Infection Facts
- Yeast likes estrogen.Yeast infections are more common during the second half of the menstrual cycle, while taking birth control pills or during pregnancy.
- Antibiotics can cause yeast infections. Antibiotics can reduce the friendly bacteria that keep candida albicans in check, allowing yeast to overgrow.
- Youre more likely to develop a yeast infection if youre overweight or diabetic.
How Do I Know If I Have An Sti Or A Yeast Infection
There can be a bit of overlap between the symptoms of thrush and the symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection both can cause itching around the genitals and/or discharge.
However, thrush has quite a distinctive symptom: thick, lumpy, white discharge with the consistency of cottage cheese. If youre having discharge like this, and itching, redness or swelling around the genitals, you probably have thrush. If your symptoms arent clear cut you might have BV or an STIs such as chlamydia, trichomonas or gonorrhoea.
Regardless, its always a good idea to see your GP or go to a sexual health clinic if youre having thrush symptoms for the first time. Its also a good idea to see a doctor or nurse if you keep getting thrush, or if treatment hasnt worked for you. If youve had it before you can go straight to your pharmacist to buy thrush treatment.
Recommended Reading: Can Antibiotic Cause Yeast Infection