Favorite App For Those With Yeast Infections
While its true that the Clue app is officially billed as a period and ovulation tracker, its also a super convenient way for frequent yeast infection sufferers to keep tabs on their discharge. Here, users can click off things like egg white or sticky to note what type of discharge theyre dealing with. Plus, users can record when it occurred and how it has changed, which allows women to better understand their bodies and spot potential yeast infections quickly.
How Do I Get Rid Of Candida Albicans
Since Candida is a fungus, an antifungal medicine treats the infection to stop overgrowth. Antifungal medications come in two forms:
- Oral: Medicine taken by mouth .
- Topical: Medicine applied directly to the affected area .
Your healthcare provider will give you directions on how to use each type of antifungal medication to make sure the infection clears up and doesnt return.
How Are Vaginal Yeast Infections Diagnosed
Yeast infections are simple to diagnose. Your doctor will ask about your medical history. This includes whether youve had yeast infections before. They may also ask if youve ever had an STI.
The next step is a pelvic exam. Your doctor will examine your vaginal walls and cervix. Theyll also look at the surrounding area for external signs of infection.
Each yeast infection is different, so your doctor will suggest a treatment thats best for you. Treatments are generally determined based on the severity of your symptoms.
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Yeast Infection In Pregnancy
Yeast infections are common during pregnancy because of hormone fluctuations. See a doctor if youre pregnant and suspect a yeast infection so you can get the right diagnosis.
A yeast infection during pregnancy isnt always treated in the same way as nonpregnant women are treated. You wont be able to take oral antifungal medications due to possible birth defects. Topical antifungals are safe to use during pregnancy, though.
diagnosis from a doctor. This ensures that your symptoms are related to Candida overgrowth and not a more serious condition.
Your doctor will first conduct a pelvic exam, noting any visible discharge, redness, and swelling. They will ask you about other symptoms such as burning and painful urination.
If needed, your doctor might order a vaginal fluid test. They will first collect a sample of vaginal discharge with a cotton swab, which will then be sent to a lab for study under a microscope. Once your doctor has determined its a fungal infection or another type of infection they will then be able to prescribe the correct treatment.
Can A Person Get More Yeast Infections When They Are Menstruating
Changes in hormone levels can make a yeast infection more likely . That is why some people may have worsening symptoms or experience a yeast infection just before their period starts.
During a persons period, a yeast infection often clears up because blood is higher in pH and can help restore the vaginal pH balance.
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What Are The Symptoms Of A Vaginal Yeast Infection
There are several tell-tale signs of a vaginal yeast infection. These symptoms can include:
- A thick, white vaginal discharge with the consistency of cottage cheese.
- Small cuts or tiny cracks in the skin of your vulva because of fragile skin in the area.
- A burning feeling when you pee.
In some cases, another symptom of a vaginal yeast infection can be pain during sex.
Symptoms of a yeast infection are similar to the symptoms people feel when they have a sexually transmitted infection or other vaginal infection. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms so they can examine you.
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If youd rather treat your yeast infection at home, there are a number of natural home remedies that may give you relief from your symptoms.
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What Is A Vaginal Yeast Infection
A vaginal yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, is a common condition. A contains bacteria and some yeast cells. But when the balance of bacteria and yeast changes, the yeast cells can multiply. This causes itching, swelling, and irritation.
Treating a vaginal yeast infection can relieve symptoms within a few days . In more severe cases, it may take longer.
Vaginal yeast infections arent considered a sexually transmitted infection , commonly known as sexually transmitted disease . Sexual contact can spread it, but women who arent sexually active can also get them.
A specific kind of yeast called Candida albicans causes most yeast infections. These infections are easily treatable.
If youre having recurring yeast infections or problems getting rid of a yeast infection with conventional treatment, a different version of Candida might be the cause. A lab test can identify what type of Candida you have.
What Do I Need To Know About A Skin Yeast Infection
Yeast is normally present on the skin. Infection happens when you have too much yeast, or when it gets into a cut on your skin. Certain types of mold and fungus can cause a yeast infection. A skin yeast infection can appear anywhere on your skin or nail beds. Skin yeast infections are usually found on warm, moist parts of the body. Examples include between skin folds or under the breasts.
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A Note About Sex And Gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms male, female, or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. .
- A person can get a yeast infections from an overgrowth of a yeast species called Candida on areas of the body.
- Symptoms of yeast infections are similar to those of other conditions, so a proper, medical diagnosis is recommended.
- Treatment includes short-course medication for uncomplicated cases or a longer course for complicated cases.
Vaginal yeast infections are also called vaginal candidiasis or vulvovaginal candidiasis . As many as 3 out of 4 females experience it during their lifetime. Most experience at least two infections.
This article will look at the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of yeast infections, as well as medication and home remedies.
Yeast infections with discharge look thick and white, like cottage cheese.
Other symptoms of a vulvovaginal yeast infection
- vaginal burning with intercourse or urination
- a watery discharge
Sometimes a more complicated yeast infection may occur with more severe symptoms. Four or more infections may arise in 1 year. Doctors refer to this as recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis .
There may be severe redness, swelling, and itching, leading to skin fissures or sores with a complicated yeast infection.
Medical conditions that can cause a complicated yeast infection or RVVC include:
- having a weakened immune system
- the presence of an alternate Candida fungus, as opposed to Candida albicans
Who Does Candida Albicans Affect
Candida albicans fungus lives on everyone in small amounts. Different people are more likely to develop different types of fungal infections, most commonly:
- Thrush: Common on infants, children, older adults, people who wear dentures and those with a weakened immune system.
- Vaginal yeast infection: Frequent in those who are pregnant, use birth control pills or take hormones, have taken antibiotics recently or have a weak immune system.
- Invasive candidiasis: Most common in hospitalized individuals, catheter users, surgery recipients and those with a weakened immune system.
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Are Yeast Infections Contagious
Yeast infections arent considered STIs. In rare cases, you can pass a yeast infection from one partner to another.
Its also possible for a baby to get a fungal diaper rash at birth if the mother has a vaginal yeast infection during delivery. You may also pass on a yeast infection to your babys mouth during breastfeeding if Candida overgrowth is present in the breast area.
While you can pass a yeast infection to another person, its not contagious in the same way as other infections are. You wont catch the infection by air or by using the same shower as someone with the infection, for example. If youre concerned about transmission, talk to your doctor about situations in which a yeast infection could be contagious.
When To Contact A Doctor
Anyone who believes they have symptoms of a yeast infection should speak with a doctor for an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible.
Even if someone has had a prior yeast infection, they should go to a doctor for a diagnosis. Other conditions like bacterial vaginosis and some STIs can look like yeast infections and require prompt treatment .
A person should also contact a doctor if short course treatment does not clear the yeast infection or if they have frequent infections. This may be a case of a complicated yeast infection that needs different treatment.
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What Is Candida Albicans
Candida albicans is a fungus that naturally lives on your body. Candida is yeast, a type of fungus, that that is typically found in small amounts on your mouth, skin and in your intestines. Healthy bacteria in your body control the balance of Candida. Often when Candida is off-balance, the yeast overgrows and causes infection .
What Side Effects May I Notice From Receiving This Medication
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactionsskin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Heart rhythm changesfast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
- Liver injuryright upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
- Low adrenal gland functionnausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness
- Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
- Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention :
- Change in taste
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Can I Take Over
Yes, you can use over-the-counter medicines to treat Candida infections, specifically vaginal yeast infections. Though this treatment option may work, if you are unsure whether or not you have a yeast infection, talk with your healthcare provider to verify the source of the infection for the best treatment.
When To See A Doctor
It is worth consulting a doctor if you have sores or blisters around your vagina/vulva. If the cause is a yeast infection, you have a pretty serious one that needs to be treated right away. Alternatively, your doctor can diagnose the problem, providing you with alternative treatments for different infections/diseases.
Be aware of the main symptoms of a yeast infection so you can contact your doctor to get a prescription for antifungal cream right away. If you want to make life easier for yourself, book an online doctor visit with DrHouse today. We offer reduced waiting times and prescriptions as needed no insurance required.
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Common Causes Of A Yeast Infection
A yeast infection, or candidiasis, is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of the yeast genus Candida, with C. albicans being the most common culprit. C. albicans normally occurs in small amounts within the human body, but some health problems and medications can cause it to grow out of control.
Yeast infections are most likely to develop in warm and moist areas and thus typically occur in the genitals, the mouth, skin, throat and blood. Yeast infections involving the mouth and/or throat are sometimes called thrush, and those occurring on a babys bottom are called diaper rash. A yeast infection that gets in the bloodstream is called candidemia, or invasive candidiasis. While many yeast infections can be mere nuisances, invasive candidiasis can be lethal. Consequently, all yeast infections should be treated by a doctor. The symptoms and treatments of yeast infections vary depending on the location of the infection.
What Causes Yeast Infections?
Other health problems associated with yeast infections include diabetes, especially if it has not been appropriately treated or managed. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy can also develop yeast infections. Yeasts infections can be transferred from person to person. Thus, a patient who has a genital yeast infection will give it to their partner. Having many sexual partners therefore increases the chances of getting a yeast infection.
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What Is A Yeast Infection
Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of Candida. Candida is a family of yeast that occurs naturally within your body. When theres an imbalance of yeast versus good bacteria, the yeast takes over in the form of a fungal infection called candidiasis.
Symptoms of genital yeast infections include:
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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.
Yeast Infection Or Genital Herpes
While blisters or sores arent very common symptoms of a yeast infection, theyre extremely common symptoms of genital herpes.
If youre experiencing white, thick discharge along with the sores, a genital yeast infection is more likely than genital herpes.
Yeast sores can appear on your face, armpit, genitals, nipples, or in any skin areas that could foster yeast growth. If you have sores appearing in areas other than the genital or mouth area, these sores are most likely not caused by herpes.
Genital herpes symptoms can include:
- flu-like symptoms
- smelly discharge
If you believe you may have genital herpes, you should make an appointment with your doctor and refrain from unprotected sexual contact until youre sure of your diagnosis.
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How To Prevent Yeast Infections
Having good can lower the risk of yeast infections among individuals with diabetes. Other factors that may reduce the risk of yeast infections include:
-
wearing underpants that allow moisture to escape, like those made of cotton
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allowing skin foldslike the groin and space between toesto dry properly after bathing
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avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use
If you are taking one of the diabetes medications mentioned above that increase sugar in urine, the risk of yeast infection may be reduced by drinking plenty of water and having good personal hygiene.
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.
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What May Interact With This Medication
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Symptoms Of Vaginal Yeast Infections
Itchiness and discomfort are the main symptoms of a yeast infection, but there are others. You may also experience any or all of the following:
- Pain or burning when you pee
- Pain during sex
- A thick, white, odorless discharge, similar to cottage cheese
If you think you have a yeast infection, see your doctor before treating yourself. The symptoms of yeast infections are similar to other, more serious conditions, including sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginosis . An accurate diagnosis is important so you can get the best treatment.
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Favorite Yeast Infection News Subscription Service
The CDC has thorough and up-to-date info on all things related to vaginal candidiasis and candida infections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus. But you dont have to keep clicking to stay in the know. Instead, theres a get email updates option where you can enter your contact info to automatically receive updated information on yeast infections directly to your inbox.
How Should I Use This Medication
Take this medication by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure the oral suspension. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take with or without food. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Do not skip doses or stop your medication early even if you feel better. Do not stop taking except on your care team’s advice.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed. This medication has been used in children as young as 6 months of age.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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