Yeast Infection
Yeast infections or Candida vulvovaginits are one of the most common gynecologic complaints women bring with them to the doctors office. A fungus called Candida albicans is responsible for most of your signs and symptoms of yeast infections.
Yeast infections affect 75 percent or more of women during their reproductive years. The diagnosis and treatment of yeast infections should be performed by your health care professional, to avoid a recurrent problem interfering with your health and well-being. Though yeast infections in adolescents are rare, at least 50% of women will have one yeast infection before they turn 25.
Biology and Risk Factors for Yeast Infection
While Candida albicans is to blame for almost all yeast infections, other candida strains may also result in recurrent yeast infections. The reasons for this may include use of over-the-counter drugs, antibiotics or short instead of long course use of antifungal drugs that combat the condition.
Here is a list of some of the most common causes for yeast infections or vulvovaginal candidasis:
- Frequent use of antibiotics: Some women are prone to yeast infections when they take antibiotics, because antibiotics often destroy both good and bad flora in the body. Supplementation with oral or vaginal lactobacillus tablets may help combat yeast infections associated with antibiotic use.
- Oral contraceptive pills: Some women are at higher risk for yeast infections when they take oral contraceptives that contain high levels of estrogen in them.
- Use of contraceptive devices: Certain contraceptives including vaginal sponges, intrauterine devices and diaphragms can irritate the lining of the vagina and contribute to yeast infections.
- Pregnancy: Women who are pregnant are more likely to develop yeast infections, secondary to the hormonal changes seen with pregnancy.
- Suppressed Immune System: Yeast infections are common in patients whose immune systems are suppressed, including women taking corticosteroid medications or women with HIV.
Yeast infections can occur in women who are not sexually active just as easily as women who are, thus it is important not to confuse yeast infections with sexually transmitted diseases though the two can exist at the same time. However, women do experience more yeast infections with regular sexual intercourse than when they are celibate.
People with weakened immune systems including patients with HIV, cancer or other serious illnesses may develop a yeast infection that spreads throughout the body. This condition can be life threatening, affecting the brain, eyes, kidneys and other major organs of the body.
Sometimes these patients may also develop a systemic yeast infection, where yeast enters the bloodstream through a cut or tear in the skin. Many people with HIV develop a yeast infection in the upper gastrointestinal system called esophagitis. This type of yeast infection is similar to oral candidiasis but spreads through the esophagus to the stomach. This can make eating and even swallowing liquids painful.
Signs and Symptoms of Yeast Infection
Most women are aware if they have a yeast infection because of the telltale symptoms that go with an infection.
- Vaginal discharge that is white. The discharge often has a cottage cheese like appearance.
- Itching or burning in the vagina and in the area surrounding the vagina.
- Swelling around the vulva and vagina.
- Pain or discomfort during intercourse.
Most women will have a yeast infection at least once during their lifetime, though many will have more than one.
Yeast infections can also occur in the mouth, a condition called oral candidiasis or thrush. This is most common in infants and babies. Oral thrush often comes with thick white patches in the mouth, usually on the tongue and sides of the cheeks. These white patches may look like milk curds, but usually can’t be wiped away. Oral candidiasis can be painful and make it difficult to eat.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Yeast Infection
It is important that you see a qualified doctor to diagnose a yeast infection before you begin treating it. There are many conditions that mimic yeast infections. If you use an over-the-counter remedy to treat a yeast infection that is something else, such as bacterial vaginosis, your condition will not improve and may get worse.
It is important that you do not douche or overly clean your vagina prior to your exam, so that your test results will be accurate. The actual test used for a yeast infection is quick and easy. Your healthcare provider will take a sample of your vaginal discharge and look at it under a microscope. The fungus can be easily identified with this technique.
The fungi that cause yeast infections thrive on all surfaces of the body. Yeast infections may take many forms including thrush, diaper rash and other skin infections. Yeast infections are most common in areas of the body that are warm and moist.
You should see your doctor for treatment if you have recurring yeast infections or if you have symptoms of a yeast infection that last for one week or more.
Most yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter topical antifungal creams. The most common of these include:
- Miconazole
- Tioconazole
- Butoconazole
- Clotrimazole
Miconazole Vaginal Cream
Miconazole vaginal cream is the generic name for the brand names: Femizole-M Vaginal Cream, Monistat 3 Vaginal Cream, Monistat 7 Vaginal Cream, and Monistat Vaginal Cream.
Miconazole or Monistat is an antifungal that is used as a vaginal cream or suppository. It is used to treat the most common type of yeast infection due to Candida. These products all relieve the itching and burning symptoms that are common with vaginal yeast infections. The products are available in a 1-day (prescription only), 3-day and 7-day treatment courses.
Miconazole vaginal tablets are use in the vagina only, where as the Miconazole vaginal cream maybe used around the vagina as well.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember and if it is almost time for the next dose use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
Miconazole products should not be used with the blooding thinning drug, Warfarin. It will increase the thinning of blood and may increase bruising and cause bleeding.
It is better to abstain from sexual intercourse until you have finished your treatment. Do not rely on condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps or other barrier devices to prevent pregnancy while using Miconazole products. Miconazole will weaken these devices and can interfere with the proper action of spermicides. This may lead to unwanted pregnancy.
If your clothing gets soiled with the vaginal cream you can wear a sanitary napkin, but not tampons. The tampons will absorb the medication and decrease the efficacy of the medication and require a longer or repeated treatment.
Tioconazole Vaginal Ointment
Tioconazole (Vagistat-1) is an antifungal onitment that is used to treat monilia yeast infections of the vagina. Tioconzaole vaginal ointment should only be used in the vagina. Use the ointment at bedtime by gently inserting the applicator in to the vagina and push the plunger fully to release the ointment. Only one dose is needed for treatment of your yeast infection.
Butoconazole Vaginal Cream
Butoconazole Vaginal Cream is the gneric name for the brand names, Femstat, Gynazole 1, Myselex 3. Butoconzaole vaginal creams are antifungal agents that relieve the symptoms of yeast infections. They are available in 1-day or 3-day treatment approaches.
Clotrimzaole Vaginal Cream
Clotrimzaole Vaginal Cream is the generic name for the brand name antifungals Gyne-Lotrimin, Bynix, Mycelex-7, Myselex-G and Trivagizole. They all are antifungal agents that treat the symptoms of yeast infections. Both vaginal tablets and vaginal creams are available for Clotrimazole products.
Tell your health care professional if your symptoms do not improve after 3 days of use with Clotrimzaole products. Do not use for more than one week. If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, notify your physician prior to using non-prescription products.
Yeast infection Prevention
Fortunately there are several steps you can take to avoid recurring yeast infections.
Here are some tips for preventing yeast infections in the future:
- Avoid wearing tight clothing that may cause irritation of the vaginal and surrounding tissue.
- Wear cotton undergarments when possible.
- Avoid wearing synthetic fiber clothing.
- Avoid wearing panty hose or leotards for extended periods of time.
- Make sure your genital area is dried off completely before you get dressed.
- Don’t wear wet swimsuits or other damp clothing for long periods of time.
- Avoid douching or using feminine sprays regularly.
- Avoid scented tampons or performs.
Treating Recurrent Yeast Infections
Women who experience four or more yeast infections every year have a condition called recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. Up to 8 percent of women suffer from recurrent yeast infections.
Some women with weakened immune systems or those with unmanaged diabetes are more at risk for developing recurrent yeast infection.
Treating women with recurrent yeast infections is often more challenging than treating traditional yeast infections. One of the best ways to treat recurrent infections is to reduce the risk factors associated with infection.
Doctors usually proscribe longer antifungal therapy for women with recurring yeast infections. Reducing the sugar in the diet may also help reduce recurrent infections.
Occasionally your doctor may prescribe suppressive antifungal therapy that can be taken for six months. Typical drugs prescribed for recurrent infections include ketoconazole, intraconazole and clotrimazole.
Studies have also suggested use of a drug called fluconazole may help reduce recurrent vaginal yeast infections, however typically when therapy is discontinued yeast infections again develop.
If you suffer from recurrent yeast infections it is important you talk with your doctor about lifestyle factors that may contribute to your condition. It is possible that changes in your diet and personal habits may improve your condition dramatically. Following the prevention tips listed above may also help reduce the number of recurrences you experience every year.
Though yeast infections are an embarrassing and uncomfortable condition, they are also common. Be sure to talk with your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms of a yeast infection. Together you can come up with a treatment program that will help reduce your discomfort and improve your health and well-being.