Do I Have A Yeast Infection?

The question of, "Do I have a yeast infection?," can be answered clearly and simply. However, it's helpful to know that a yeast infection is rather common for a large number of women because this type of infection is easy to acquire. Yeast infections happen when there is an over abundance of an organism known as Candida albicans. This precise organism is ever-present inside the vagina, although it generally gives no symptoms of infection; however at times when a woman experiences changes in her life as a result of medication or pregnancy, this organism starts to grow rapidly.

You can usually tell if you have a yeast infection as you will see a discharge that is thick and creamy. There may also be an odor to it and the color of the discharge will be white or yellow. In addition, there is generally itching that occurs in and around the vagina. Along with the itching a burning sensation will also be present and your vaginal area could be red and swollen. There may also be a burning sensation when you urinate and sex might be very painful. A way that will assist you to know if you are suffering from a yeast infection instead of a urinary tract infection is as follows—when you have a yeast infection the burning happens when your urine comes into contact with the sore skin of the vulva. However, with a urinary infection the burning will occur as the urine moves down before coming out.

It has been found that seventy five percent of women will have a yeast infection once during their life. If and when you get symptoms of a yeast infection, you have to see your GP. They will discuss these symptoms and give you a proper examination. There are a number of things that may cause a vaginal yeast infection including taking antibiotics, an HIV infection, diabetes and a higher than normal estrogen level brought on by hormone replacement therapy or a pregnancy.

A yeast infection will be diagnosed by an O.B.G.Y.N. Once you are diagnosed, he or she will prescribe you some medicine that should help cure the yeast infection. Often, yeast infection treatment can be purchased without a prescription. Suppositories, antifungal cream or antifungal tablets that can be swallowed, are usually prescribed for this condition..

To prevent a yeast infection it's recommended that you generally wear cotton underwear, avoid wearing tight fitting pants, scented toilet paper, douches and deodorant tampons. You can also avoid a yeast infection by wiping from front to back after using the wc.

It is extremely important that you see your physician as soon as you experience the signs of an infection as yeast infection symptoms can also be the symptoms of some other infections such as sexually transmitted infections.