A vaginal yeast infection is also called Candida vaginal infections naturally are caused by the Candida albicans fungus. During a life, 75% of all women are probable to have at least one vaginal Candida infection and up to 45% have two or more. Women tend to be more possible to get to vaginal yeast infections if their bodies are in stress from poor diet, lack of sleep, illness or when they are pregnant or taking antibiotics. Women with immune-suppressing diseases like diabetes and HIV infection also are at increased risk.

Diagnosis:

The doctor will think an infection based on the symptoms. The doctor will do a pelvic examination to look for inflammation and a white discharge in the vagina and around the vaginal opening. The doctor may also take a sample of the vaginal discharge for quick examination under a microscope in the office or to send to a laboratory to examine for yeast organisms, like Candida fungi.

Treatment:

Vaginal yeast infections can be treated with antifungal drugs that are inserted directly into the vagina as tablets, creams, ointments or suppositories. These medications include butoconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole, nystatin, tioconazole and terconazole. A single dose of oral fluconazole also may be used, although this cure is not recommended during pregnancy. Treatment of sex partners is not generally necessary, as most vaginal yeast infections are not transmitted sexually. If a male sex partner shows indications of Candida balanitis, he may require to be treated with an antifungal cream or ointment. Although several medications used to treat vaginal yeast infections are now obtainable without a prescription, one must use these medications only for treating recur infections, not for the first episode. Any woman who experiences symptoms of a vaginal infection for the primary time must visit a doctor. This is vital to be sure that the vaginal discharge and pain is caused by yeast and not sexually transmitted infections. About 5% of women with vaginal yeast infections increase recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis that is defined as four or more vaginal yeast infections in a one-year period. Although it is more common in women who have diabetes or weakened immune systems and most women with it have no underlying medical illness that would predispose them to recurrent Candida infections.