Content

• Steps
• Warning

Yeast infection is a very common disease caused by a type of yeast called Candida albicans cause. Candida is part of the flora that lives in the vagina along with beneficial bacteria and is usually controlled by the immune system. However, sometimes the balance between yeasts and bacteria can be disrupted, leading to yeast overgrowth and yeast infections (vaginal candidiasis). Most women have a yeast infection once in their life. This can be very uncomfortable, so it's important to know if you have a yeast infection and seek prompt treatment.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Assessment of symptoms

1. 

   Watch for symptoms. There are a number of physical signs that indicate a yeast infection. The most common symptoms include:
   • Itching (especially in the vulva or around the vaginal opening).
   • Pain, redness, and discomfort in the vaginal area.
   • Pain or burning while urinating or having sex.
   • A thick discharge (like cottage cheese), white and odorless in your vagina. Note that not all women have these symptoms.

2. 

   
   
   Think about possible causes. If you are not sure if you have a yeast infection, think about the most common causes of a yeast infection:
   • Antibiotics Many women get a yeast infection for several days after taking antibiotics. Antibiotics kill certain beneficial bacteria in the body, including bacteria that prevent the growth of the yeast, leading to a yeast infection. If you have been taking an antibiotic recently and you have had a burning and itching sensation in your vagina, you may have a yeast infection.
   • Periods Women are more likely to get yeast infections during menstruation. During menstruation, the hormone estrogen produces glycogen (a form of sugar present inside cells). When progesterone is elevated, cells slough off in the vagina, providing sugar for yeast to multiply and grow. So, if you notice any of these symptoms near your period, you may have a yeast infection.
   • Birth control pills Some oral contraceptives and emergency contraceptives can alter hormone levels (mainly estrogen), which in turn can lead to a yeast infection.
   • Douching - Douching method is mainly used to clean the vagina after menstruation. According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, frequent douching can change the balance of flora and acidity in the vagina, thereby disrupting the balance between beneficial bacteria and harmful bacteria. Probiotics levels help maintain an acidic environment, and the destruction of beneficial bacteria can overgrow harmful bacteria, leading to yeast infections.
   • Available condition Certain diseases or health conditions such as HIV or diabetes can also cause yeast infections.
   • Overall health Illness, obesity, poor sleep habits, and stress can increase your risk of developing a yeast infection.

3. 

   
   
   Check the pH at home. You can do a test to guess if you have a yeast infection. The normal pH level in the vagina is around 4, which means it's slightly acidic. Please follow the instructions included with the test kit.
   • When you test the pH, you will apply a piece of pH paper against the wall of your vagina for a few seconds, then compare the color of the paper with the chart in the test kit. The number on the chart shows the color that most closely matches the color of the paper, which is the number that indicates the pH of your vagina.
   • If the test results are above 4, it is best to see your doctor. This are not indicates a yeast infection, which could be a sign of another infection.
   • If the test shows less than 4, it is possible (but not certain) that it is a yeast infection.
   advertisement

Part 2 of 2: See your doctor to get diagnosed

1. 

   
   
   Make an appointment to go to the doctor's office. If you have never had a yeast infection in the past or are unsure if you have it, you should make an appointment to see your doctor or gynecologist. This is the only way sure to see if you have a yeast infection. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis, as many vaginal infections are often mistaken for a yeast infection. In fact, although yeast infections are very common in women, it is very difficult to diagnose yourself correctly. Research shows that only 35% of women with a history of yeast infection are able to make an accurate diagnosis based on symptoms alone.
   • If you are having a period, consider waiting for your period to end before you see a doctor, if possible. But if you have severe symptoms, you should see your doctor as soon as possible, even during your period.
   • If you go to a visiting clinic instead of going to your regular doctor, you should bring a complete medical history with you.
   • Pregnant women should not treat a yeast infection before consulting with a doctor.

2. 

   Get a physical exam, including a vaginal exam. For an accurate diagnosis, the doctor will examine the labia and vulva to check for infection, usually without a full pelvic exam.Then, the doctor will use a cotton swab to take a sample of the vaginal discharge to examine under a microscope for yeast or other signs of infection. This is called the white blood smear test and is the first to determine a yeast infection of the vagina. Your doctor may order additional tests to rule out other causes of symptoms, such as sexually transmitted infections.
   • Yeast can be identified under a microscope because of the form of buds or branches.
   • Not all yeast infections are caused by the yeast candida albicans; Besides candida albicans there are some other types of yeast. Sometimes a yeast culture test is needed if the infection keeps coming back.
   • Remember that there are many possible causes of vaginal discomfort, including other infections such as bacterial vaginosis or whip vaginitis. For example, many of the symptoms of a yeast infection are very similar to those of a sexually transmitted infection.

3. 

   Get treatment. Your doctor may prescribe fluconazole (Diflucan) oral antifungal medication in a single dose. Symptoms should subside within 12-24 hours. This is the fastest and most effective way to treat a yeast infection. There are a number of over-the-counter and prescription topical medications, including antifungal creams, antifungal ointments, and antifungal suppositories that are applied or placed in the vagina. Talk to your doctor about the optimal treatment options for you.
   • Once you have had a yeast infection and have been diagnosed by your doctor, you can later diagnose the infection yourself and treat it with over-the-counter medications. However, even patients who have previously had a yeast infection often mistakenly diagnose themselves. If your treatment with over-the-counter medications doesn't help, you should see your doctor.
   • Call your doctor if symptoms do not improve after 3 days, or any symptoms change (for example, increased vaginal discharge or discoloration).
   advertisement

Warning

• The first time you suspect you have a yeast infection, you should see your doctor for a diagnosis. After the first diagnosis, you may be able to self-treat subsequent yeast infections (if the illness is uncomplicated or gets worse).
• Recurrent yeast infections (4 or more times per year) may be a sign of more serious disorders, such as diabetes, cancer or HIV-AIDs.