Vaginal Yeast Infection: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Stay One Step Ahead!

What is a vaginal yeast infection?

Vaginal yeast infection or Vaginal Candidiasis is the infection caused by Candida, a type of fungus. Usually harmless, this fungus resides on your skin and inside your body in the mouth, gut, and vagina.

The problem occurs when the environment in your vagina changes in such a way that the balance between yeast and bacteria is disturbed, causing Candida to grow out of proportion, leading to a vaginal yeast infection.

What are the Signs & Symptoms of Yeast infection?

The main and most common yeast infection symptoms are itchiness and extreme discomfort. These symptoms can, however, be accompanied by several other symptoms such as:

• Itching, swelling, burning, and redness of the vulva: Soreness in the external part of the female genitalia.
• Burning sensation during urination: Experiencing pain when passing urine.
• Vaginal discharge that is thick, whitish or greyish and resembles cottage cheese: Usually odourless, though in some cases, the yeast infection discharge can be foul-smelling.
• Painful sexual intercourse: Experiencing intense pain during sex.

The symptoms can be mild or severe, depending upon how long the infection has been left untreated.

What are the causes of Yeast Infection?

Your vagina is equipped with bacteria called lactobacillus, which keeps the growth of Candida in check. However, several causes can create an imbalance in the natural system, leading to an overgrowth of Candida, which ultimately leads to a vaginal yeast infection. These include:

• Hormonal changes: Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy, lactation, or menopause, and imbalances caused by birth control pills can disturb the balance of yeast and bacteria in your vagina.
• Antibiotics: Strong antibiotic medication can kill off the good bacteria in your body, leading to unchecked growth of yeast.
• Chronic diabetes: High levels of blood sugar create an ideal environment for yeast to thrive.
• Intimate hygiene products: Using products with strong fragrances can disturb the pH level of your vagina, causing yeast infections.
• Weakened immunity: Immuno-deficiency disorders or a weakened immune system can contribute to yeast infections.

What may increase the risk of getting a vaginal infection?

Major risk factors that put women at risk of developing a yeast infection include:

• Antibiotics
• Weakened immunity
• Usage of contraceptive methods such as birth control pills, known to cause hormonal imbalances, and intrauterine devices.

Other contributing factors include poor vaginal hygiene, chronic stress, erratic sleep schedules, consumption of highly sugary food, and lifestyle disorders such as obesity. Even though yeast infections are not categorized as sexually transmitted infections, sexual contact can spread yeast infections from person to person.

When to See A Doctor?

If the symptoms of yeast infection persist or the infection is recurring, it is best to visit your healthcare professional. This will help rule out other serious conditions characterized by similar symptoms, like STIs and other forms of bacterial overgrowth in the vagina.

It is best not to self-treat and get an expert's opinion for prescribing yeast infection medicines and the best course of treatment.

To accurately diagnose your condition, your gynecologist might:

• Ask questions about your health and recent medical history.
• Perform a pelvic examination to observe external genitalia for any signs of infection such as redness, soreness, or swelling.
• Use an instrument to examine your vaginal walls and cervix.
• Prescribe a test for your vaginal fluids by collecting a sample of your vaginal secretions. By determining the kind of fungus causing the infection, they can prescribe targeted and more effective treatment.

Key Takeaway

Vaginal yeast infections can be itchy and uncomfortable, but they are completely treatable. Do not suffer in silence. Talk to your primary health giver if you think you are suffering from a yeast infection. Open up to your mother, elder sister, or even the teachers or counsellors in your school. They are there to help you navigate such situations. Depending upon the severity of your infection, visit your doctor's office for a thorough examination and timely treatment to avoid future complications.