Vaginal yeast infections are caused by overgrowth of Candida albicans type of yeast found in the vagina. This organism is normally found in small quantities in the vagina, mouth, digestive tract and skin. Women of all ages can get yeast infections. Throughout life, 75% of all women who could have at least one vaginal yeast infection and up to 45% have two or more.
Vaginal yeast infections may be confused with other conditions such as bacterial vaginosis, other infectious vaginitis and trichomoniasis. Of these three conditions, trichomoniasis is the only one for a sexually transmitted disease.
Women tend to be more prone to vaginal yeast infections if their bodies are under stress due to poor diet, illness, lack of sleep and when you take antibiotics or medicines, corticosteroids. Other common triggers include pregnancy, diabetes, steroids, birth control pills, pH balance, and obesity.
Vaginal yeast infections can also occur as a result of internal vaginal injury, such as after chemotherapy. Also, women with suppressed immune systems (such as those taking cortisone-related medicines such as prednisone) develop vaginal yeast infections (yeast vaginitis) more often than women with normal immunity.
Symptoms of vaginal yeast infection include redness, burning, itching and irritation of the vaginal area. Swelling of the vulva may be present in serious cases, swelling and painful urination and may be more frequent. Sometimes there is a yellow-green frothy vaginal discharge, which may have a bad odor, but not always.
Vaginal yeast infections are common and easily treated in most women, but became more and more difficult to treat in women with HIV. Treatments for yeast infections include prescription and over-the-counter medications. Pills, taken orally, requiring a prescription. Length of treatment varies depending on the vaginal medication you use. Single-day treatments are stronger and more comfortable.
If you are pregnant, do not use antifungal medication pills that you take by mouth.