Yeast infections are known by various names in medical science: Vaginal candidiasis, Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) OR genital candidiasis. A vaginal yeast infection is an irritation of the vagina and the vulva. Yeast infections are bacterial infections caused by candida albicans. These Candida albicans account for about 92% of all cases of yeast infections. The remainder falls under other candida species. It is a medical condition where a large number of bacteria live on the human body in small numbers. Yeast are a kind of fungus. While vaginal yeast infection can occur from having sexual intercourse, they are not considered to be sexually transmitted diseases otherwise known as STDs.

Yeast Infection Symptoms

The symptoms of yeast infection are various depending on the severity. In some cases, symptoms do not appear especially when it is a mild condition.

Some of the more common ones are severe itching in and around the vagina. Some people might also feel a burning sensation in the vagina area and yet others might experience swelling. A common symptom is a whitish/gray cheesy discharge from the vagina. This discharge might be thick or watery. Quite a number of women have also felt a burning sensation while urinating, as well as pains during sexual intercourse.

• Vaginal Itching
• Vaginal pain, irritation, or burning sensation
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Vaginal redness or swelling
• Itching of vulva
• Abnormal vaginal discharge

Yeast Infection Causes

Although the bacteria that causes yeast infections live naturally in our bodies, their growth is checked by the acidity level within the vagina. A drop within this acidity level can cause the yeast to multiply to large numbers beyond control thereby resulting in a yeast infection. Other conditions, which can cause the yeast infection, include irregular menstrual cycles, pregnancy, steroids, birth control, antibiotics, intake of a large amount of sweets and excessive moisture within the vagina.

• Low acidity levels
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Pregnancy
• Steroids
• Birth control
• Antibiotics
• Excessive consumption of sweets
• Excessive moisture

Yeast Infection Diagnosis

The diagnosis of yeast infection is preceded by the patient explaining their symptoms to the physicians.

• Of all the symptoms of yeast infections, the vaginal discharge with a foul odor is most likely to suggest an immediate diagnosis examination.
• Following the description of this symptom, the healthcare professional will now perform a gynecological exam that would require checking the vagina for any inflammation or abnormal discharges.
• Some health practitioners will take a sample of the discharge for further examination in a laboratory.

Yeast Infection Treatment

The treatment of yeast infections depends largely on the severity and composition of the condition.

• In minor cases, the prescription of an antifungal cream, suppository or tablet is usually the treatment. While most of these can be purchased over the counter, others are mainly by prescription.
• Some oral medication such as Diflucan have proved to be highly effective.
• For more complicated yeast infection types such as Vaginal yeast infection also known as Candidiasis, will need a more aggressive form of treatment such as more concentrated forms of suppository, ointments and tablets. Examples of some ointment you can buy yourself include Miconazole, Clotrimazole, Tioconazole, and Butoconazole. Before using this medications be sure to read the instructions and use as directed.