Candida is the scientific name for yeast. It is a
fungus that lives almost everywhere, including in
your body. Usually, your immune system keeps yeast
under control. If you are sick or taking
antibiotics, it can multiply and cause an infection.
Yeast infections affect different parts of the
body in different ways:
Antifungal medicines eliminate yeast infections
in most people. If you have a weak immune system,
treatment might be more difficult.
Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina. It
often is caused by infections, some of which are
associated with serious diseases. The most common
vaginal infections are
-
bacterial vaginosis
-
trichomoniasis
-
vaginal yeast infection
Some vaginal infections are transmitted through
sexual contact, but others, such as yeast
infections, probably are not.
Other causes of vaginitis
Although most vaginal infections in women are due
to bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, or yeast,
there may be other causes as well. These causes
include other sexually transmitted infections,
allergic reactions, and irritations.
Allergic symptoms can be caused by spermicides,
vaginal hygiene products, detergents, and fabric
softeners. Inflammation of the cervix (opening to
the womb) from these products often is associated
with abnormal vaginal discharge, but health care
providers can tell them apart from true vaginal
infections by doing lab tests.
Symptoms
The most frequent symptoms of yeast infection in
women are itching, burning, and irritation of the
vagina. Painful urination and painful intercourse
also are common.
Vaginal discharge is not always present and may
only be present in small amounts. The thick,
whitish-gray discharge is typically described as
cottage-cheese-like, although it can vary from
watery to thick.
Most male partners of women with yeast infections
do not have any symptoms of the infection. Some men,
however, have reported temporary rashes and burning
sensations of the penis after intercourse if they
did not use condoms.
Treatment
Various antifungal vaginal medicines are
available to treat yeast infections. Women can buy
antifungal creams to be applied directly to the
area, tablets to be taken orally, or suppositories (butoconazole,
miconazole, clotrimazole, and tioconazole) for use
in the vagina.
Because bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and
yeast infections are difficult to tell apart on the
basis of symptoms alone, a woman with vaginal
symptoms should see her health care provider for an
accurate diagnosis before using these products.
Women who have chronic or recurring yeast
infections may need to be treated with vaginal
creams or oral medicines for long periods of time.
HIV-infected women can develop severe yeast
infections that often do not respond to treatment.