Vaginal Infection
Vaginal yeast infection, or vulvovaginal candidiasis, is a common cause of vaginal irritation. This common fungal infection occurs when there is an imbalance of the fungus called Candida albicans. Although this vaginal bacterial infection is not considered an STI, 12 to 15 percent of men develop symptoms after sexual contact with an infected partner.
Yeast are always present in the vagina in small numbers, and symptoms only appear with overgrowth. Health experts estimate that approximately 75 percent of all women will have at least one yeast vaginal yeast infection symptoms with symptoms during their lifetimes.
Several factors are associated with increased yeast infection in women, including
- Being pregnant
- Having uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
- Using oral contraceptives or antibiotics
- Douches
- Perfumed feminine hygiene sprays
- Topical antibiotics and steroid medicines
Health experts do not know whether yeast can be transmitted sexually. Because almost all women have the fungus in their vaginas, it has been difficult for researchers to study this aspect.
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 be a small amount. 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 vaginal yeast infection symptoms. Some men, however, have reported temporary rashes and burning sensations of the penis after intercourse if they did not use condoms.
Diagnosis
Because few specific signs and symptoms are usually present, health care providers cannot diagnose this condition by a person’s medical history and physical examination. They usually diagnose yeast infection by examining vaginal secretions under a microscope for evidence of yeast.
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 BV, trichomoniasis, and yeast infection 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.
Other products available over the counter contain antihistamines or topical anesthetics that only mask the symptoms and do not treat the vaginal bacterial infection.
Women who have chronic or recurring Vaginal yeast infection may need to be treated with vaginal creams or oral medicines for long periods of time.
HIV-infected women may have severe yeast infections that often do not respond to treatment.
Other Causes
Although most vaginal infections in women are due to bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, or yeast, there may be other causes as well. These causes include allergic reactions, irritations, and other STIs.
Allergic symptoms can be caused by spermicides, vaginal hygiene products, detergents, and fabric softeners. Cervical inflammation 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.