Yeast Infection
YEAST INFECTIONS
Yeast Infections are a common problem, and if you experience them, you're definitely not alone if you have one.
What is" Yeast"? Yeast is a fungus we all have, all over our bodies. The amount of yeast, however, is usually kept in check by the body's internal systems. The acidity of the vagina, for instance, can help stave off an overgrowth of yeast. Unfortunately, when the vaginal environment becomes less acidic than it should be, the yeast takes advantage and begins to grow rapidly. The result? A yeast infection.
Why do we get an infection? Personal habits like douching, using scented feminine hygiene products or wearing tight underwear that retains moisture can all contribute to yeast infections. Not changing out of exercise clothes made of synthetic fabrics right after a workout could be one of the reasons.
In some cases, certain medical issues can set the stage for frequent yeast infections. Any woman can get an infection, it's more common in women with diabetes, women who are overweight, and in those who are on estrogen-containing medications or birth control pills."
Additionally, if you've recently taken antibiotics for another infection or you're taking steroids for a medical condition, you're at increased risk for a vaginal yeast infection. Illnesses like HIV that affect your immune system and, as a result, your body's ability to fight off infections, can also lead to chronic infections.
Frequent occurrence of yeast infections??
If multiple infections occur within a year, you should see your doctor for a full evaluation and to find out if you need to take a different treatment approach. "Most gynecologists consider more than three yeast infections a year to be abnormal," says Dr. Gray-Swain. "If a woman suffers from recurrent yeast infections, her doctor may do a special yeast culture to find out if it is from a rare form or a resistant strain of yeast."
If medication taken previously wasn't the right one to eliminate your particular type of infection. "Some women require multiple treatment doses initially if the infection is severe, and then suppressive therapy, where they take a medication for a certain period to prevent repeated infection. If a woman has what she thinks are recurrent infections despite using over the counter, she should certainly see her doctor to make sure it really is a infection," Gray-Swain advises. http://www.YouTube.com/watch?v=kmscXUCT5cU
Repeated Infections: It could be some other infection
Even if you experience symptoms similar to prior infections, keep in mind that another type of vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis, could actually be to blame. "Yeast, bacteria, and some sexually transmitted infections can all cause vaginal itching, discomfort, and discharge," Gray-Swain says. "Distinguishing which infection is the cause of a woman's symptoms can be tricky and takes the expertise of a doctor to look under a microscope and/or order special tests. It's not easy or reliable to determine what the infection is based solely on symptoms." This is why it's so important to schedule a doctor's appointment when you have a vaginal infection that simply won't go away.
Fortunately, even if you do have recurrent infections, you don't have to live with the symptoms indefinitely -- effective medications do exist. If you're experiencing chronic vaginal infections, see your doctor to find out exactly what's causing them so that you can get the appropriate treatment.
Yeast Infections are a common problem, and if you experience them, you're definitely not alone if you have one.
What is" Yeast"? Yeast is a fungus we all have, all over our bodies. The amount of yeast, however, is usually kept in check by the body's internal systems. The acidity of the vagina, for instance, can help stave off an overgrowth of yeast. Unfortunately, when the vaginal environment becomes less acidic than it should be, the yeast takes advantage and begins to grow rapidly. The result? A yeast infection.
Why do we get an infection? Personal habits like douching, using scented feminine hygiene products or wearing tight underwear that retains moisture can all contribute to yeast infections. Not changing out of exercise clothes made of synthetic fabrics right after a workout could be one of the reasons.
In some cases, certain medical issues can set the stage for frequent yeast infections. Any woman can get an infection, it's more common in women with diabetes, women who are overweight, and in those who are on estrogen-containing medications or birth control pills."
Additionally, if you've recently taken antibiotics for another infection or you're taking steroids for a medical condition, you're at increased risk for a vaginal yeast infection. Illnesses like HIV that affect your immune system and, as a result, your body's ability to fight off infections, can also lead to chronic infections.
Frequent occurrence of yeast infections??
If multiple infections occur within a year, you should see your doctor for a full evaluation and to find out if you need to take a different treatment approach. "Most gynecologists consider more than three yeast infections a year to be abnormal," says Dr. Gray-Swain. "If a woman suffers from recurrent yeast infections, her doctor may do a special yeast culture to find out if it is from a rare form or a resistant strain of yeast."
If medication taken previously wasn't the right one to eliminate your particular type of infection. "Some women require multiple treatment doses initially if the infection is severe, and then suppressive therapy, where they take a medication for a certain period to prevent repeated infection. If a woman has what she thinks are recurrent infections despite using over the counter, she should certainly see her doctor to make sure it really is a infection," Gray-Swain advises. http://www.YouTube.com/watch?v=kmscXUCT5cU
Repeated Infections: It could be some other infection
Even if you experience symptoms similar to prior infections, keep in mind that another type of vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis, could actually be to blame. "Yeast, bacteria, and some sexually transmitted infections can all cause vaginal itching, discomfort, and discharge," Gray-Swain says. "Distinguishing which infection is the cause of a woman's symptoms can be tricky and takes the expertise of a doctor to look under a microscope and/or order special tests. It's not easy or reliable to determine what the infection is based solely on symptoms." This is why it's so important to schedule a doctor's appointment when you have a vaginal infection that simply won't go away.
Fortunately, even if you do have recurrent infections, you don't have to live with the symptoms indefinitely -- effective medications do exist. If you're experiencing chronic vaginal infections, see your doctor to find out exactly what's causing them so that you can get the appropriate treatment.
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