Vaginal yeast infection is an infection caused by a fungus or yeast (candida) which is located on the vulva or vagina. This fungus is always present in small amounts in the mouth, vagina, digestive tract and skin. Among healthy people, the “friendly” bacteria and digestive system prevent the fungus to cause an infection. However, when the immune system is weakened or damaged, it is more likely that the Candida to grow and cause the disease.
The diagnosis of vaginal yeast infection is easy to do, the gynecologist often recognized it during a vagina examination, but to fortify the diagnosis usually ask for an analysis of the vaginal discharge, cytology or culture.
Vaginal yeast infection produces a kind of smelly, thick, yellowish-white flow that can be accompanied by itching, burning and swelling. It can also make walking, urinating or having sex very painful.
Vaginal yeast infection may be an occasional problem for women even healthier. However, it is more common and more severe in the case of women whose immune systems are weakened. For many, the recurrence or worsening of an infection resulting from vaginal yeast is the first symptom of HIV infection.
Certain drugs can alter |he natural organisms found in the vagina, which in turn can boost the growth of Candida, causing vaginal yeast infection. Among them, you can find the prolonged use of antibiotics, steroids and oral contraceptives (birth control) with high estrogen content.
On the other hand, there are external factors that may cause vaginal yeast infection, such as an exaggeratmd hygiene. The skin has its own defense mechanisms that, at the level of the vagina, are threatened by excessive washing and bathing with scented soaps, bath essences and the constant use of intimate sprays. The artificial fiber underwear or too tight jeans are also external factors to consider. These items create a warm and low in oxygen atmosphere, favoring the growth and reproduction of fungi and vaginal yeast infection.
The transmission of vaginal yeast infection is straightforward because the Candida is found in the lining of the body in small amounts without causing symptoms. Proliferates in the vagina when an imbalance of flora is produced by certain medications, pregnancy or when the immune system is weakened. It also can be spread through sexual contact or by direct contact with infected clothing.
Vaginal yeast infection can cause the following symptoms: vaginal itching, with or without irritation; Thick, white and creamy, with little odor flow; redness; swelling and pain at the vaginal orifice area; burning during urination and pain when having sex.
