Yeast infection is a very common health problem for women. Yeast is a form of fungus that occurs naturally in moist body regions like the skin, the mouth and the private parts. In women, it is mostly found in the vagina and to a lesser extent in those other body parts.
Yeast infection in women is associated with a condition referred to as vaginitis, which is an inflammation of the vagina. Other terms for this condition are vaginal yeast infection, or vaginal candidiasis. Due to the fact that yeast occurs naturally in the vagina, it has been reported that up to seventy five per cent of women experience vaginitis at some point in their lives.
Yeast infection in women is much more serious as compared to the same infection in men.
There are also many more causal factors for women. When yeast infection occurs in women, conditions such as vulvitis may also develop; this is a condition where the external genital organs become inflamed. This inflammation of the vulva is a complication of vaginitis. However, it should be noted that vulvitis may be caused by several different factors and thus vaginal yeast infection is not the only possible cause of an inflammation of the clitoris and the labia. What causes yeast infection in women? To answer this question, we should perhaps focus on vaginal yeast infections and their causes.
Generally, vaginal yeast infections in women are reported either when there has been an introduction of new yeast in the vagina, or when the naturally occurring yeast in the same area has increased to a significant extent. The factors mentioned are often associated with intake of particular antibiotics like those taken to help cure urinary tract or respiratory tract infections. When such cases are reported, the yeast could well have multiplied and started spreading to other tissues. This later leads to a noticeable irritation in the lining of the vagina. Note, however, that a vaginal yeast infection in women can also occur when the inner parts of the vagina, like the lining of the vaginal wall, have been injured.
Diabetes mellitus, which is a very common condition in both men and women, can act as a causing agent in yeast infection, but it can have particularly severe effects in women. Pregnancy and oral contraceptives have also been identified as very significant factors that can cause yeast infection in women. Women who use vaginal perfume are also at a greater risk of contracting this condition. Although vaginal yeast has been the subject of continued discussion and scrutiny in relation to sexually transmitted conditions, it has now been widely accepted that it does not fall into this category. Consequently, it has been concluded that vaginal yeast infection in women cannot be classified as a sexually transmitted infection. However, men who come into contact with infected women can develop skin irritation and rashes. Under normal conditions, Candida is actually present naturally in the vagina and thus this condition is not termed as a sexually transmitted infection.
As the underlying symptoms of yeast infection are physically noticeable, in many cases women would prefer to diagnose the condition from home and treat it by means of remedies purchased over the counter. However, the difficulty is that yeast infection can often resemble other, sexually transmitted conditions in its signs and symptoms. To be sure of making the right diagnosis, it pays to consult a doctor. Only a doctor can establish for sure if the patient is suffering from vaginal yeast infection or some other problem, by performing an examination using a microscope. If you have increased itching and the urge to scratch around the vaginal area, it is certainly likely that yeast infection could be the cause; however, other conditions like gonorrhoea or syphilis may also cause the same symptoms. This is why additional symptoms, such as a burning sensation around the vulva region, as well as soreness and pain during urination and intercourse, can be used to make the correct diagnosis.
Yeast Infection in Women symptoms
Another common symptom is vaginal discharge, but note that this may not always be present. However, when present it might or might not be accompanied by a smell. The discharge can also be whitish and somewhat thick in appearance. When checking for the condition, the doctor will take a specimen and observe it through a microscope. This is absolutely necessary before prescribing any form of medication to the patient.
