Up to 75% of all women are affected by a vaginal yeast infection at some point, with many experiencing multiple occurrences over their lifetimes. Knowing what symptoms to watch for, and which yeast infection treatment to use, can keep the infection from lingering.
Normally, a small number of yeast fungus cells live in your vagina, along with other helpful bacteria. Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria generate acid that inhibits the overpopulation of yeast. Significant imbalances in these yeast-limiting bacteria is what can cause a yeast infection.
If you are experiencing yeast infection symptoms, schedule an appointment with your gynecologist to make sure it is not a symptom of a larger health issue.
Yeast Infection Symptoms
Vaginal yeast infection are a form of vaginitis—an inflammation of your vagina and the labial folds of your vulva. Symptoms include:
- Itching, pain, or soreness around the vaginal opening
- Swelling or redness of the vulva
- Burning sensations during urination or sexual intercourse
- Thick, clumpy, odorless vaginal discharge that is white, yellow or green
- Odor is often described as similar to “bread dough or baking bread”
If you are experiencing yeast infection symptoms, consult with your gynecologist before attempting to treat the infection on your own. These symptoms are often similar to other vaginal infections and sexually transmitted diseases, so make sure you get an official diagnosis.
Yeast Infection Causes
Because yeast infections are caused by a bacterial imbalance, anything that upsets the normal pH of your vagina can be the cause of your discomfort. Try to mitigate or avoid some of these yeast infection triggers to help keep you in balance:
Hormonal Changes
Low estrogen levels due to menopause, pregnancy, your menstrual cycle, hormone therapy, birth control pills, or gestational diabetes can disrupt your vagina’s bacterial balance. Talk to your gynecologist about ways to stabilize your hormone levels.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics kill good bacteria along with the bad and can decrease the lactobacillus bacteria that protect your vagina. Taking probiotics can help you avoid yeast infections caused by certain antibiotics.
High Blood Sugar
Yeast thrives on sugar, which it needs to grow and multiply. High blood sugar levels, like those found in cases of uncontrolled diabetes, can cause an overpopulation of yeast in your vagina.
Douching
Douching with vinegar or other acidic properties is doubly damaging. It kills the protective bacteria in your vagina, causing a pH unbalance. In addition, if you are already suffering from a yeast infection, douching can push the infection up into your uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, causing pelvic inflammatory disease.
Vaginal Intercourse
Semen has its own pH balance that can affect your vaginal flora and change your vagina’s bacterial balance. If you get yeast infections after sex regularly, condoms may help protect your natural pH.
Preventing Yeast Infections
There are precautions you can take to reduce the likelihood of yeast infections from occurring:
- Wear cotton underwear and loose, breathable skirts or pants, and avoid pantyhose
- Avoid douches, feminine hygiene sprays, scented tampons or sanitary pads, and bubble bath
- Wipe from front to back after using the toilet
- Remove damp clothes and shower immediately after swimming or exercising
- Avoid hot baths and hot tubs
- Limit your sugar consumption
- Add yogurt containing live “lactobacillus acidophilus” in your diet
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Probiotic + Prebiotic Gummy like Olly
Recurring yeast infections can be an indication of a larger health issue. Consult with your gynecologist if you have more than two yeast infections a year, or if the above precautions are not reducing the number of yeast infections you experience.
Yeast Infection Treatment
There are several over-the-counter (OTC) treatments for yeast infections that you can find on Amazon. It’s important to note that if you have never been diagnosed with a yeast infection or if you are unsure whether your symptoms are caused by a yeast infection, you should consult with a healthcare provider before starting any treatment.
If you have been diagnosed with a yeast infection before and are experiencing similar symptoms, you may consider OTC treatments such as antifungal creams, suppositories, or tablets that can be inserted vaginally. Some common active ingredients in these treatments include miconazole, clotrimazole, and butoconazole. Additionally, some women may find relief from natural remedies such as boric acid suppositories, tea tree oil, or yogurt.
Available on Amazon:
- Amazon Basic Care Tioconazole Ointment 6.5 Percent, Antifungal, 1-Dose Treatment
-
Love Wellness The Killer, Boric Acid Suppositories for Women
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Lovebug Yeast + Vaginal pH Support | Clinically Studied Ingredients for Yeast & UTIs
It’s important to carefully read the instructions and warnings before using any OTC treatment and to follow the recommended dosage and treatment duration. If your symptoms persist or worsen after using an OTC treatment, you should consult with a healthcare provider. It’s also important to note that some OTC treatments may interact with other medications or medical conditions, so it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.
The Woman’s Clinic is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide sites with a means to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com based on our patient’s needs and desires.
If you have symptoms or questions about yeast infection treatment, contact The Woman’s Clinic at 501.222.4175 to schedule an appointment. Since the 1930’s, our P.A. board-certified physicians have provided state-of-the-art care for women in a comfortable, caring, and private setting.
Learn more check out our blog: The V Itch
