Yeast Infections

Pelvis | Gynecology | Yeast Infections (Disease)


Description

Fungal vaginitis is caused by excessive growth of fungus in the vagina. Fungal infections are very common in women of childbearing age but can occur at any age. Although it creates discomfort, vaginitis rarely can cause serious fungal infections.

Symptoms of the fungal vaginitis include: Pruritus (itching) that can become severe; Leucorrhoea (vaginal discharge) white cheese, odorless; red and irritated vulva (the skin around the vaginal opening); pain at micturition (urination), when urine touches the irritated skin; dyspareunia (painful intercourse).

Symptoms of vaginal yeast infection usually occur in the week before menstruation. There are other diseases with similar symptoms of vaginal yeast infections, such as, for example, bacterial vaginosis and sexually transmitted infections. Itching and redness of the vulva may be caused by a reaction to vaginal products such as soap, bath oils, spermicides or shower gels. These symptoms should be reviewed by a doctor.

Causes and Risk factors

Most of the vaginal yeast are caused by Candida albicans, a yeast that can be treated effectively with standard antifungal agents. Recurrent vaginal fungal infections involving other than Candida albicans are resistant to standard treatments. Chronic yeast syndrome, a condition in which a excessive growth of yeast affects the whole body, was not medically demonstrated.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Vaginal fungal infections will resolve themselves without treatment, usually at the beginning of the menstruation, as the increase of vaginal pH decreases fungs. There are significant differences between occasional fungal vaginitis, easily treated and recurrent ones, which seriously affect a womans life. Recurrent fungal vaginitis can be difficult to prevent and treat. ...