HealthyCanada.com

Overview

Candidiasis also known as a "yeast infection" or VVC is a common fungal infection that occurs when there is overgrowth of the fungus called Candida. Candida is always present in the body in small amounts. However when an imbalance occurs such as when the normal acidity of the vagina changes or when hormonal balance changes Candida can multiply. When that happens symptoms of candidiasis appear. Three out of 4 women will experience at least one yeast infection in their life. Men can also develop genital candidiasis although it is rare.

Causes

While yeast infections are common in women it's not generally known that taking antibiotics to treat an entirely different infection can increase your risks of a yeast infection. It is one of many causes:

Antibiotics: If you've been prescribed antibiotics for an infection the antibiotics that are supposed to kill the bad' bacteria can kill the good' bacteria as well. When there's more bad' than good' bacteria present in your vagina a yeast infection can develop.

Steroids: If you're taking steroids an overgrowth of yeast can multiply in your vagina causing a yeast infection.

Diabetes: If you have diabetes that isn't being managed properly you're at risk for developing a yeast infection because yeast flourishes if the blood sugar levels in your urine get too high.

Hormones: A lot of young women tend to get a yeast infection prior to their period. Experts think this is probably because of the hormonal changes that occur in the body around the time of menstruation. Hormone changes due to pregnancy can cause overgrowth of yeast in the vagina as well.

Clothes: Sometimes when you wear underwear or pants that are too tight or made of synthetic materials such as nylon heat and moisture get trapped. Yeast thrives in warm moist places.

Sexual Activity: Although you don't have to be having sex to get a yeast infection it's also possible to get it from an infected partner during sexual intercourse. This is rare however.

Symptoms

The severity of symptoms vary. Some common symptoms include:

• Vaginal itching and irritation
• Vulva redness swelling or itching (the folds of skin outside the vagina)
• Thick discharge

If you've noticed any of these symptoms it's important to see your family doctor or gynecologist right away. He or she will take a swab of the infected area and a lab test will determine if yeast is the cause of your discomfort. Sometimes these symptoms can be confused with a urinary tract infection or sexually transmitted diseases. Only your doctor will be able to give you an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment

If your doctor determines that you have a mild yeast infection he or she may advise you to pick up an over-the-counter medication for an anti-fungal drug. A variety of products are available some are taken orally others applied to the affected area or used vaginally. Some are to be used for just one day others for three or seven days. Your doctor can let you know which is best for you. These drugs tend to cure the infection in 80%-90% of cases. However infections that do not respond to treatment are becoming more common especially in women with HIV who have been receiving long-term antifungal therapy. It is important not to diagnose yourself and start using one of these medications without first speaking with your doctor. Using these drugs when they are not needed may lead to a resistant infection. Resistant infections are very difficult to treat with the currently available medications for VVC.

Prevention

Since yeast loves moist and warm environments make sure you don't create one! Clothing such as wet bathing suits tight panties jeans and exercise gear nylon or any other man made material tend to trap moisture easily and increases the likelihood of a yeast infection.

If you are sensitive to certain dyes perfumes soaps bath gels laundry detergents lotions or sanitary products the irritation could set you up for a yeast infection. It would probably be best to use fragrance-free soap and laundry detergents whenever possible.

Try to wear cotton underwear that isn't too tight. This will help keep your vagina clean and dry. Always make sure that your panties are completely dry before wearing them. After swimming don't lounge around in your wet suit and avoid wearing pantyhose or jeans that are too tight.