A vaginal yeast infection is an infection caused by fungus. Vaginal yeast infection is sometimes referred to as yeast vaginitis, Candidal vaginitis, or Candidal vulvovaginitis.
The scientific name for the yeast that causes vaginitis is Candida. Over 90% of vaginal yeast infections are caused by the species known as Candida albicans. Other Candida species make up the remainder of yeast infections.
Candida species can be present in healthy women in the vagina without causing any symptoms. In fact, it is estimated that 20% to 50% of women have Candida already present in the vagina.
For an infection to occur, the normal balance of yeast and bacteria is disturbed, allowing overgrowth of the yeast.
While yeast can be spread by sexual contact, vaginal yeast infection is not considered to be a sexually transmitted disease because it can also occur in women who are not sexually active, due to the fact that yeast can be present in the vagina of healthy women.
Vaginal yeast infections are very common, affecting up to 70 - 75% of women at some point in life.
Other symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include:
For example, when the normal, protective bacteria are eradicated by antibiotics (taken to treat a urinary tract, respiratory, or other types of infection) or by immunosuppressive drugs, the yeast can multiply, invade tissues, and cause irritation of the lining of the vagina (vaginitis).
A vaginal yeast infection is not considered to be a sexually transmitted disease (STD), since Candida may be present in the normal vagina, and the condition does occur in celibate women.
However, it is possible for men to develop symptoms of skin irritation of the penis from a yeast infection after sexual intercourse with an infected partner, although this is not always the CONTINUE READING
CREDIT: MEDICINENET.COM
Candida species can be present in healthy women in the vagina without causing any symptoms. In fact, it is estimated that 20% to 50% of women have Candida already present in the vagina.
For an infection to occur, the normal balance of yeast and bacteria is disturbed, allowing overgrowth of the yeast.
While yeast can be spread by sexual contact, vaginal yeast infection is not considered to be a sexually transmitted disease because it can also occur in women who are not sexually active, due to the fact that yeast can be present in the vagina of healthy women.
Vaginal yeast infections are very common, affecting up to 70 - 75% of women at some point in life.
Signs And Symptoms Of a Vaginal Yeast Infection
- a vaginal discharge probably thick,
- odorless, and
- whitish-gray in color.
Other symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include:
- An intense itching of the vaginal or genital area
- Irritation and burning
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Pain or burning during urination
- Redness, irritation, or soreness of the vagina or vulva in women; swelling of the vagina
For example, when the normal, protective bacteria are eradicated by antibiotics (taken to treat a urinary tract, respiratory, or other types of infection) or by immunosuppressive drugs, the yeast can multiply, invade tissues, and cause irritation of the lining of the vagina (vaginitis).
- Vaginal yeast infections can also occur as a result of injury to the inner vagina, such as after chemotherapy. Also, women with suppressed immune systems (for example, those taking cortisone-related medications such as prednisone) develop vaginal yeast infections more frequently than women with normal immunity.
Other conditions that may predispose women to developing vaginal yeast infections include - diabetes,
- pregnancy, and
- taking oral contraceptives.
A vaginal yeast infection is not considered to be a sexually transmitted disease (STD), since Candida may be present in the normal vagina, and the condition does occur in celibate women.
However, it is possible for men to develop symptoms of skin irritation of the penis from a yeast infection after sexual intercourse with an infected partner, although this is not always the CONTINUE READING
CREDIT: MEDICINENET.COM
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