Vaginal Yeast Infection

Vaginal yeast infection is an infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans. Yeast infections are very common, especially in women of childbearing years. They rarely cause any serious problems, but can be very uncomfortable.

Causes:

Yeast is tiny organisms (things) that are normally found inside the vagina. Normally, the vagina has an acidic environment, but several things can change this like:

• Menstruation (your period)
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes
• Some antibiotics
• Birth control pills
• Steroids
• Wetness and irritation of the vagina

Symptoms:

• Itching, burning inside and outside of the vagina.
• A white discharge from the vagina (looks like cottage cheese).
• Pain while having sexual intercourse.
• Swelling in the outside part of the vagina (vulva).

Home Treatment:

• Wear loose pants.
• Wear 100% cotton panties.
• After swimming change to dry clothes as soon as possible.
• Do not use: feminine hygiene sprays, douches, deodorant sanitary pads or tampons, bubble bath, colored or perfumed toilet paper.
• Eat a cup of yogurt every day that has Lactobacillus organisms in it.
• Wash the vaginal area only once a day with water or use a plain, non-perfumed soap.
• Try using a condom while you are being treated for the infection. If sexual intercourse is painful try using a water-soluble lubricant (K-Y Jelly)

See you doctor or return to the Emergency Department IF:

• You have pain in the lower part of your belly, fever and different discharge from your vagina.
• After treating yourself at home for 3 to 4 days the infection does not get better.
• Any different kind of discharge lasts more than 2 weeks.
• Do not douche, use any vaginal creams, or have sexual intercourse within 48 hours of going to see them. These things will make it harder for the doctor to tell what is wrong.