What is a yeast infection?
Yeast infections are a common fungal condition that can impact numerous areas of your body. Also known as candidiasis, one of the most commonly occurring areas for yeast infections is the vagina.
Under normal conditions, your vagina has a healthy balance of yeast and bacteria. However, when a vaginal yeast infection develops this balance is thrown off and your yeast cells multiply.
Yeast infections aren’t a sexually transmitted disease, but they are contagious and can spread through sexual contact.
What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?
Vaginal yeast infections can cause intense irritation, including itching and swelling. You might also experience additional symptoms such as:
- Vaginal swelling
- Redness, soreness, or rash
- Pain or burning during urination or sexual intercourse
Excess yeast cells can also affect your vaginal discharge. Healthy vaginal discharge is usually milky white with a mild fragrance. When you have a vaginal yeast infection, your discharge might appear thick and grayish or resemble cottage cheese.
What causes yeast infections?
Candida is the yeast that naturally occurs in your vagina. The bacteria lactobacillus controls its growth to keep your body in balance. Candida can grow freely if the bacteria in your body is out of balance.
Several things can trigger yeast infections, including:
- Taking antibiotics
- Consuming a diet high in sugar
- Being under stress or lacking proper sleep
- Having a weakened immune system
- Hormonal imbalances and pregnancy
- Wearing tight or non-breathable underwear
Emcura Immediate Care offers rapid diagnosis of yeast infections with the use of DNA testing.
How are yeast infections diagnosed and treated?
In addition to DNA testing, to diagnose a yeast infection, the team at Emcura Immediate Care conducts a physical examination that usually includes a pelvic exam to look for internal and external signs of infection. They also discuss your medical history. Based on this exam, your provider might also take cells from your vagina for lab testing.
In most cases, yeast infections respond to short-term antifungal treatments like creams, ointments, tablets, or suppositories. For more complicated infections, your provider might suggest longer-term vaginal or oral antifungal therapies.
If you’re sexually active and not using condoms, your partner may also need yeast infection treatment to avoid reinfection.
To find relief from yeast infection symptoms, call Emcura Immediate Care or schedule an appointment online today.
