How To Recognize And Treat A Yeast Infection

Women who have experienced a yeast infection can vouch for just how uncomfortable and miserable it can make your life. Once you’ve had a yeast infection, you’ll probably never want it again.

A yeast infection often starts as an itchy feeling you might hardly notice. The itch will get worse and worse, and soon you will notice other symptoms. They can include general pelvic soreness, a rash on the outer lips of the vagina, and a burning sensation, particularly during urination. In addition, many women with a yeast infection will experience a white curdy or thick vaginal discharge that is mostly odorless.

Yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter medications. OTC medications typically include one or more of the following active ingredients:

- butoconazole nitrate (found in Femstat 3)

- miconazole (found in Monistat 7 and others)

- clotrimazole (found inGyne-Lotrimin and others)

- and tioconazole (found inVagistat).

These medications are part of the anti-fungal family. These anti-fungals break down the cell wall of the Candida organism that causes the yeast infection. These products come in different forms, such as vaginal inserts or suppositories, and creams with applicators.

For women who are experiencing their first yeast infection, a visit to your health care provider is always a good idea. Also, having a yeast infection during pregnancy is generally harmless. However, if you have a yeast infection during childbirth, it is possible for your child to develop oral thrush. This type of yeast infection occurs in the mouth and can usually be easily treated. However, if you are breastfeeding, it is possible for the thrush to infect your breast, which can make breastfeeding painful and even cause bleeding.

There are some things you can do to reduce the chances of getting another yeast infections, including:

- Keep the vaginal area clean

- Make sure the vaginal area is completely dry after a shower before getting dressed

- After using the toilet, always be sure to wipe from front to back

- Wear cotton undergarments

- Avoid heavily scented soaps, perfumes, and talcum powder

- Avoid clothing that is tight in the crotch

- Use antibiotics only when it is absolutely necessary

- Eat a diet high in grains, proteins, and vegetables

- Change tampons or sanitary pads frequently

- Avoid scented tampons or sanitary pads

- Avoid douching.