If you've never had a vaginal yeast infection and you suspect you might have one, consider going to a doctor for a definitive diagnosis. Only a doctor will know if it's truly a yeast infection or if it's something more serious.
Here are the yeast infection symptoms to look for:
- Vaginal itching - Vaginal discharge that may be thick, white, and lumpy like cottage cheese - Vaginal soreness, irritation, or burning - Rash or redness on the skin outside the vagina (vulva) - Smells like bread or beer - Burning on urination - Painful vaginal intercourse
Causes of Vaginal Yeast Infections
Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of the normal fungi that lives in the vaginal area. The overgrowth is often caused by recent use of antibiotics, wearing clothing such as nylon or Lycra that traps moisture and heat, pregnancy, obesity, PMS, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes.
Tips to Prevent Yeast Infections
- Always wear white cotton panties. - Avoid wearing nylon and Lycra clothing as much as possible. - Never wear panty hose without wearing cotton panties underneath. - Always wipe from front to back after a bowel movement to prevent transferring yeast to the vaginal area. - If you're post-menopausal or use oral contraceptives, use a vaginal lubricant during sexual intercourse to prevent vaginal discomfort and irritation. - If you're taking antibiotics, eat one cup of yogurt a day. - Avoid perfumed bubble baths. - Avoid using feminine sprays. - Avoid powders in the vaginal area. - Don't douche - it will wash away the natural protective mucous of the vagina and leave you susceptible to vaginal infections. - Use unscented pads and tampons during your menstrual period. - Dry vaginal area thoroughly after showering or swimming. A moist environment encourages the growth of yeast. - Remove your wet bathing suit as soon as possible. - Use unscented and white toilet paper. - Decrease consumption of sugar. Increased sugar levels in your body causes yeast to grow faster. - Avoid use of scented, deodorant or colored tampons, pads, or panty liners. These products can be irritating to the vagina.
Knowing the symptoms of vaginal yeast infections will help you get treatment quickly. And knowing how to prevent yeast infections will help you to avoid them. Knowledge is power.
Many people ask what the common yeast infection symptoms are. A woman can tell if she suffering if she has a thick vaginal discharge which looks a little like a cottage. But this symptom can be experienced by only about 20% of women who have yeast infections. The discharge may contain a starchy be yellow in color.
In view of the fact that not all women experience a discharge, the easiest way to tell if a woman has yeast infection is if she experiences itchiness in and around her vagina. The itchiness may go hand in hand with a burning sensation. The outer area and the vulva area can become swollen and red, this can result in painful urination and sexual intercourse may also be painful too.
These are the most common and general symptoms of yeast infection, but a woman may experience different symptoms. The best way to determine is by checking for changes in discharge.
Sometimes, a yeast infection may be mistaken as a urinary tract infection, but there is a difference between the two in terms of the burning sensation experienced. In a urinary tract infection, a woman can feel the burning when urine passes down the urethra when it is on its way out, this is different to yeast infections when the burning is caused as the acidic urine hits the irritated skin of the vulva.
It may be quite hard to tell whether you have a yeast infection or a urinary tract infection if you are experiencing symptoms for the first time. It is advisable to see a doctor if any of these signs appear. After you have been diagnosed, the next time you experience burning and itchiness, you will be better placed to know whether it is a yeast infection or a urinary tract infection.
Men are also susceptible suffering with yeast infections although it is unusual for men to develop them they are normally passed on from their female partners. Therefore, it is essential that if you or your partner develops a yeast infection you refrain from unprotected sex until you have both sought treatment. The danger is when only one partner seeks treatment, as the infection can be passed back and forth. For men, yeast infection symptoms can be identified through an itching, red rash and burning at the head of his penis.
Both Joan Yankowitz & Jane Symms are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.