Symptoms
of a yeast infection
Symptoms
include a thick, white, odorless discharge often described
as resembling cottage cheese. Itching of the vulva and vaginal
area may also be present as well as redness and irritation.
Painful intercourse may also be a symptom.
Diagnosis
of yeast infections
If
you have never had a yeast infection, please consult your
health care provider before attempting any treatment as there
are other conditions that may be mistaken for a yeast infection.
Your doctor will diagnose a yeast infection by reviewing your
symptoms. She may also perform a pelvic exam, observing for
white patches on your cervix and vaginal wall. She may remove
some of the discharge to observe under a microscope.
Treatment
for yeast infections
There
are many over the counter medications available to treat yeast
infections now, including Monistat and Gyne-Lotrimin. These
are available in a vaginal cream or suppository. Length of
treatment varies. Diflucan is another option. Diflucan is
an oral medication that is only available through prescription
at this time. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to help you decide
which treatment option is right for you. It is advised to
restrain from sexual intercourse until treatment is completed.
It is important to take all medication until treatment is
completed to avoid recurrences of infection.
Prevention
of yeast infections
There
are some actions you can take to avoid yeast infections. Use
proper hygiene, always remembering to wipe from front to back.
Avoid frequent douching. Avoid wearing tight underwear or
tight pants. Wear white cotton underwear instead of nylon.
Yeast likes warm moist places and wearing lose white undergarments
can help minimize this. Eating yogurt with live cultures has
also been suggested to be helpful in preventing yeast infections.
If
you experience frequent yeast infections, please consult your
doctor.
