Do You Really Have A Vaginal Yeast Infection
A surprising number of women who buy over the counter
medication for yeast infections don’t really have a yeast infection.
They do have symptoms commonly caused by the yeast Candida albicans,
but the symptoms are caused by something other than yeast.
The most common symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection
(yeast vaginitis) are:
• Itching and burning in the vagina and vulva.
• Soreness, swelling and pain around the vulva.
• Pain during intercourse or urination.
• Vaginal discharge. This discharge is not always present, but if
there is a discharge it will be odorless or smell like baker’s
yeast, and usually has a whitish, thick appearance.
Unfortunately, these are also the common symptoms of other
conditions, which can be caused by dermatitis, seborrhea, eczema,
and by allergic reactions to chemicals found in soap, colored toilet
paper, vaginal sprays, laundry detergent, and colored and scented
bubble bath products.
In addition, very similar symptoms can be caused by bacteria, pubic
lice, and scabies, plus the common sexually transmitted diseases
caused by gonorrhea and Chlamydia.
And finally, similar symptoms may be caused by the common parasite
called Trichomonas vaginalis.
While a yeast infection is not usually “shared” between sexual
partners (although it can be, in some cases), some of these other
conditions are transmitted sexually, and can cause serious damage to
a woman’s reproductive organs. Often, the male partner will not have
any symptoms at all, but must be treated for the infection in order
to protect his health and to prevent the further spread of the
disease.
The most common cause of a vaginal discharge accompanied by itching
and an unpleasant odor is a bacterial infection called bacterial
vaginosis.
This is not a sexually transmitted disease, even though it is most
common among sexually active women. Bacterial vaginosis needs to be
treated by antibiotics to prevent the bacteria from going into the
uterus or fallopian tubes. This is particularly important if you’re
pregnant.
Since a douche can push the bacterial infections up into the uterus,
you should never use a douche if you have a bacterial infection.
Yeast infections are very common during pregnancy, but a bacterial
infection that looks like a yeast infection is actually more
serious. An untreated bacterial infection can cause premature birth,
intraamniotic infection, (infection of the amniotic fluid,
membranes, placenta, and/or uterus), and postpartum infections of
the uterus that send you back to the hospital after giving birth.
What that means, of course, is that you should never attempt to
self-diagnose and treat a yeast infection when you’re pregnant.
If you think you have a yeast infection, it’s wise to get a doctor
to diagnose your symptoms even if you think its “obvious.” Natural
yeast infection remedies and anti fungal medications meant for a
vaginal yeast infection will not cure these other illnesses, even
though the symptoms may go away.
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Prevent Yeast Infection
Resources
To learn everything you need to know about yeast infections - what
causes them, how to treat them, and how to keep them from coming
back, as well as receive a free report called “4 Important Facts About Yeast
Infections” - visit:
Prevent Yeast Infections
© 2007 Jonni Good - Author of
"17 Things You Need To
Know To Prevent Yeast Infections"
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