Title: Yeast Infections (Vaginal) - WholeHealth Chicago
Headings: Yeast Infections (Vaginal)
Yeast Infections (Vaginal)
Key Symptoms
When to Call a Doctor
Supplement Recommendations
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Content: Key Symptoms
Itching and burning in the genital area
Visible inflammation and redness
A thick, white discharge that may either smell “yeasty” (like bread) or have no odor
What Causes Yeast Infection (Vaginal)? Yeast overgrowth can happen for two primary reasons: something has upset either the normal yeast/bacteria balance or acid/base (pH) level. Tight jeans, wet bathing suits, or nylon underwear can be enough to trigger a change in the vaginal environment. Birth control pills, spermicides, or diabetes can also increase the risk. The vagina is especially vulnerable to yeast infection when the immune system is weak because of illness, stress, lack of sleep, HIV infection, or chemotherapy. And some antibiotics, among them ampicillin or tetracycline, can create a yeast-friendly vaginal environment by killing “good” bacteria that normally compete with yeast and keep the population in check. Treatment and Prevention
Most conventional treatment these days is basically a short trip to the drugstore for one of the commercial anti-yeast vaginal creams. Slightly stronger forms of these creams are available with a doctor?s prescription. More stubborn cases are treated with three days of the antifungal medication Diflucan, which also requires a prescription.