Vaginal Yeast Infection is Seldom Serious

Causes of yeast infections are many and before you know them, it is good to first have a clear understanding of what yeast infection is. A yeast infection is an overgrowth of yeast in your vagina, leading to uncomfortable symptoms such as: itching and burning in and around your vagina burning sensation when urinating (peeing) vaginal pain or discomfort during sex vaginal discharge that may look like cottage cheese (it may also be thinner or absent). Although a yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted disease, it is possible to pass it back and forth between sexual partners.

Yeast is commonly present on normal human skin and in areas of moisture, such as the mouth and vagina. Yeast normally live in the vagina in small numbers, but when the bacteria in the vagina become out of balance, too many yeast grow and cause an infection. Yeast infections can cause severe discomfort but rarely cause serious health problems.

Yeast infection causes include:

• Using medications that contain steroids
• Using antibiotics
• Being diabetic or having elevated blood sugar levels
• Using the birth control pill or another form of hormonal contraception
• Hormonal changes due to menstrual cycle or pregnancy
• Frequently wearing tight pants or pantyhose...

Yeast infections are a very common and most women, about 70% of them, will get a yeast infection at least once in their lifetimes. And some of these women will get recurring yeast infections. Women usually do not get yeast infections from sex. Instead, a weakened immune system is the most common cause of yeast infections. Most physicians discourage women from diagnosing and treating themselves with over-the-counter medications, because symptoms may be produced by more serious vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis. Trichomoniasis produces symptoms that are similar to other vaginal infections, but it is much more serious and requires specific treatment. A variety of alternative treatments exist to help cure bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.

In a healthy vagina, there is a balance of several basic "components" that work together including bacteria, yeast, hormones and glycogen and natural secretions. When the healthy balance in the vagina is disturbed, the yeast overgrows. Most vaginal infections present no risk to your health, though they can be quite uncomfortable. Your health professional can usually diagnose a yeast infection just by finding discharge that looks like cottage cheese during a pelvic exam. Two simple tests can help your health professional figure out what you've got. In the first test, your health professional will look at a sample of your vaginal discharge under a microscope. In the second test, your health professional will send a sample of your discharge to the lab for a culture. If you don't have a yeast infection, these tests will help your health professional figure out what kind of infection you do have.

A mild vaginal yeast infection may correct itself without treatment. However, you are not likely to be able to go without treatment if you develop severe symptoms. Thankfully, treatment is readily available, both over-the-counter solutions as well as alternative, drug-free treatments. Perhaps the greatest risks you face when treating a vaginal yeast infection are related to self-diagnosis and self-treatment. Providing that you have had a diagnosed yeast infection before, correctly diagnose your condition based on past symptoms, and self-treat with a nonprescription treatment as directed, your risks are minimal.

Vaginal Yeast Infection is Seldom Serious
When the healthy balance in the vagina is disturbed, the yeast overgrows...