Vaginal Yeast Infection Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Vaginal Yeast Infection?

A vaginal yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, is a common fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans. The fungus lives naturally in the vagina and thrives in warm, moist areas. Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include itching, burning or swelling in the vagina and around the vulva (the area outside the vagina), as well as a thick white discharge that may look like cottage cheese.Vaginal yeast infections are quite common; around 75% of women will have had at least one in their lifetime. They often occur when there is an imbalance between healthy bacteria and fungi in the vagina this can be caused by factors such as using antibiotics, pregnancy, diabetes or even stress. Douching can also increase your risk for developing a yeast infection, so it’s best to avoid it if possible. Treating a vaginal yeast infection is fairly simple; antifungal creams or tablets are available over-the-counter or on prescription from your doctor. These medications work to get rid of the excess fungus and restore balance to the vagina environment. It’s important to remember that you should not stop taking any medication until your doctor has recommended it; stopping too early may cause the fungus to return which could lead to further complications such as recurrent infections. It’s also important to practice good hygiene habits; wearing breathable cotton underwear, avoiding tight clothing and changing out of wet swimsuits immediately after swimming can help prevent further infections from happening down the line. Additionally, if you are prone to getting recurrent infections then maintaining good blood sugar control is essential since high levels of sugar can feed fungal growth. Finally making sure you get enough sleep and reducing stress can help keep your immune system strong which helps fend off any potential infections from occurring too often.