How to treat yeast infections
Most women get one, some to a higher degree than others. Whichever the case, yeast infections are never fun. A yeast infection is when the natural fungus, called candida, that lives in and around your vagina grows to more than normally produced. This causes irritation, itching and swelling. You may also notice a discharge which is whitish, or sometimes yellow, and looks a little like wet toilet paper or cottage cheese. This discharge should not have a foul smell. You may also notice pain during intercourse, or when you urinate.
There are several causes for vaginal yeast infections. Stress or lack of sleep will cause the fungus to grow. Also eating a lot of sugary foods. The higher sugar in your system will make it easier to develop the infection, which is why diabetics tend to have them more often. Some medications, like antibiotics, and also hormone changes as with pregnancy, or having your period. Another thing is HIV. When your immune system is not working properly, you are at higher risk to develop an infection of any kind, especially yeast. Since candida is naturally present in the vagina anyway, yeast infection is not considered a sexually transmitted disease. However, it can be passed to the womans partner, and can give him an itchy rash of his own.
You can purchase over the counter medications for a yeast infection. There are antifungal creams, and ointments for topical applications. Then there are tablets to swallow that will work from the inside out. Sometimes, if the infection is bad enough, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic to help clear things up. Most doctors prefer not to give women oral medication to treat vaginal yeast infections, because of the possibility of side effects. Head aches, stomach pains and nausea are the most common complaints with oral treatments. Although they are not really dangerous to the patient, they can become a bother.
In order to avoid getting one of these nasty little infections, it is a good idea to avoid douching, or anything like sprays, bubble baths, or scented tampons. Don’t wear tight underwear. Make sure your panties have a cotton crotch, so air can circulate. After swimming, change from your wet suit as soon as possible. Keeping it dry and airy down there is what you want. Also, sleeping in a night gown with no underpants at all helps things get air. If your partner has any sign of a yeast infection, use a condom during sexual intercourse, or abstain until he has been treated. And after sexual relations, even if neither partner has an infection, go to the bathroom. Urinating after sex, and cleaning up will reduce the risk of getting any uninvited fungus for both of you.
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