Yeast Infection

Disease Topic: Yeast Infection

View Our Products

Various conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted disease (STD), can cause vaginal symptoms similar to those of a yeast infection. If you need help determining which condition you have, see the Check Your Symptoms section of the topic Vaginal Problems.

Vaginal Yeast Infection Defined

A vaginal yeast infection is an excess growth of yeast cells in the vagina. Yeast infections are very common in women of childbearing age but can occur at any age. Although they can very uncomfortable, vaginal yeast infections rarely lead to serious health problems.

Symptoms of Vaginal Yeast Infection

The most common symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are:

• Vaginal itching.
• Irritated genital skin.
• Pain or burning in the genital area with urination or sexual intercourse.
• In some cases, white vaginal discharge that is usually curdlike and odorless. Some women have no noticeable discharge.
• Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are more likely to occur during the week before a menstrual period.

Causes of a Vaginal Yeast Infection

A healthy vagina normally contains many bacteria and small numbers of yeast cells. The most common bacteria found in the vagina, Lactobacillus acidophilus, help prevent other organisms, such as yeast, from growing in excess and causing an infection. About 70% to 90% of yeast infections are caused by a strain of yeast called Candida albicans.

When there is a change in the normal balance of organisms in the vagina, yeast can overgrow, causing symptoms. This imbalance can be caused by many factors, including use of broad-spectrum antibiotics for other conditions, high estrogen levels (as during pregnancy or hormone replacement therapy), or certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or HIV infection.

Diagnosis of Vaginal Yeast Infection

Vaginal itching and a white vaginal discharge that is odorless and looks like cottage cheese are classic signs of a vaginal yeast infection. However, it's easy to misdiagnose a vaginal infection. If your symptoms are not typical of a yeast infection, you aren't certain of your diagnosis, or you're pregnant and have symptoms, see your health professional. A vaginal exam and possibly a culture of vaginal discharge can help diagnose whether another type of organism is present.

Treatment of Vaginal Yeast Infection

A vaginal yeast infection is usually treated with a vaginal antifungal cream, tablet, or suppository for several days. While some women prefer taking a tablet by mouth, oral treatment may be reserved for recurrent infection that may be caused by yeast throughout the body. This is mainly because oral medication affects the entire body, and vaginal treatment limits its effect to the genital area. Oral antifungal medication can cause side effects such as headache, nausea, and abdominal pain; vaginal treatment is unlikely to cause side effects.

Nonprescription vaginal medications are available for treating vaginal yeast infection; vaginal boric acid capsules are another option. If you have had a vaginal yeast infection before, are not pregnant, and are certain your present symptoms are the same as during the previous infection, you can self-treat your infection. If you have a yeast infection that keeps returning despite treatment, see your health professional. A recurring yeast infection can be a sign of another health problem.

Yeast infections are common during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, do not use any medication without first discussing your symptoms with your health professional.

Reoccurrence of Vaginal Yeast Infections

Yes. A yeast infection is considered to be recurrent if you have four or more infections that cause symptoms and are unrelated to antibiotic use within 1 year. Severe or persistent yeast infections are a problem for about 5% of affected women and can be related to diabetes, pregnancy, or another health condition.

If you have a recurrent vaginal yeast infection, your health professional may do a culture to confirm that yeast is present. You may also be tested for certain conditions that could be making you more vulnerable to yeast overgrowth, such as diabetes or HIV infection.

Advanced Colloidal Silver and the other supplements we sell are not drugs and the information and opinions we offer are based upon use of these products as Dietary Supplements only. We have no doctors on staff and do not offer medical advice concerning colloidal silver, colloidal gold or any other dietary supplements. Although you may choose to supplement with colloidal silver, colloidal gold, and other mineral and vitamin supplements, we suggest that you consult a licensed physician if you believe you have a life threatening health issue. We also recommend that you do comprehensive research about colloidal silver, colloidal gold and all dietary supplements in general before accepting our opinions or the opinions of anyone else about how to care for your health.

The USFDA has not evaluated, nor rendered approval for any statements or research cited herein, nor have they approved any representations or opinions concerning colloidal silver, colloidal gold or any other dietary supplement products on this website. These products are dietary supplements and are not intended to diagnose, cure, prevent or treat any disease.

Utopia Silver Supplements does not assume the role of representative, fiduciary or surety on behalf of any person(s) or individual(s) unless expressly agreed in writing. Anyone purchasing our supplements must be free and responsible citizens of The United States of America or other organic nations who have exercised their right to do research and are making an informed decision. All rights are reserved, without prejudice. within The State of Texas , The United States of America