#1 IN VAGINAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Yeast infections are fungal infections that affect the vagina and vulva. While the symptoms can be quite unpleasant to experience, this type of infection is fairly common and generally easy to treat. According to the Mayo Clinic, about three out of four women will have a yeast infection at some point in their lives, with many of those women having two or more episodes.

Even though it’s not unusual for women to experience yeast infections, it’s important to know how to reduce the risk of infection for your overall vaginal health. Learn more about vaginal yeast infections, including what causes them and how they can be treated and prevented.

The Basics of Vaginal Yeast Infections

As you may have guessed from the name, vaginal yeast infections are caused by yeast, which is a type of fungus. Yeast thrives in warm, moist areas, which is why it’s particularly successful at causing infections in the vagina. Yeast infections can also occur in other parts of the body, including the skin, throat, mouth, and gut.

The type of yeast that causes vaginal infections is called candida. This yeast exists inside your vagina naturally. It’s balanced out by a beneficial bacteria called lactobacillus, which normally keeps the yeast from growing out of control.

When that balance of bacteria is disrupted, an overgrowth of yeast can occur. This may lead to a yeast infection, which is sometimes known as vaginal candidiasis or vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Common Causes of Vaginal Yeast Infection

So, what causes the balance of lactobacillus to be disrupted, allowing vaginal yeast cells to multiply quickly and cause an infection?

There are a number of factors which could contribute to this condition, including:

  • Antibiotics: Taking antibiotics could decrease the amount of beneficial bacteria in the vagina, which normally limit the amount of yeast cells. Antibiotics should only be taken when necessary and always exactly according to a doctor’s instructions.
  • Hormonal changes: When estrogen levels in the body increase, it can disturb the natural balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina. Some of the experiences which could cause this type of shift in hormones include:
    • Pregnancy
    • Breastfeeding
    • Menopause (especially with estrogen hormone therapy)
    • Taking birth control pills (especially high-dose estrogen pills)
  • Immune system disorders: Conditions like HIV can cause someone to have a weak immune system, which means that yeast is more likely to grow uncontrolled.
  • Diabetes: Those who are diabetic are at an increased risk for yeast infections when their condition is not under control because increased sugar in the mucus membranes can contribute to yeast growth.

Yeast Infections Risk Factors

Certain activities may also increase the risk for yeast infection, such as:

  • Using certain vaginal products: Applying a vaginal spray or douche or using scented sanitary products can affect the balance of bacteria and yeast.
  • Wearing tight-fitting shorts, leggings, or pants: Tight clothing over the vulva may cause sweating or irritation, which increases the risk of a yeast infection.
  • Wearing certain types of underwear: Underwear made from materials like nylon will trap heat, allowing for more moisture buildup and creating an environment where yeast is more likely to thrive. Breathable materials like cotton are preferable according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
  • Staying in wet clothing or swimsuits: Excess moisture in the genital region can encourage yeast growth. Change out of wet underwear or swimsuits as soon as you’re done working out or swimming. Moisture-wicking materials can also help to minimize moisture in this area.
  • Getting in hot tubs or taking very hot baths: The excess warmth and moisture can potentially become a breeding ground for bacteria.

Symptoms of a Yeast Infection

Yeast infection symptoms can vary from one person to the next. The most common symptoms of this type of infection include:

  • Itchiness: Irritation and itching in the vagina and vulva could indicate a yeast infection.
  • Burning sensation: Some people with yeast infections having a burning feeling while urinating or having sex.
  • Discomfort: Many people with a vaginal yeast infection also experience soreness or pain in the area.
  • Redness and swelling: The vulva may become somewhat inflamed during a vaginal yeast infection.
  • Discharge: Yeast infections often cause an odorless, thick, white vaginal discharge that looks a bit like cottage cheese.
  • Rash: A vaginal rash may develop as a result of a yeast infection.

How to Treat a Yeast Infection

Those who have had previous vaginal yeast infections can typically use over-the-counter antifungal treatment options, such as vaginal creams or suppositories, to clear their infection.

You should talk to you your doctor or visit a clinic if your symptoms are severe or if you’ve never had a yeast infection before.

It’s also important to see a doctor if you have a yeast infection along with any complicating factors, such as:

  • Being pregnant
  • Having uncontrolled diabetes
  • Suffering from a condition or taking medications that cause you to have a weakened immune system
  • Frequent, recurring yeast infections
  • For more serious cases, a doctor may prescribe an oral medicine called fluconazole to help clear up the infection.

“Pro-Fem is clinically proven to keep you felling
healthy and balanced” – Dr. Monte

Tips for Preventing Yeast Infections

The key to preventing a yeast infection is to maintain a healthy bacterial balance in your vagina. Here are some of the steps you can take to do just that:

  • Don’t take antibiotics without seeking professional medical advice.
  • Eat a well-balanced diet without too many sugary foods.
  • Wear natural fibers and loose clothing.
  • Avoid scented vaginal products, sprays, and douches.
  • Change clothes when they get wet and don’t sit around in wet swimsuits for extended periods of time.
  • Take oral vaginal probiotics that are specifically formulated to maintain healthy bacteria levels in your vagina.

Understanding how yeast infections occur and the best ways to prevent them is important for all women’s health. Use this guide to make sure you take steps to reduce your risk for vaginal yeast infections.