MamasHealth.com Home Women's Health Adenomyosis Atrophic vaginitis Bartholin's abscess Cervical dysplasia Cervical polyps Cervictis Depo provera Domestic violence Endometrial hyperplasia Endometrial polyps Endometriosis Escape an attacker Folic acid Finding time for sex Hormone therapy Alternatives How to be a better mom HPV scare Important health tests Labial reduction surgery Menorrhagia Menopause Menstrual cramps Midlife checklist Mittelschmerz Moms need friends too Ovarian cysts Painful sex Pelvic exams PID PMS Polycystic ovarian Preeclampsia Pregnancy Salpingitis Toxic shock syndrome 1 Toxic shock syndrome 2 Urinary incontinence Urinary tract infection Uterine bleeding Uterine fibroids Vaginal cysts Vaginal dryness Vaginal rejuvenation Vaginal warts Vaginismus Vaginitis Vulvar dystrophy Vulvitis Vulvodynia Women & calcium Women & medicine Women & heart Disease Yeast infections Links Email Mama Tips to get him in the mood Why women should care about prostate cancer Donating your eggs Help for rape victims Stay at home moms Women and calcium 9 things women should know about men Shy girls guide to flirting	What is a Vaginal Yeast Infection? A yeast infection is the name for a common infection caused by a type of yeast-like fungus called Candida. A vaginal yeast infection is a common condition. Three out of 4 women will experience a vaginal yeast infection at least once in their lifetime. Yeast infections can cause severe discomfort but rarely cause serious health problems. A yeast infection will not cause you to miss your period. A yeast infection is also called candidiasis. Men and yeast infections Men can get yeast infections. When men have yeast infections, they usually don't have symptoms. Men often get yeast infections from their female partner. If a woman has a yeast infection and has unprotected sex with a man, the man can get a yeast infection. If a man has a yeast infection and has unprotected sex, he can pass is back to his partner. What Causes Vaginal Yeast Infections? Vaginal yeast infections are caused by a fungus of the yeast family (Candida albicans). Candida albicans is part of the normal environment of the skin, mouth, intestinal and vaginal tract. When the pH balance in the vagina changes from acidic to more basic, the fungus grows rapidly. Rapid growth causes an infection. The change in pH may be a result of diabetes, hormonal changes, use of antibiotics or oral contraceptives. Other causes are: Low immunity. An underactive thyroid gland, chronic stress, HIV, lyme disease all hinder your immune system. Spermicides.Sperm-killing contraceptives can kill friendly vaginal bacteria that normally helps keep yeast in check. Injury to the vulvar or vaginal membranescan lead to a yeast infection. Injury is often caused by too much rubbing on the vagina without enough lubrication. What are the Symptoms of Vaginal Yeast Infections? The most common symptom of a vaginal yeast infection is itching. The itching can vary from moderate to intense. Some of the other symptoms are: soreness burning sensation swollen vagina a white, clumpy discharge foul odor How are Vaginal Yeast Infections treated? Vaginal yeast infections can be treated by over the counter medications like Gyne-Lotrimin Vaginal Anti fungal Cream. It can also be treated by medication prescribed to you by your doctor. Can Yeast Infections be prevented? Some ways to help prevent vaginal yeast infections are: Avoid wearing wet clothing for long periods of time. Wear cotton underwear. Nylon and other synthetic fabrics retain moisture and heat. Avoid tight fitting clothing. Tight clothing increases moisture and may create a favorable environment for yeast growth. Avoid diets rich in sugar. Sugar can alter the pH balance of the vagina. If you think you have a vaginal yeast infection and you have never had one before, visit your physician to rule out other illnesses, familiarize yourself with the symptoms (so you will know next time) and get proper treatment.
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