YEAST INFECTIONS, VAGINAL

Yeast is part of the normal flora inhabiting the vaginal mucosa in small, minute numbers. A vaginal yeast infection occurs only when there are too many yeast cells growing in the vaginal walls, most commonly caused by Candida albicans. This type of infection is actually very common and easily treatable upon diagnosis.

Symptoms for a vaginal yeast infection includes:

  • Vaginal itching, usually severe and causing redness
  • Vaginal soreness, often characterized as pain while urination or during sex
  • Vaginal discharge, often white with no odor and may look a little like cottage

Diagnosis

The physician may be able to diagnose symptoms based on a complete and thorough medical history and physical examination, which includes an internal vaginal exam. If vaginal symptoms are not typical to a yeast infection, a physician may request other tests such as a wet mount examination of vaginal discharge or a vaginal culture.

A yeast infection may also be detected during a routine Pap smear.

 

Treatment

Antifungal antibiotics are the standard treatment for a vaginal yeas infection. These medications can come in creams, pills or as suppository capsules.

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