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Vaginal Yeast Infections
www.VaginalYeastInfections.net
It's an itchy feeling your wife (or daughter) may notice at first.
Maybe, it's that her jeans are too tight, or clitoral/labial adhesions, or a change in menstrual hygiene or vaginal hygiene habits.... even maybe changing a bathsoap or laundry detergent may cause your wife's (or daughter's) vulvovaginal area to begin itching. Any of these may have something to do with vulvovaginal itch and/or irritation. But if the itch keeps getting itchier, even when her tight-fitting jeans have been off for awhile, then there's something else involved.
That something else could very well be a fungus whose technical name is Candida, and which causes what is often called a "yeast" infection. Such infections are most common in teenage girls and women aged 16 to 35, although they can occur in girls as young as 10 or 11 and in older women (and less often, in men and boys as well). You do not have to be sexually active to get a yeast infection.
The Food and Drug Administration now allows medicines that used to be prescription-only to be sold without a prescription to treat vaginal yeast infections that keep coming back. But before you run out and buy one, if you've never been treated for a yeast infection you should see a doctor. Your doctor may advise you to use one of the over-the-counter products or may prescribe a drug called Diflucan (fluconazole). FDA recently approved the drug, a tablet taken by mouth, for clearing up yeast infections with just one dose.
Though itchiness is a main symptom of yeast infections, if you've never had one before, it's hard to be sure just what's causing your discomfort. After a doctor makes a diagnosis of vaginal yeast infection, if you should have one again, you can more easily recognize the symptoms that make it different from similar problems. If you have any doubts, though, you should contact your doctor.
In addition to intense itching, another symptom of a vaginal yeast infection is a white curdy or thick discharge that is mostly odorless. Although some women have discharges midway between their menstrual periods, these are usually not yeast infections, especially if there's no itching.
Other symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include:
Candida is a fungus often present in the human body. It only causes problems when there's too much of it. Then infections can occur not only in the vagina but in other parts of the body as well--and in both sexes. Though there are four different types of Candida that can cause these infections, nearly 80 percent are caused by a variety called Candida albicans.
Many Causes
The biggest cause of Candida infections is lowered immunity. This can happen when you get run down from doing too much and not getting enough rest. Or it can happen as a result of illness.
Though not usual, repeated yeast infections, especially if they don't clear up with proper treatment, may sometimes be the first sign that a woman is infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
FDA requires that over-the-counter (OTC) products to treat yeast infections carry the following warning:
"If you experience vaginal yeast infections frequently (they recur within a two-month period) or if you have vaginal yeast infections that do not clear up easily with proper treatment, you should see your doctor promptly to determine the cause and receive proper medical care."
Repeated yeast infections can also be caused by other, less serious, illnesses or physical and mental stress. Other causes include:
Sometimes hot, humid weather can make it easier for yeast infections to develop. And wearing layers of clothing in the winter that make you too warm indoors can also increase the likelihood of infection.
"Candida infections are not usually thought of as sexually transmitted diseases," says Renata Albrecht, M.D., of FDA's division of anti-infective drug products. But, she adds, they can be transmitted during sex.
The best way not to have to worry about getting yeast infections this way is not to have sex. But if you do have sex, using a condom will help prevent transmission of yeast infections, just as it helps prevent transmission of more commonly sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection, and helps prevent pregnancy. Teens should always use a latex condom if they have sex, even if they are also using other forms of birth control. (See "On the Teen Scene: Preventing STDs" in the June 1993 FDA Consumer.)
If one partner has a yeast infection, the other partner should also be treated for it. A man is less likely than a woman to be aware of having a yeast infection because he may not have any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include a moist, white, scaling rash on the penis, and itchiness or redness under the foreskin. As with females, lowered immunity, rather than sexual transmission, is the most frequent cause of genital yeast infections in males.
OTC Products
The OTC products for vaginal yeast infections have one of four active ingredients: butoconazole nitrate (Femstat 3), clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin and others), miconazole (Monistat 7 and others), and tioconazole (Vagistat). These drugs are in the same anti-fungal family and work in similar ways to break down the cell wall of the Candida organism until it dissolves. FDA approved the switch of Femstat 3 from prescription to OTC status December 1996 and a similar switch for Vagistat in February 1997. The others have been available OTC for a few years.
When you visit the doctor the first time you have a yeast infection, you can ask which product may be best for you and discuss the advantages of the different forms the products come in: vaginal suppositories (inserts) and creams with special applicators. Remember to read the warnings on the product's labeling carefully and follow the directions.
Symptoms usually improve within a few days, but it's important to continue using the medication for the number of days directed, even if you no longer have symptoms.
Contact your doctor if you have the following:
Candida infections in the mouth are often called "thrush." Symptoms include creamy white patches that cover painful areas in the mouth, throat, or on the tongue. Because other infections cause similar symptoms, it's important to go to a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
Wearing artificial fingernails increases the chance of getting yeast infections under the natural fingernails. Fungal infections start in the space between the artificial and natural nails, which become discolored. Treatment for these types of infections--as well as those that occur in other skin folds, such as underarms or between toes--require different products, most of which are available only with a doctor's prescription.
Knowing the causes and symptoms of yeast infections can help you take steps--such as giving those tight jeans a rest--to greatly reduce the chances of getting an infection.
And, if sometimes prevention isn't enough, help is easily at hand from your doctor and pharmacy.
Bacterial vaginosis, also called BV is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age. It happens when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted and replaced by an overgrowth of certain bacteria. The vagina normally contains mostly “good” bacteria, and fewer “harmful” bacteria. Bacterial Vaginosis develops when there is an increase in “harmful” bacteria and fewer “good” bacteria.
The cause of Bacterial Vaginosis is not understood. It can develop when something, like sexual contact, disrupts the balance between the good bacteria that protect the vagina from infection and the harmful bacteria that don't. It is not clear what role sexual activity plays in the development of BV, but Bacterial Vaginosis is more common among women who have had vaginal sex. But BV is not always from sexual contact. We do know that certain things can upset the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina and put you more at risk for Bacterial Vaginosis:
Having a new sex partner or multiple sex partners
Douching
Using an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control
Not using a condom
We also know that you do not get BV from toilet seats, bedding, swimming pools, or from touching objects around you.
Women with BV may have an abnormal vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor. Some women report a strong fish-like odor, especially after sexual intercourse. The discharge can be white (milky) or gray and thin. Other symptoms may include burning when urinating, itching around the outside of the vagina and irritation. However, these could be symptoms of another infection too. Some women with BV have no symptoms at all.
There is a test to find out if you have BV. Your doctor takes a sample of fluid from your vagina and has it tested. Your doctor may also be able to see signs of BV, like a grayish-white discharge, during an examination of the vagina.
BV is treated with antibiotics, which are medicines prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may give you either metronidazole or clindamycin. Generally, male sex partners of women with Bacterial Vaginosis do not need to be treated. You can get BV again even after being treated.
All pregnant women with symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis or who have had a premature delivery or low birth weight baby in the past should be tested for Bacterial Vaginosis and treated if they have it. The same antibiotics that are used to treat non-pregnant women can be used safely during pregnancy. However, the amount of antibiotic a woman takes during pregnancy may be different from the amount taken if not pregnant.
In most cases, Bacterial Vaginosis doesn't cause any problems. But some problems can happen if BV is untreated.
Pregnancy problems. Bacterial Vaginosis can cause premature delivery and low birth weight babies (less than five pounds).
PID. Pelvic inflammatory disease or PID is an infection that can affect a woman's uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, which carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. Having BV increases the risk of getting PID after a surgical procedure, such as a hysterectomy or an abortion.
Higher risk of getting other STDs. Having BV can increase the chances of getting other STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV. Women with HIV who get BV increase the chances of passing HIV to a sexual partner.
Bacterial Vaginosis is not well understood by scientists, and the best ways to prevent it are unknown. What is known is that Bacterial Vaginosis is associated with having a new sex partner or having multiple sex partners. Follow these tips to lower your risk for getting BV:
Don’t
have sex. The best way to prevent any STD is to practice
abstinence, or not having vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
Be faithful. Have a sexual relationship with one partner is another way to reduce your chances of getting infected. Be faithful to each other, meaning that you only have sex with each other and no one else.
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Vulvar Vestibulitis
www.VulvarVestibulitis.com
Vulvar
Vestibulitis is a condition which causes redness and pain of the vestibule.
Vestibulitis is an inflammation of this skin and the mucous secreting glands
found in the skin. The mucous secreting glands are called the lesser vestibular
glands.
Vulvar Vestibulitis may include all the area around the opening of the vagina but is normally seen in the lower part of the vaginal opening.
Vulvar vestibulitis occurs in
women of all ages. It can occur in women who are sexually active and also in
women who have never been sexually active.
Many
women with this problem have suffered physically and emotionally for months or
years, have seen a number of physicians, and have tried many unsuccessful
treatments in search of relief.
What
are the signs and symptoms of Vulvar Vestibulitis?
* Severe pain with pressure (for example: biking, exercise,
tight fitting clothes ).
*
Vaginal entry such as tampon use or intercourse.
*
Burning, stinging, irritation, or raw sensation within the
vestibular area.
* Vestibular redness
*
The urge to urinate frequently or suddenly.
How is vulvar vestibulitis diagnosed (identified)?
Your doctor or health care provider will examine the vulva and vestibule to identify the common skin changes seen with vulvar vestibulitis. Pain is usually felt if the vestibule area is touched with a cotton tipped applicator. A sample of your vaginal discharge is collected and tested to rule out infection.
What
causes vulvar vestibulitis?
The exact cause is unknown, but many studies are being conducted to determine
the cause of vulvar vestibulitis.
The
following factors have been associated with vulvar vestibulitis:
* HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)
* Chronic Yeast Infections
* Chronic bacterial
infections
* Chronic changes of pH (acid-base
balance in the vagina)
* Chronic use of
chemicals/irritants such as detergents, soaps, spermicides or lubricants.
What
is the treatment for vulvar vestibulitis?
Treatment
may include any of the following:
* Follow the Guidelines
for Vulvar Skin Care
* Steroid Ointments
How
it is used: A thin layer is applied to the vulvovaginal areas.
How
it Works: Decreases redness, irritation, and burning. Caution: Use only as
prescribed by your doctor. Overuse may result in thinning of the skin which will
make your problem worse rather than helping it.
* Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA)
may be used in some cases as determined by the severity of the symptoms you
have. TCA is a chemical that is used to destroy small areas of the irritated
skin allowing new healthy skin to grow in its place.
* Interferon Injections
are used to increase your body's response to infection.
Helpful
treatment hints for vulvar
vestibulitis:
*
Vitamin A and D Ointment How
it is used: Apply to the areas of discomfort.
How
it Works: Protects the skin, decreases irritation, heals, and soothes.
*
Lidocaine Gel may be prescribed after initial treatment.
How it is
used: Apply lidocaine gel to the
vulvovaginal areas of
discomfort.
How it Works: Numbs areas before intercourse.
Caution: After
applying, wait until area becomes less sensitive before intercourse.
Burning may occur for a short time (
* Witch Hazel Pads (TUCS Pads) How it is used: Apply to the vulvovaginal areas of
discomfort.
How it
Works: Decreases burning and irritation after intercourse and urinating.
*
Cleansing Bottle - Pour plain luke-warm water over the vulva after
urinating to remove urine from irritated area.
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and resources, we cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. The
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intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease.
