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Tag: yeast infection

  • Vaginal Candidiasis: What You Need to Know

    Vaginal Candidiasis: What You Need to Know

    Hello! This is Dr. Nana, the gyne, and I’m back again with more information on women’s health problems. Today, I want to shed some light on vaginal candidiasis, commonly known as “whites” or sometimes even called “candy.”

    What is Vaginal Candidiasis?

    Vaginal candidiasis is an infection caused by a type of fungus called Candida. This yeast is naturally found in various parts of the body, such as the mouth, digestive system, and vagina. Normally, it’s kept in check by good bacteria, but when an imbalance occurs—due to various factors—Candida can overgrow, leading to an infection. Anyone with a vagina can experience this condition, though it is more common among women after puberty and before menopause.

    In fact, more than 75% of women will experience vaginal candidiasis at least once in their lifetime. It is also the second most common cause of vaginal discharge, with bacterial vaginosis being the first.

    Factors That Increase Your Risk of Yeast Infect

    Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing a yeast infection:

    1. Antibiotics: Excessive use of antibiotics can kill the good bacteria that help keep Candida in check, allowing the yeast to overgrow.

    2. Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy and hormonal contraceptives can alter hormone levels and create an environment where yeast infections are more likely to occur.

    3. Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes, with elevated blood sugar levels, promotes a favorable environment for yeast to thrive.

    4. Weakened Immune System: Conditions like HIV, cancer treatments, or even stress can weaken your immune system, increasing the risk of candidiasis.

    5. Lifestyle Factors: Wearing tight, synthetic clothing that traps moisture, using scented tampons or vaginal sprays, or staying in wet clothes for extended periods can heighten the risk.

    6. Sexual Activity & Sharing Personal Items: Candidiasis can be transmitted through sexual contact or by sharing underwear with someone who has the infection.

    How to prevent Vaginal Candidiasis

    You can reduce your risk of vaginal candidiasis by adopting healthier lifestyle practices:

    Hygiene: Avoid douching, which can kill the good bacteria that protect you from infections. Instead, clean the vaginal area with water and keep it dry.

    Clothing: Choose breathable fabrics like cotton for your underwear, and avoid staying in wet clothes for long periods.

    Diet & Stress Management: Keep a balanced diet, avoiding excessive sugar, and try to manage stress levels, as both can affect your susceptibility to yeast infections.

    Conclusion

    In Part 2 of this series, I will dive deeper into the symptoms of vaginal candidiasis, how to recognize the infection, and what treatments are available.

    Stay tuned for more valuable insights!

    See you soon, everyone. Take care!

  • Vaginal Candidiasis: Symptoms, Treatment, & Prevention

    Vaginal Candidiasis: Symptoms, Treatment, & Prevention

    Hi, Dr. Nana K here! Welcome to part two of our series on vaginal candidiasis. Today, we’ll delve into the symptoms of candidiasis, how it’s treated, and most importantly, how you can prevent it.

    Symptoms of Vaginal Candidiasis

    If you suspect you have candidiasis, here’s what you might experience:

    1. Vaginal Discharge: One of the first signs is a thick, lumpy discharge. It’s typically white, creamish, or off-white, often compared to custard.

    2. Itching and Burning: Intense itching around the vaginal area is common, which can sometimes be severe. You may also feel a burning sensation when urinating.

    3. Painful Intercourse: Due to inflammation and redness, sexual intercourse can become uncomfortable or even painful.

    4. Other Symptoms: In some cases, you may notice small cracks, cuts, or rashes around the vaginal area, which are often accompanied by inflammation.

    Diagnosing Vaginal Candidiasis

    The good news is, most of the time, diagnosing candidiasis is straightforward. Your healthcare provider can often make a diagnosis based on your symptoms and a physical exam. In some cases, a lab test may be done by taking a sample of the discharge, but this is usually not necessary.

    Treatment Options

    Vaginal candidiasis is treated with antifungal medications, which help prevent the overgrowth of candida. Here are the common options:

    Oral Medications: Fluconazole and itraconazole are commonly prescribed antifungal tablets.

    Topical Creams: You may be given a cream, such as clotrimazole, to apply externally.

    Vaginal Tablets: Medications like clotrimazole and miconazole can also be inserted directly into the vagina for treatment.

    During treatment, it’s crucial to abstain from sexual intercourse as it can aggravate the infection. Additionally, some chemicals in condoms can interfere with the medication. Most infections clear up within a few days to a week, but in some cases, the infection may persist, requiring further treatment.

    Preventing Vaginal Candidiasis

    Preventing candidiasis largely comes down to lifestyle changes and maintaining good hygiene:

    1. Hygiene: After sexual intercourse, ensure that you clean the vaginal area with mild soap and water—avoid harsh chemicals and feminine washes.

    2. Clothing: Choose loose, breathable cotton underwear and avoid synthetic fabrics like nylon. Air-drying and ironing your underwear helps keep them free of bacteria.

    3. Diet and Lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables while avoiding excessive sugar and alcohol, as they can promote candida growth. Additionally, if you’re diabetic, keeping your blood sugar levels in check is vital.

    4. Avoid Steroids: Steroids, including certain creams or pills used for weight gain, can weaken your immune system and increase the risk of candidiasis. Also, avoid using steroid-based bleaching products on sensitive areas.

    5. Reduce Stress: High stress can impact your immune system, making it easier for infections like candidiasis to take hold.

    By making these small adjustments, you can significantly reduce your chances of getting candidiasis in the future.

    Conclusion

    Vaginal candidiasis won’t go away on its own, but with proper treatment and lifestyle changes, it’s manageable.

    Stay healthy!

    Talk to Dr Nana K.