Symptoms of Yeast Infection
Candida is a type of bacteria that up to half of all healthy women in the world have in the vaginal area and is also the type of bacteria that manifests into a vaginal yeast infection. It is possible for men to develop itchiness or skin irritation in the genitals after sexual intercourse with a partner who is infected. However, because it is usually present in many healthy, uninfected women and can manifest in celibate women, it is not considered a sexually transmitted disease.
This infection manifests either when new yeast finds its way to the vaginal area or an increase occurs that is substantially greater than the normal amount. Alternatively, they may also develop in women who have sustained injury to the inner vagina; for example, they may also occur in women whose immune systems have been suppressed, such as those who have just undergone chemotherapy. Other women at risk include those with diabetes, who are pregnant and are taking oral contraceptives. Douches or other vaginal hygiene sprays may actually increase the risk of yeast infection as well.
Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are not very straightforward or specific, because the symptoms of the infection could be caused by a number of other conditions. The most present and common symptom a women will develop is the itching of the genitals. However, other symptoms may be present as well, such as a burning sensation, soreness in the genitals, pain during urination, pain during intercourse and vaginal discharge. The discharge is not actually present all the time, but when it is, it is odorless and appears whitish and thick in texture. Think cottage cheese.
Remember that not all symptoms will be present in everyone and women typically vary individually in regards to which symptoms do rise.
A small number of women, up to 5%, may discover they have a problem with a recurrent yeast infection, which is when the woman has four or more infections in the course of a year unrelated to the use of antibiotics. This usually calls either for a more aggressive course of treatment or may indicate underlying medical conditions unknown to the woman.
This infection manifests either when new yeast finds its way to the vaginal area or an increase occurs that is substantially greater than the normal amount. Alternatively, they may also develop in women who have sustained injury to the inner vagina; for example, they may also occur in women whose immune systems have been suppressed, such as those who have just undergone chemotherapy. Other women at risk include those with diabetes, who are pregnant and are taking oral contraceptives. Douches or other vaginal hygiene sprays may actually increase the risk of yeast infection as well.
Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are not very straightforward or specific, because the symptoms of the infection could be caused by a number of other conditions. The most present and common symptom a women will develop is the itching of the genitals. However, other symptoms may be present as well, such as a burning sensation, soreness in the genitals, pain during urination, pain during intercourse and vaginal discharge. The discharge is not actually present all the time, but when it is, it is odorless and appears whitish and thick in texture. Think cottage cheese.
Remember that not all symptoms will be present in everyone and women typically vary individually in regards to which symptoms do rise.
A small number of women, up to 5%, may discover they have a problem with a recurrent yeast infection, which is when the woman has four or more infections in the course of a year unrelated to the use of antibiotics. This usually calls either for a more aggressive course of treatment or may indicate underlying medical conditions unknown to the woman.
