Vaginal Yeast Infection
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- Vaginal Yeast Infection Overview
- Vaginal Yeast Infection Causes
- Vaginal Yeast Infection Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
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Vaginal Yeast Infection Overview
A vaginal yeast infection, also known as vaginal candidiasis, genital candidiasis, or vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), is an infection involving a type of fungus, or yeast. The fungus most commonly associated with vaginal yeast infection is called Candida albicans, which account for up to 92% of all cases, with the remainder due to other species of Candida. These fungi can be found all over the body and are normally present in warm and moist areas of the body. Studies have shown that up to 20%-50% of all women normally carry yeast in the vagina without the presence of symptoms. When C albicans in the vagina multiplies to the point of infection, this infection can cause vaginal inflammation, irritation, odor, discharge, and itching.
Certain types of bacteria that live naturally in the vagina usually keep C albicans from growing out of control. If the balance of these microorganisms becomes upset, C albicans may be allowed to grow uncontrollably and lead to symptoms. The use of certain medications, changes in hormone levels, or certain diseases are examples of factors that can allow a vaginal yeast infection to develop.
Vaginal yeast infections are extremely common. Seventy-five percent of all women develop a yeast infection at some point during their lives.
A vaginal yeast infection is not considered a sexually-transmitted infection (STD), but 12%-15% of men develop symptoms such as itching and penile rash following sexual contact with an infected partner.
Under normal circumstances, a vaginal yeast infection is not serious and can be treated with medications. However, a vaginal yeast infection can be a sign an underlying, more serious condition or can lead to serious complications, especially if left untreated.
- Many women who think they have a vaginal yeast infection actually have other types of vaginal infections. When these women attempt to treat their condition with over-the-counter medications intended to treat yeast infections, the symptoms do not improve. This may allow the infection to worsen. A study performed by the American Social Health Association found that 70% of women used over-the-counter medications designed to treat yeast infections before calling their doctor. Studies have shown that when women self-diagnose a vaginal yeast infection, in many cases, the symptoms are related to other conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis, which is a bacterial infection. Other causes of symptoms similar to those of a vaginal yeast infection include local irritation (for example, from intercourse or tampons); allergic reaction; or chemical irritation from soap, perfumes, deodorants, or powders.
- In very rare cases, a yeast infection can lead to systemic Candidal disease, which is fatal in 75% of people who develop this major complication. This occurs when the infection spreads throughout the body via the bloodstream. Women with weakened immune systems are most susceptible to this type of complication.
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Yeast Infection - Effective Treatments
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
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Yeast Infection (Vaginal)
Yeast Infection Skin Rash Overview
Candidiasis is by far the most common type of yeast infections in human skin. Candidiasis is infection with Candida species. More than 20 species of Candida exist. The most common is Candida albicans. These fungi live on all surfaces of our bodies and only occasionally cause infection. Various types of yeast infections are possible, including the following:
- Perl èche (also termed angular cheilitis) is a softening of the skin with deep creases around the angles of the mouth.
- Thrush is a candidal infection of the mouth and throat. White patches appear in the mouth. Thrush occurs most commonly in the mouths of persons with chronic diseases including diabetes and HIV/AIDS, those with neoplasms, and those who use systemic corticosteroids.
- Intertrigo is an irritation of the fo...
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Vaginitis »
Vaginitis (infection of the vagina) is the most common gynecologic condition encountered in the office.
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