Yeast infection is a common problem in women, and most will experience at least one at some point in their lifetime. However, recognizing the signs and symptoms of yeast infection could help receive proper treatment at the earliest.
Let’s talk about the signs and symptoms and diagnosis and treatment of yeast infection, and where you can go in GA for outstanding gynaecology care.
Causes of Yeast Infection
Yeast is a harmless fungus that can be found on your skin and digestive system. It is also found in the vaginal area of women. However, any changes in bacterial count lead to an overgrowth of yeast in a particular area, causing infection known as candidiasis.
A yeast infection can occur for a number of different reasons, including:
- Use of perfumed soaps and bubble baths, or using vaginal contraceptives and feminine hygiene products on a damaged or irritated skin
- Weakened immune system due to HIV or chemotherapy
- Use of antibiotics – which can kill the healthy bacteria in the body
- Poorly controlled diabetes
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause or with birth control pills
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Signs and Symptoms of a Yeast Infection
A yeast infection can cause different symptoms depending on where it is located in the body. The most common symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are extreme itching and burning in and around the vagina. Other signs and symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection can include:
- A change in color, appearance, odor, or amount of vaginal discharge, such as thick, white or yellow discharge having a cottage cheese like appearance
- Redness, soreness, and swelling of the vagina and the vulva
- Pain, soreness, or stinging during urination and/or sex
- Light vaginal bleeding
Although a yeast infection is not classed as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), you can get a yeast infection from your sexual partner. Condoms and dental dams may help prevent getting or passing on a yeast infection through vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
A yeast infection can cause different symptoms in other areas of the body, such as:
- A rash with redness, scaling, or skin breakdown
- Soreness or pain
- Patches that ooze clear fluid
- Itching or burning
- Swelling
- Pus (if in the nail bed)
Oral yeast infections are more common in children and can cause symptoms, including white patches on the tongue and inside the cheeks, redness or soreness, and difficulty swallowing.
Diagnosis and Treatment for a Yeast Infection
You should visit your doctor if it is your first yeast infection, a recurrent yeast infection, or you have symptoms that do not respond to over-the-counter yeast infection medications. Your doctor will examine your cervix, vagina, and external genital area to diagnose a yeast infection. A lab test to check a sample of vaginal discharge may be necessary to enable the doctor to know the presence of yeast cells and recognize other types of infections.
Yeast infections can often be treated effectively with over-the-counter medication. Sometimes, pills or vaginal medication may be prescribed by your doctor. You should contact your doctor if your symptoms return or do not go away with treatment.
If you have developed a yeast infection from sexual activity, your partner should be treated if they develop symptoms.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Yeast Infections in Decatur, Stonecrest & Stone Mountain, GA
If you have signs or symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection, visit no other than Dekalb Women’s Specialists Gynecological and Obstetrical Care for the compassionate and expert care you deserve.
We are experts in the field of women’s health and take a patient-centered approach to providing an extensive range of services, including comprehensive well-woman exams, preventive screenings, medical or surgical treatments for a range of gynecology conditions, full-service pregnancy care, infertility evaluations, and menopause symptom relief.
To know more about our services, call us today at (404) 508-2000, or alternatively, you can request your appointment online.
