Itching, burning, swelling, and pain—Most women recognize the signs of a vaginal yeast infection, as this type of infection is common among women of menstruating age. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a yeast infection, schedule an appointment with your gynecologist. Not only do you want to relieve those annoying symptoms, but you want to rule out that you don’t have a more serious infection that’s not a yeast infection, as that can lead to more serious health problems.
Women at any age can develop a vaginal yeast infection. The most common time for a woman to get a yeast infection is when she’s pregnant or using hormonal birth control. During those years, 75{c32f220a97554538a750280585b6278238c6d138c527944464fd5f29699b7558} of women will get at least one yeast infection. Nearly 50{c32f220a97554538a750280585b6278238c6d138c527944464fd5f29699b7558} of women have two or more infections in their life.
What are the Symptoms of a Vaginal Yeast Infection?
Symptoms of yeast infections include:
- Itching (mild or severe)
- Burning
- White discharge
- Swelling of the vagina and the vulva
- Pain when urinating
- Pain during sex
- Soreness
Now that we’ve covered symptoms, it’s time to talk treatment.
How Can I Treat a Yeast Infection?
Antifungal medicine—which comes in creams, ointments, and tablets—is usually used to treat yeast infections. Although you can buy non-prescription antifungal medication for yeast infections, visit with your doctor to confirm you don’t have another type of infection.
Your healthcare provider can also give you a dose of antifungal medicine, such as fluconazole. If you get several vaginal yeast infections a year, you may need to take regular doses of antifungal medicine. Also, take steps to prevent a yeast infection.
How Can I Prevent a Yeast Infection?
You can take steps to lower your risk of getting yeast infections:
- Don’t douche; douching removes healthy bacteria in the vagina that protects from infection.
- Avoid scented feminine products.
- Change tampons, pads, and panty liners every few hours.
- Wear cotton underwear (or underwear with a cotton crotch).
- Change out of sweaty clothes after exercising and swimsuits after swimming.
- Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
If you think you have a vaginal yeast infection, call 479-482-9268 to set up an appointment with one of our health care providers at Creekside Center for Women.