A first yeast infection should prompt a visit to a doctor to ensure a correct diagnosis. A woman who has had a yeast infection diagnosed in the past and has similar symptoms can usually buy an over-the-counter product to treat the discomfort. If the symptoms don’t respond within a couple of days, however, she should see her physician to rule out other possible problems.
Telltale symptoms of a yeast infection are itching or burning in the vagina and around the vulva (the area near the vaginal opening). Many women also notice a discharge that has a thick, almost cottage cheesy texture.
When you see your doctor about a possible yeast infection, there are a number of other potentially serious conditions your physician will want to rule out. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease or affect your fertility.
A number of common infections are often mistaken for a vaginal yeast infection.
1. Bacterial vaginosis also has symptoms that include vaginal itching and irritation. There may also be a discharge, which tends to have a fishy odor and a thin, greyish appearance.
Anyone can get bacterial vaginosis but having multiple sexual partners and frequent douching increases the risk.
2. Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a parasite. Symptoms of trich, as it’s called for short, include itching, burning, swelling and redness of the vagina and vulva. There may be a greenish, frothy discharge.
Having multiple sexual partners increases the risk, and trich sometimes occurs as the result of a sexual encounter in the past.
3. Noninfectious vaginitis is an allergic reaction. Symptoms include itching, inflammation and burning caused by soap, douche or even a laundry detergent. Stop using the product and see if symptoms improve in a few days.
Conditions that set the stage for yeast infections
There are a number of conditions that set the stage for yeast infections, some relatively harmless, others a possible sign of a more serious medical problem.
- Frequent douching alters the chemistry of the vaginal environment and can remove helpful bacteria that keep yeast in check.
- Antibiotics prescribed to treat illness or infection can kill off friendly bacteria in the vagina, giving a yeast infection a chance to develop.
- Hormone changes associated with pregnancy, birth control pills or the menstrual cycle can cause flare-ups in some women.
- Sexual activity and vaginal irritation may cause yeast to grow.
- Diabetes, associated with high blood sugar levels, can raise the chances of a yeast infection. Frequent infections are an early sign of adult-onset diabetes.
- A compromised immune status, perhaps the result of an undiagnosed HIV infection, can be to blame for repeated yeast infections.
Once a diagnosis has been made, your physician can prescribe a cream or suppository that is inserted into the vagina. Fluconazole (Diflucan) can be taken orally (treatment requires just one 150 milligram tablet). Most patients experience relief in about 24 hours, although some cases may take three to five days to clear.
Self-treatment
There are a number of over-the-counter suppositories and creams available to women who feel reasonably certain that the symptoms they are experiencing are the same as those diagnosed as yeast on another occasion. The single oral dose of fluconazole is available by prescription only.
Yeast infections are common, annoying and usually not all that serious. Although it’s okay to self-treat with over-the-counter medications if you’re reasonably certain your symptoms are caused by a yeast infection. However, recurring infections or those that don’t respond to treatment in a few days require professional evaluation. If it’s not yeast it’s important to diagnose and treat the underlying problem.
When Not To Self Treat
Self-treatment of yeast infections is a quick and easy solution to a usually minor condition. There are occasions when self-treatment should not be attempted:
- If you’re pregnant.
- If you’ve been exposed to an STD.
- If you’ve never been diagnosed with a yeast infection.
- If you’ve been experiencing recurrent infections.
Keeping Yeast Infections at Bay
To lower your risk of developing a yeast infection:
- Avoid tight-fitting clothes, especially if the fabric is synthetic.
- Choose fabrics that breathe, such as cotton, for underwear.
- Don’t use douches, feminine hygiene sprays or other scented products in the vaginal area.
- Avoid deodorant tampons and pads.
- Don’t sit around in wet or sweaty exercise clothes or swim wear.
- Wipe from front to back in the bathroom to avoid contaminating the vaginal area.
Michelle Herbert Thomas, PharmD, CDE—Rev. 5/19/2010 TNK
