Vaginal Yeast Research Paper
Vaginal yeast infection (Candida Vaginalis)
Vaginal yeast infection is an infection of the vagina, most commonly due to the fungus Candida albicans.
Causes
Most women will have a vaginal yeast infection at some time. Candida albicans is a common type of fungus. It is often present in small amounts in the vagina, mouth, digestive tract, and on the skin. Usually it does not cause disease or symptoms.
Candida and the many other germs or microorganisms that normally live in the vagina keep each other in balance. However, when the vagina has certain favorable conditions, the number of Candida albicans increases, leading to a yeast infection.
Some of these favorable conditions include:
· Antibiotics used to treat other types of infections change …show more content…
Avoid soap and rinse with water only. Sitting in a warm, but not hot bath may help your symptoms.
· Avoid douching. Although many women feel cleaner if they douche after menstruation or intercourse, it may actually worsen vaginal discharge because it removes healthy bacteria lining the vagina that protect against infection.
· Eat yogurt with live cultures or take Lactobacillus acidophilus tablets when you are on antibiotics to prevent a yeast infection.
· Use condoms to avoid catching or spreading sexually transmitted diseases.
· Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays, fragrances, or powders in the genital area.
· Avoid wearing extremely tight-fitting pants or shorts, which may cause irritation.
· Wear cotton underwear or cotton-crotch pantyhose. Avoid underwear made of silk or nylon, because these materials are not very absorbant and restrict air flow. This can increase sweating in the genital area, which can cause irritation.
· Use pads and not tampons.
· Keep your blood sugar levels under good control if you have diabetes.
Possible Complications
Chronic or recurrent infections may occur if you do not get the proper treatment, you reinfect yourself, or you have an underlying medical
Vaginal yeast infection is an infection of the vagina, most commonly due to the fungus Candida albicans.
Causes
Most women will have a vaginal yeast infection at some time. Candida albicans is a common type of fungus. It is often present in small amounts in the vagina, mouth, digestive tract, and on the skin. Usually it does not cause disease or symptoms.
Candida and the many other germs or microorganisms that normally live in the vagina keep each other in balance. However, when the vagina has certain favorable conditions, the number of Candida albicans increases, leading to a yeast infection.
Some of these favorable conditions include:
· Antibiotics used to treat other types of infections change …show more content…
Avoid soap and rinse with water only. Sitting in a warm, but not hot bath may help your symptoms.
· Avoid douching. Although many women feel cleaner if they douche after menstruation or intercourse, it may actually worsen vaginal discharge because it removes healthy bacteria lining the vagina that protect against infection.
· Eat yogurt with live cultures or take Lactobacillus acidophilus tablets when you are on antibiotics to prevent a yeast infection.
· Use condoms to avoid catching or spreading sexually transmitted diseases.
· Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays, fragrances, or powders in the genital area.
· Avoid wearing extremely tight-fitting pants or shorts, which may cause irritation.
· Wear cotton underwear or cotton-crotch pantyhose. Avoid underwear made of silk or nylon, because these materials are not very absorbant and restrict air flow. This can increase sweating in the genital area, which can cause irritation.
· Use pads and not tampons.
· Keep your blood sugar levels under good control if you have diabetes.
Possible Complications
Chronic or recurrent infections may occur if you do not get the proper treatment, you reinfect yourself, or you have an underlying medical