Yeast is a kind of fungus whose scientific name is Candida but the yeast that is responsible for vaginitis is Candida albicans. Yeast forms in the area of vagina due to the moisturization. Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina. It occurs due to certain infections caused due to presence of bacteria, protozoans and yeast. The infection is commonly known as Vaginal Candidiasis.
Vaginal yeast infection takes place due to certain reasons. It might be due to formation of new yeast in the vagina or increase in the quantity of yeast that is already present in the vagina. The yeast can multiply because of absence of protective bacteria. Vaginal yeast can also occur due to an injury in the inner vagina such as after chemotherapy. Women with suppressed immune system can develop more yeast than women with normal immune system
However it is not considered to be a sexually transmitted infection but it is possible for men to develop skin irritation in the penis after sexual intercourse from his partner if she contains yeast in her vagina.
The most common symptom that can be felt is an itching sensation in the vagina or vulvar area. Other symptoms include:
- Burning sensation
- Soreness around vagina
- Feeling of pain during sexual intercourse and urination
- Vaginal discharge – A thick, odorless discharge with a whitish cottage cheese like appearance.
There are certain medications are available in the market to solve the infection related problems. There are some antifungal creams which can prove beneficial. The name of such medicines are:
1. Butoconazole (Femstat 3)
2. Clotrimazole (Lotrimin)
3. Miconazole (Monistat) and
4. Terconazole (Terazol 3)
Apart from the creams, there are some vaginal tablets include:
1. Clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex)
2. Miconazole (Monistat, Micatin)
3. Terconazole (Terazole) and
4. Nystatin (Mycostatin)
A popular oral tablet that can be taken for vaginal Candidiasis is Fluconazole (Diflucan). Most of the medication can cause side-effects like headache, nausea and abdominal pain. But doctor advises not to use such medication during the pregnancy period.
However, all women who face this kind of infection and have found themselves with the above mentioned symptoms should go ahead to the doctors for proper medications.
