INTRODUCTION: A vaginal yeast infection is usually caused by a fungus called Candida albicans which is normally found in small amounts in the vagina. While it is certainly not a pleasant experience, there’s no need to spend too much time worrying.

Yeast infection is also more common after menopause because of declining estrogen levels, which thin the vaginal walls. It is not normally spread by sexual contact.

The only time Candida Albicans causes a problem is when the conditions in its environment are such that it begins to grow and reproduce at an increased rate. When this occurs a vaginal yeast infection is the result. If the yeast infection is left untreated, some doctors feel that the Candida Albican will continue to reproduce at an alarming rate. They feel that if the vaginal yeast infection is left untreated that it will produce an imbalance in the bodies natural bacterias and the person’s immune system will become involved, in short the person will become sicker and sicker.

SYMPTOMS: Signs of a yeast infection are similar to a number of other diseases, including bacterial vaginosis (a bacterial infection of the vagina), trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted infection), and contact or allergic dermatitis (a skin reaction to an irritating or allergic substance).

They can often include intense and unbearable itching, rash, a burning feeling, vaginal discharge, and pain during sexual intercourse. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, examine you and may collect samples of cells from places you are having symptoms, such as the mouth or vagina.

TREATMENT: Treating vaginal yeast infection may include a topical ointment or tablet; most are applied inside the vagina at bedtime with an applicator. Treatment lengths vary according to the formulation; one, three, and seven-day treatments are equally effective. Women with recurrent infections should use a longer course of treatment for infections, between 10 to 14 days for a topical (cream or suppository) medication or fluconazole 150 mg by mouth with a 2nd dose 72 hours later.

Treating with antibiotics can lead to eliminating the yeast’s natural competitors for resources, and increase the severity of the problem. Treating the disease will not help or cure sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomonas.

CONCLUSION: Let your doctor help you be sure that yeast infection is the problem and, if it is, to determine why it’s not responding to treatment. If you feel that your condition is immune to the over-the-counter solutions you are using, you can try using a new product, or go to your MD for a prescription treatment.

A good home treatment for vaginal yeast infection is to boost your immune system through proper diet and complete sleep. Probably the easiest way to deal with a yeast infection is prevention. This may be a major “well duh”, but one of the best ways to treat a yeast infection is to wash yourself thoroughly at least once a day.