Vaginal Yeast Infections

Vaginal Yeast infections are likely to affect three out of four women at least once in their lifetime. The most common cause for vaginal yeast infection is candida albicans - tiny organisms that live and multiply within the vagina. This vaginal infection is not sexually transmitted. Since the pH of the vagina is usually acidic, the yeast organisms do not multiply. Medications, diabetes, hormonal changes and stress can alter the acidic nature of the vagina. This can cause candidiasis - a condition where the normal balance of bacteria is altered and infection occurs.

Birth control pills, excessive consumption of alcohol and compromised immune system can make a woman more susceptible to a vaginal yeast infection. There is itching and burning in the vagina and vulva. A woman has pain during urination and sexual intercourse. Vaginal yeast infection leads to thick and sticky discharge.

Vaginal Yeast infections are usually treated with vaginal creams and suppositories that dissolve and tackle the infection. Topical creams such as clotrimazole or miconazole relieve itching and also treat the yeast infection. It is essential to rule out infections such as chlamydia, trichomoniasis and gonorrhea.

Vaginitis

Vaginitis refers to irritation in the vagina or abnormal discharge caused due to infection. Sometimes it is caused by allergy or irritation or sexual activity. In most cases, vaginitis is caused by vaginal yeast infection, trichomonas vaginitis or bacterial vaginosis. Vaginitis is not a serious disease but can be distressing and uncomfortable. It must be seen if the person is also suffering from a sexually transmitted disease.

Women suffering from vaginitis notice abnormal or increased discharge that may have a foul smell. There is itching and irritation in the vagina. There is pain on urination and sexual intercourse. There might thick vaginal discharge. It is essential to discuss the problem with your health worker so that the right treatment can be adopted. Physical examination and test of vaginal fluid can help detect vaginitis. The vaginal pH is an indication of the presence of any infection. The type and cause of vaginal infection determines the nature of treatment. The medications used are anti-fungal medicines or oral antibiotics. Vaginal gels or creams may also be prescribed. Vaginal yeast infection must be treated with antifungal creams. You can reduce your chances of contracting vaginitis with some simple measures:

Pap smear

The test was invented by Dr. Georgios Papanikolaou. A pap smear also known as the Pap test or cervical smear test is done to detect any possible signs of cancer of the cervix. This test helps the doctor to predict those women who are prone to cancer and thus help avoid it. Cell samples are taken from the vagina, the endocervix (place where the cervix and the lining of the uterus joins) and the exocervix (opening of the cervix) to carry out the test. A special instrument called the speculum is inserted into the vagina thus enabling the cervix to open. A negative pap smear can prove that you are normal. A positive test result will indicate that the cells in your cervix are undergoing a number of changes. A positive pap smear can indicate: