Although slight, you embarrassingly notice that you are not feeling quite right “down there.” You begin to wonder if you could have some vaginal issue that warrants a doctor’s visit, but aren’t sure what to tell the doctor. How do you know if you have a yeast infection? The only way to know for sure is to see your gynecologist (or other medical doctor) and have a pelvic exam.
During the pelvic exam, the doctor will look for inflammation or redness of the vaginal area. They will also look for any discharge. Further, a swabbing of the vaginal walls may be taken and then assessed under a microscope so see if you do in fact, have a yeast infection.
A yeast infection is a fungal infection and affects the vagina and vulva. While there is always yeast in the vaginal area, if it grows too greatly, a yeast infection will ensue. This overgrowth is from the fungus, Candida Albicans.
Symptoms that may let you know that you have a yeast infection are burning, swelling, and redness of the labia and vulva, which is the area around the vagina. You may notice the burning is worse when urinating, and may feel a bit like a UTI (urinary tract infection). This painful urination is due to the fluid hitting the irritated vulva. You may have a general soreness or pain during sexual intercourse. At times, a rash may appear on the vagina. A white, cottage cheese-like discharge may occur, but will have no odor. The most irritating and embarrassing symptom is itching. The itching is somewhat painful and burns and feels that it will not end. It can also spread to the labia and anus.
There are many potential causes of yeast infections. Stress, lack of sleep, and illness are some causes. Many antibiotics cause yeast infections. Some doctors will automatically prescribe a yeast infection medication at the same time they prescribe antibiotics, but do not hesitate to ask your doctor to write a script if you are prone to yeast infections. And not all yeast infections are alleviated with the same yeast infection medications. Other medications that may cause yeast infections are steroids and birth control pills.
Other causes of yeast infections are pregnancy, menstrual cycles, hormone changes because of your cycle, diabetes, and compromised immune systems due to HIV/AIDS. Further, poor eating/diet habits can cause the fungal infection. Eating large amounts of sugary foods may cause the fungus to grow too rapidly which of course, leads to a yeast infection.
How are yeast infections treated? A doctor may prescribe creams or tablets, as well as ointments or vaginal suppositories. While the creams and ointments are messy and leak, they generally work, often in as little as three days, with some even claiming one day relief. But, one should not use these if they have never been diagnosed medically with a yeast infection, are pregnant, or have recurring yeast infections. Further, talking to a doctor about options and side effects is always a wise decision.
If someone feels they are suffering from a yeast infection, then a doctor’s appointment should be made. If it is a person’s first infection, the doctor will talk about symptoms, causes, and treatments. While a person may not immediately know that they have a yeast infection, the uncomfortable and at times embarrassing symptoms will keep aggravating until a doctors appointment is made. How do you know if you have a yeast infection? With these side effects, it is almost impossible not to know.
