What is a yeast infection?

To get rid of it, you must first recognize it. A yeast infection is a common vaginal infection caused by the Candida fungus. The vagina likes to be in balance: When something is wrong with the bacteria or yeast that resides there, the yeast can overgrow, notes the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Symptoms include itching and burning, redness, swelling, and possibly an odorless, patchy white vaginal discharge.

1. It's not your fault

If you have an infection, don't blame yourself. Some women are more prone to getting it. Sometimes it can be stress, fatigue, a new soap, or even eating a sugar overload that causes your vaginal pH to drop, allowing yeast to overgrow, but you didn't directly do anything to cause it.

2. go to the pharmacy

If you think you have a yeast infection, you can go to the drug store to buy an over-the-counter vaginal antifungal treatment, which is medicine that you put inside or into the vagina. If this is your first infection, consider going to the gynecologist first to make sure it's really a yeast infection, as other problems, from chafing from underwear to bacterial vaginosis, can cause a similar type of irritation. If over-the-counter treatment doesn't help, or your symptoms go away only to come back, see your gynecologist.

3. Try a longer treatment

When you use an over-the-counter antifungal, you can choose between treatments that last one, three, or seven days. Avoid one-day doses and opt for longer courses. Most women will tell me that the one day days were irritating to the skin or the symptoms returned. Yeast is very resistant, if it is not attacked and eliminated completely, it will return.

4. Oral medication is an option

Trying an over-the-counter cream is a convenient and effective option for treating a yeast infection, but sometimes women are sensitive to ingredients in products and worsen irritation and symptoms. In that case, you may get better results with a prescription single-dose oral antifungal medication, such as fluconazole.

5. Don't be afraid of boric acid

Sounds terrible, especially once you hear it's used to kill roaches and ants. However, a boric acid vaginal suppository is a great cure for a yeast infection, as it keeps the pH of the vagina acidic, and yeast does not like an acidic environment. Even better, it won't kill or kill the good bugs, and it won't absorb into the tissues of the vagina, it's completely safe to use.

6. You can avoid an infection

would u be roommates with me?? sign: cancersexuality: gay or straight depending on what the fuck my gender is bu… https://t.co/ajypiOqeK2

— Georgia Mon May 31 03:46:05 +0000 2021

If you suffer from common yeast infections, you know when the first telltale signs start to appear. For "frequent travelers," keep boric acid suppositories in your medicine cabinet. When you feel one coming on, place it in your vagina, avoid intercourse for two to three nights, and you'll stop the infection before it gets too far.

7. But don't do that with an over-the-counter antifungal.

On the other hand, you shouldn't use antifungals preventively. Antifungal resistance, which occurs in a similar way to antibiotic resistance, is an emerging problem, according to 2018 research published in the journal Science. If you have a history of recurrent fungal infections, see a gynecologist who can recommend suppressive medical therapy.

8. An infection can become a big problem

Yeast infections can be so common that you might be tempted not to take them too seriously, but the situation can be dangerous if you have another infection that could have long-term health implications, such as a sexually transmitted infection. .

9. Get tested to be sure

A yeast infection is not an STI. However, if you're at the doctor being checked for a yeast infection, ask to be tested for STIs as well, suggests Dr. McDonald. While some STIs can be mistaken for a yeast infection, many have no symptoms. You can also take care of both in one visit. Read about the 8 secrets you should never keep from your gynecologist.

10. It has nothing to do with being "unclean"

A yeast infection has to do with an upset pH balance, not hygiene. Many women think they are experiencing yeast infections because they are not "clean" and may try douching; this is not recommended. It can actually cause an imbalance in the vaginal flora that makes symptoms worse.

11. Keep your soap simple

For some women, strong or fragrant soaps can cause a pH imbalance and lead to a yeast infection. Your vagina doesn't need to have a flowery scent. Use a mild, fragrance-free soap on the exterior only, or simply rinse thoroughly with water.

12. Don't put yogurt down there

There's a theory that the probiotic bacteria in yogurt may help rebalance the yeast. However, there is a lack of evidence that the topical application of yogurt actually works. On the other hand, taking an oral probiotic with certain strains of bacteria can help keep vaginal flora in check, particularly if you have recurring infections. Ask your gynecologist if this can be useful for you.@mundiario