A: A yeast infection is a common type of vaginal infection caused most commonly by an overgrowth of the yeast called Candida albicans. Candida is always present in your body, but when an imbalance occurs, such as when the normal pH balance of the vagina changes or when your hormonal balance changes, Candida can multiply. When that happens, you can get a vaginal yeast infection.
Q: How do I know if I have one?
A: You will experience itching, burning, and a thick, white vaginal discharge that might resemble cottage cheese. You may also notice redness or experience pain. If this is your first yeast infection, don't try to diagnose or treat it yourself. The only way to know for sure is to see your doctor. It might be another kind of vaginal condition, and more than one infection can occur at the same time.
Q: What are some common causes?
A: Certain antibiotics can sometimes create conditions for yeast overgrowth. If you take oral antibiotics, or are on a regular course of antibiotic therapy, a yeast infection can result. Steroid therapy can also cause yeast overgrowth. Yeast infections can occur in certain people with diabetes. When the blood sugar is high, yeast can grow rapidly. Your lifestyle can make a difference, too. Wearing tight jeans, synthetic underwear, or a wet swimsuit can create a warm, moist environment where Candida thrive. Douching and wiping from rear to front after urination or a bowel movement can also negatively affect the vaginal environment. A compromised immune system can also result in yeast overgrowth. If you think you might have been exposed to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, the virus that causes AIDS) and are currently experiencing vaginal infections that either don't subside or are recurrent, see your doctor promptly to determine the cause of your symptoms and to receive proper medical care.
Q: Can hormones contribute?
A: Yes. In a normal cycle, estrogen deposits glycogen, a form of sugar, in the cells in the lining of the vagina. Progesterone causes the cells to be shed into the vagina, so the sugar becomes available for yeast to feed on, multiply, and grow.
Q: How can my period contribute?
A: Estrogen and sugar production peak at the midpoint between your periods, and then progesterone begins to build and sugar is released. Yeast infection symptoms can follow the hormonal pattern of this cycle. Often, the most severe symptoms occur before the onset of your period when more sugar is available. During and after the flow, symptoms are likely to subside.
Q: Are yeast infections common in pregnancy?
A: Yes, because more sugar is produced during pregnancy. Many women get yeast infections during the third trimester. As childbirth approaches, yeast infections can be even more common. After delivery, hormone levels change dramatically, and symptoms of yeast infections disappear in a few days because of the new vaginal environment does not support yeast growth. If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, do not use products to treat a yeast infection except under the advice and supervision of a doctor.
Q: Can menopause contribute?
A: Menopause itself has not been proven to cause yeast infections, but high doses of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) could contribute to yeast overgrowth. It is also possible to develop a yeast infection after menopause, either as a result of taking antibiotics, high doses of estrogen, or as a complication of diabetes.
Q: Are all yeast infection treatments the same?
A: No. Some products merely relieve the symptoms, and others cure the infection. When choosing the treatment for your yeast infection, select a cure so you have the best chance to eliminate your yeast infection. Click here for information on the different Canesten® products available.
Q: Do 1-day treatments cure faster than 3-day treatments?
A: No. You can't cure yeast infections in a day. One-day treatments, such as Canesten® 1, need only be inserted once, but they work over three days to cure your yeast infection. You will begin to experience relief of your symptoms in one day, with a full cure by 7 days.
Q: Can I get a yeast infection from having sex?
A: Rarely. While a yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted disease, it is possible to contract a yeast infection through sexual relations. However, sex is an uncommon source of infection. Yeast infections are the result of an imbalance in the vaginal environment, which can have a variety of causes.
Q: Can I give a yeast infection to my sex partner?
A: Yes. It is possible, though not common, for a sex partner to develop a yeast infection. If you think you have a yeast infection and your partner has penile itching, redness, or discomfort, he should contact his physician. Your partner's physician should know that you have (or may have) a yeast infection, so a more precise diagnosis can be made.
Q: Is it okay to have sex while I'm using Canesten®?
A: It is probably not a good idea. If you're treating a yeast infection, you should abstain from sex during the course of the treatment and cure (about seven days). This way, your body will have a chance to completely heal and you will minimize the chance of transmitting the infection to your partner. In addition, Canesten® may reduce the effectiveness of some birth control methods, such as condoms, diaphragms and vaginal spermicides. This effect is temporary and occurs only during treatment.
Q: I've had several yeast infections over the past year. Should I continue to use OTC preparations?
A: If you've had several yeast infections within a year (i.e., if you have one every two months, or more often), this is considered a recurring yeast infection, and you should notify your physician. Recurrent yeast infections can indicate a more serious underlying condition that should be diagnosed and treated.
Q: I used an OTC product for my yeast infection, but the infection didn't go away. What should I do?
A: If this happens, you should consult your physician. There are several common (and treatable) vaginal infections that have symptoms similar to those of a yeast infection. Also, women can have yeast infections that do not respond to a particular treatment. There could be a serious underlying medical cause for your infections, including diabetes or a compromised immune system. Your physician can diagnose and recommend the appropriate treatment for your condition.
Q: Can yeast infections be prevented?
A: Although it might not be possible to completely avoid vaginal yeast infections, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of developing one.
Q: When should I see my physician?
A: You should see your physician if this is your first yeast infection, if you are pregnant, if you have compromised immunity (for example, if you have HIV or have had chemotherapy or radiotherapy), or if your yeast infection has recurred within a 2-month period. Girls under the age of 12 should also see their physician before treating a yeast infection.
Consult your physician if you are using a cure and there is no improvement within 3 to 7 days, complete relief is not felt within 7 days, or if symptoms return within 2 months. These could be signs of something other than a yeast infection.
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