Symptoms of a Yeast Infection in Women

The most common symptoms of a yeast infection in women are extreme itchiness, burning, redness and an abnormal vaginal discharge. Most women have a yeast infection at some time in their lives. The fungus is called Candida albicans and it occurs naturally in the mouth, digestive tract, skin and vagina. Usually the yeast have other microbes that keep it in check, but under certain favorable conditions the yeast multiply rapidly for an infection. If you are taking antibiotics to treat another infection the usual balance among microbes will change. The protective bacteria will decrease in number which allows the yeast cells to increase in number. Conditions such as diabetes, pregnancy and obesity can also encourage yeast infections.

If you think you have a yeast infection, you should call the doctor to find out for sure. Signs can mimic those of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as gonorrhea and Chlamydia, so you want to be sure it is not something more serious. The medical doctor will perform an exam to look for symptoms of a yeast infection in women such as discharge and swelling. He may also take a sample of fluid to examine under a microscope or send in for a lab test to determine exactly what is causing the discomfort. Certain risk factors can increase the chances of getting a yeast infection. These include illness, lack of sleep, stress, pregnancy, menstruation and hormone changes during your period. Other factors include poorly controlled HIV/AIDS, diabetes and other diseases. Some medicines such as antibiotics, birth control pills and certain hormones can encourage yeast growth. Also poor eating habits can lead to an infection, especially if huge quantities of sugar are consumed.

You should really know the symptoms of a yeast infection in women, because up to 75 percent of all women have one at some point in their lives. If many infections occur, that could be a sign of other health problems. If it does not respond to treatment it could indicate an HIV infection. You can purchase some medicines to treat yourself if an infection occurs. These include clotrimazole, miconazole, butoconazole and tioconazole. A doctor may prescribe an oral dose of fluconazole or a clotrimazole vaginal suppository. Infections of Candida albicans can appear in the mouth, esophagus and gastrointestinal (GI) system. If it gets into the bloodstream it is called Candida sepsis, and the death rate may reach 70 percent.