Could that itch be a sign of infection? Possibly!
A vaginal yeast infection, also known as vaginal candidiasis or vaginal thrush, is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida. It’s a common, but rather uncomfortable, condition that causes pain, irritation, and intense itchiness. Here’s everything you need to know about yeast infections.
What are the main causes of yeast infections?
Your vagina normally has a healthy balance of bacteria and yeast. This is because the good bacteria known as lactobacilli kills off the Candida – helping to keep everything in check. If the balance between bacteria and yeast changes, this can sometimes cause a yeast infection.
Most of the time, these imbalances are caused by something completely unrelated. For example, you can sometimes get a yeast infection when:
- Your skin is irritated or damaged
- You’re taking antibiotics
- You’re struggling with diabetes
- You have a weakened immune system
- You’re having hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- You’re pregnant
Other times, the imbalances are caused by changes to your daily routine. For example, you might be more likely to get one if:
- You’re eating too much sugar
- You’re using pantyliners
- You’re not changing tampons regularly
- You’re wearing tight underwear
- You’re using scented feminine hygiene products
What are the main symptoms of a yeast infection?
Vaginal yeast infections can be quite painful. Some of the most common symptoms are intense irritation, itchiness, and soreness. Other symptoms could include:
- Redness and inflammation: You might start to notice redness, swelling, and inflammation. Your skin might also be broken or sore from scratching.
- Pain or burning with urination. You could experience increasingly dry or irritated skin, which can make urinating uncomfortable.
- Soreness or stringing during intercourse. You could experience increased dryness and irritation in the vaginal area, which can make things painful.
- White discharge: If you have a vaginal yeast infection, then you might get a white and chunky discharge, that looks a bit like cottage cheese.
- Watery discharge: Not chunky? If you have a vaginal yeast infection, then you might still notice a watery discharge instead.
How do you know if you have a yeast infection?
If you think you might have a yeast infection, then it’s always best to see a gynaecologist about your symptoms. This is because yeast infections have similar symptoms to other, more serious conditions, including bacterial vaginosis (a bacterial infection of the vagina), trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted infection), and dermatitis (irritated skin). A gynaecologist can assess your symptoms and give you an accurate diagnosis. They can also ensure that you get the right medical treatment.
How can you get rid of a yeast infection?
Mild yeast infections may clear up on their own. However, persistent or recurrent yeast infections will usually require treatment.
Thinking about going to the pharmacy? If you’ve had a yeast infection before and recognise the symptoms, then that’s certainly an option. The pharmacist will be able to offer you a small range of over-the-counter treatment options including painkillers, antifungal creams, ointments, or suppositories.
Not entirely sure what it is you need? If you’ve never had this type of infection before, or you’re unsure about your symptoms, then it could be worth booking an appointment with a gynaecologist instead. A gynaecologist will be able to offer you a much better range of treatment options, including oral antifungal medication. They will also take into account any recurring symptoms or recent medical history, ensuring that you get the best possible long-term solution.
Are these types of infections serious?
Yeast infections are surprisingly common. Most women get a vaginal yeast infection at some point. Many women also experience recurrent vaginal yeast infections that require regular treatment. In fact, researchers estimate that recurrent infections affect about 138 million women worldwide over the course of a year, and about 372 million women worldwide over a person’s lifetime.
Yeast infections are not usually serious, but it’s still important to get them treated. Dr Alex Eskander, Consultant Gynaecologist at The Gynae Centre, explains: “Yeast infections can be bothersome, especially when they keep coming back. Many patients delay seeing a gynaecologist, sometimes because they’re embarrassed about their symptoms, and sometimes because they’re hoping the infection will clear up without treatment. As a result, some patients really do struggle. The best thing to do is to get help as soon as you notice symptoms. After all, the sooner you see a gynaecologist, the sooner you can start feeling better.”
What you can do to help ease the symptoms
The good news is that yeast infections are easily treatable and there are plenty of things that you can do at home to help ease your symptoms and prevent recurrent infections. For example, you might want to try:
- Switching to cotton: Wearing cotton underwear and other loose-fitting clothes can help allow better air movement.
- Using water to wash: Avoiding scented washes, wipes, sprays, even sweet-smelling bubble baths can help restore balance.
- Using scent-free hygiene products: Using scent-free tampons, pads or pantyliners when needed and changing them frequently.
- Maintaining a healthy diet: Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, without excessive carbohydrates can help manage sugar levels.
- Exercising regularly: Keep up your exercise routine, if possible, but change out of your sweaty clothes as soon as possible.
When should you see a gynaecologist?
In some cases, yeast infections can be treated at home with over-the-counter medications, and a little rest. In other cases though, it’s definitely worth making an appointment with a gynaecologist, especially if:
- This is the first time you’ve had yeast infection symptoms
- You’re not sure whether you have a yeast infection
- Your symptoms aren’t relieved after using over-the-counter treatments
- You start to notice other worrying symptoms
If you do decide to see a gynaecologist, then why not try a private clinic? Clinics can offer a highly professional service, with flexible appointments, and easy access to treatments. For example, here at The Gynae Centre, we have a highly qualified team of experienced consultants, and can offer same-day appointments for patients in the London area.
To find out how we can help, call us on 020 7580 8090 or book online.
