What is Vaginal Yeast Infection, What Are Its Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment Methods?

Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist Op.Dr.Esra Demir Yüzer gave important information about the subject. One of the most common infections in women is vaginal yeast infection. 90 percent of women encounter a yeast infection at some point in their lives.

Approximately 75-90% of adult women have at least one fungal infection at some point in their lives. Vaginal infections, especially fungal infections, increase due to pregnancy and changing hormonal balance. Microorganisms that reproduce in vaginal yeast infections are generally not transmitted from another person. Yeast cells in the person's own vagina become active for various reasons and cause infection. Stress is one of the factors that trigger the formation of fungus. Diagnosis of the disease; Unlike other diseases, the diagnosis is easily made by gynecological examination. In the examination of the patient who applied to the specialist with these complaints, the redness of the cervix and the detection of the fungus-specific discharge enable the diagnosis to be made.

What is a vaginal yeast infection?

Vaginal yeast infection is an inflammation in the vagina caused by a group of microorganisms called fungi. Generally, a type of fungus called Candida Albicans causes this infection.

What are the symptoms of vaginal yeast infections?

In fungal infection, a white, milky-like, odorless discharge often occurs in the vagina. Presence of odor should come to mind the presence of a second infection accompanying the infection. Intense itching and burning in the vagina accompanies this discharge. As a result of the contact of the discharge with the external genital organs, redness and burning may occur. Also, complaints of urinary burning and pain during sexual intercourse occur.

Fungal infections, frequency, causes;

75-90% of all women will develop a vaginal yeast infection at least once in their lifetime. In pregnant women, this infection is seen 15-20 times more frequently than in non-pregnant women.

Sitting in a swimsuit increases the risk of infection. Fungal infections are more common in pregnant women with diabetes. In addition, after the use of some antibiotics (usually penicillin, ampicillin group), fungal infections may occur due to the decrease in vaginal flora bacteria.

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis of vaginal yeast infections is not difficult. In general, the evaluation of the patient's complaints and examination findings together during the examination makes the diagnosis without the need for an additional laboratory examination.

Treatment of fungal infection:

Vaginal yeast infections are usually treated with locally effective vaginal ovules and creams. Oral medications are generally not preferred to avoid adverse effects on the fetus. There are also some oral medications that can be used after the first 3 months if necessary. Our recommendation is to apply to an obstetrician and gynecologist for related complaints and get the necessary help.