Related topics about disorders of the vulva: lichen sclerosus  uterine fibroids vaginal discharge vaginitis vulvodynia vulvar cysts |
|
What are candida or yeast infections?
Yeast infections of the vagina are what most women think of when they hear the term "vaginitis." They are caused by one of the many species of fungus called Candida. Candida normally live in small numbers in the vagina as well as in the mouth and digestive tract of both men and women.
Yeast infections produce a thick, white vaginal discharge with the consistency of cottage cheese. Although the discharge can be somewhat watery, it is odorless. Yeast infections usually cause the vagina and the vulva to be very itchy and red.
Since yeast is normal in a women's vagina, what makes it cause an infection? Usually this happens when a change in the delicate balance in a woman's system occurs. For example, a woman may take an antibiotic to treat a urinary tract infection and the antibiotic kills her "friendly" bacteria that normally keep the yeast in balance; as a result the yeast overgrows and causes the infection. Other factors which can upset the delicate balance include pregnancy which changes hormone levels and diabetes which allows too much sugar in the urine and vagina. |
| |
|
More information on vaginitis
What is vaginitis? - Vulvovaginitis refers to inflammation of both the vagina and vulva, the outer area of labial and skin surrounding the vagina.
What are the symptoms of vaginitis? - The common symptoms of vaginitis are itching, burning, and vaginal discharge that is different from the normal secretions.
What are the most common types of vaginitis? - The most common types of vaginitis include candida or yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis vaginitis, chlamydia, gonococcal vaginitis, viral vaginitis, and noninfectious vaginitis.
What causes vaginitis? - Bacteria, yeast, viruses, or chemicals in creams or sprays, can cause vaginitis.
What is bacterial vaginosis? - Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is actually the most common type of vaginitis in females of reproductive age.
What is trichomoniasis? - Trichomonas, commonly called trick, is caused by a single-celled organism tht is a member of the protozoa family of microorganisms.
What is chlamydia? - Chlamydia, caused by the bacterium chlamydia trachomatis, exists in a number of different strains.
What is viral vaginitis? - Viruses are a common cause of vaginitis, with most being spread through sexual contact.
What is noninfectious vaginitis? - Noninfectious vaginitis usually refers to vaginal irritation without an infection being present.
What are candida or yeast infections? - Yeast infections of the vagina are what most women think of when they hear the term vaginitis.
How is vaginitis diagnosed? - Vaginitis is easily diagnosed by your health care provider. A small amount of vaginal discharge will be evaluated.
What is the treatment to cure vaginitis? - Candida vaginitis can be treated with antifungal medications that are administered directly into the vagina as tablets, creams, ointments or suppositories. |
|
|
|
