Characteristic

Symptoms yeast infection or vaginal yeast infection you need to know to distinguish it from other causes that make your vagina itch. Yeast (yeast) dalah fungus that is natural in the vagina. Usually, this yeast is in the vagina in small amounts. If you have a vaginal yeast infection, it means that there are too many yeast cells in your vagina. This infection is very common. Although it is annoying, this infection is usually not serious. Apart from that, the treatment for this vaginal yeast infection is very easy.

What is the cause of vaginal yeast infection (vaginal yeast infection)?

Yeast infection can occur for a variety of reasons. Some women get this yeast infection during menstruation or during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Some birth control pills can also increase your risk of getting a yeast infection.

Yeast, or with the Latin name Candida , is a fungus that can live almost anywhere. This fungus occurs naturally in your body, but your immune system is still in control so that this fungus does not multiply uncontrollably.

Many factors can cause a loss of the balance of bacteria and yeast in your vagina, leading to this vaginal yeast infection. The following include:

• You are taking antibiotics which help kill bacteria lactobacillus . These bacteria are good bacteria that control the amount of yeast in your vagina. If these bacteria don't control the yeast in your vagina enough, then what happens is that the yeast in your vagina multiplies, causing an infection.
• Health conditions that affect your immune system, such as sexually transmitted diseases.
• Women who have diabetes, whose blood sugar is not well controlled are also prone to vaginal yeast infections. This is because the high sugar content helps the yeast reproduce.

Symptoms of yeast infection in your vagina

Here are the signs if you have a vaginal yeast infection:

• Your vagina feels itchy a lot.
• Your vagina is discharge that is white, thick, lumpy, but odorless.
• Your labia are red like irritation.
• Pain when you urinate, due to urine touching irritated skin.
• Pain in the vagina during sexual intercourse.

How to treat yeast infection?

Mostly if there is a problem with your health, the first thing you do is look for medicine. The following drugs can treat vaginal yeast infections:

1. Anti-fungal cream or suppositories

Medicines without a doctor's prescription to treat vaginal yeast infections are usually packaged in cream form, ointment , or suppositories. You can find these medicines at pharmacies or at supermarkets. Some of these medications can usually cure a vaginal yeast infection within one day, but some can take from three to seven days. Follow the instructions listed on the medicine package and do not stop using the medicine according to the provisions even though you feel your vaginal yeast infection has healed. Usually, these drugs are effective for those who have mild infections or those who do not have frequent yeast infections.

2. Treatment that can be done at home

Even though the drugs sold by pharmacies are a method that can almost certainly cure you, however, it doesn't hurt to try remedies from natural ingredients that are in your home. The following include:

Tea tree oil (tea tree oil)

Tea tree oil is an essential oil that comes from the leaves of the tea tree, or in Latin it is called Melaleuca alternifolia . This oil has the ability to kill fungi, bacteria and viruses. Some studies have also shown that including tea tree oil as a suppository for your vagina can help heal infections in the vagina. Tea tree oil is also believed to help bacteria to balance the yeast in your vagina.

Boric acid

Boric acid is a chemical that has anti-bacterial properties. This acid is often used as a suppository drug for yeast infections, which is usually taken once a day for seven days. Boric acid is usually applied when other anti-fungal treatments cannot cure this yeast infection. However, boric acid can irritate the skin, and is toxic when taken by mouth or applied to open wounds. Therefore, it's a good idea to consult a doctor first before trying this method.

Yogurt

Yogurt contains good bacteria, which are commonly called probiotics. Some of them, these bacteria are also present in the vagina, for example asacidophilus . As well as lactobacillus , asacidophilus also plays a role in balancing the amount of yeast in your vagina. Therefore, scientists think that consuming yogurt, or supplements that contain probiotics, can help balance the number of good bacteria that control the amount of yeast in your vagina.

How to prevent yeast infection?

Whether you've had a vaginal yeast infection or not, here are precautions you can take to avoid getting a vaginal yeast infection:

1. Wear cotton underwear

Tight underwear, or those made of nylon and polyester, can hold moisture. Yeast usually grows in dark, damp places. Therefore, experts recommend that women wear underwear made of cotton, or at least cotton in the groin area. Cotton can allow more air to flow into your genital area.

2. Avoid scented products, soaps, and detergents in your vagina

Products such as scented pads, some soaps, and detergents can irritate your vagina, leading to an imbalance of bacteria in your vagina. Use unscented products cleanser which is intended for the vagina. Also avoid using powder or scented sprays to your genital area.

3. Maintain cleanliness in your vagina

The American College of Obstetricians ang Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends women to avoid using water sprays into your vagina. This is because it kills the good bacteria in your vagina, which helps balance the yeast in your vagina. Instead, women are advised to clean the vagina with soap and water slowly.

When should I see a doctor for a fix yeast infection?

Do not self-diagnose if you have a vaginal yeast infection. Continue to consult a doctor first even though you will be running self-medicating treatments at home. It could be that you are infected with something else, not a yeast infection. Also talk to your doctor if home remedies or over-the-counter medicines can't cure you. It is possible that you need medication that must be prescribed by a doctor.