Yeast is most commonly used to make bread and bread products. But, there is another form of yeast that is present in our bodies. Yeast is a fungus that is commonly present on our skin, especially in areas where there is moisture like the mouth and vagina. About 20% to 50% of women who are healthy have yeast in their vaginal areas.
Candida albicans, a species of yeast, is known to be the type of yeast responsible for vaginitis, or inflammation of the vagina. This type of vaginal yeast infection is commonly known as yeast infection. This type of vaginal candidiasis is the most common of all vaginal infections that afflict women, and rarely men who have had sex with women with cases of candidiasis.
There are only a few symptoms that indicate a possible vaginal yeast infection. These symptoms, however, can also be indicative of other conditions not necessarily related to fungal infections. Here is a short list of physical indications that could indicate the presence of a yeast infection:
1. Itching. Vaginal itching is something that can usually be remedied with a good wash. If a fungal infection is suspected, an over-the-counter topical antifungal cream can often relieve itching. Itching that does not go away should already be cause for alarm, as this should indicate that there is something else irritating the area that cannot be eliminated with antiseptics or anti-fungal treatments. Severe itching may be accompanied by redness and swelling characteristic of vaginitis.
2. Bread. When there is pain, in all probability there is something wrong. Vaginal thrush pain can occur due to further irritation of the swollen area, either due to friction from clothing or other body parts or due to bodily fluids touching the swollen area. People with vaginal candidiasis often experience pain when urinating or having sex.
3. Download. This is not present in all cases of vaginal candidiasis. Those who have vaginal discharge notice a thick, cottage cheese-like substance from their vaginal cavity. This discharge may be white or yellowish and is usually odorless. Some patients with vaginal candidiasis, however, have reported that their discharge has a starchy odor.
These symptoms may also indicate other conditions. If these are experienced for several days, you may want to check with your doctor. A vaginal exam along with a microscopic analysis of a sample taken from the swollen area of your vagina could give you a definitive answer about the condition you have. When these symptoms occur and persist for more than a week, yeast infection could actually be a symptom of a more serious illness, such as diabetes mellitus or AIDS.
If left untreated, yeast infection can spread throughout the body and cause a systemic yeast infection that could possibly be fatal. Most people who develop systemic candidiasis are often diagnosed with critical illnesses that are difficult to treat with normal procedures. Therefore, at the slightest sign of vaginal candidiasis, you should see your doctor and get proper treatment.
