Yeast Infection
What is a yeast infection?
Yeast infections are caused by the overgrowth of a common skin fungus. There are several different kinds of yeast, the most common is candida. These fungi are normally present in the vagina in small amounts. Usually the acidity of the vagina keeps yeast from growing much. Yeast is also normally found in the mouths and intestines of most people. When the yeast in the vagina overgrows it causes itching and irritation of the vagina and external genitals.
What causes the yeast to overgrow?
There are several common causes of yeast infections. One is antibiotic treatment. Because antibiotics kill bacteria, they may destroy normal acid-producing bacteria in the vagina, which makes it easier for the yeast to grow. Other conditions such as pregnancy and diabetes change the chemical environment and make it easier for yeast to grow. In some women birth control pill use may be associated with increased yeast infections. Yeast likes to grow in moist places, so if the skin of the external genitals is not allowed to dry, this may promote yeast growth.
Is yeast a sexually transmitted disease?
Transmission is not usually by sexual contact. Yeast is one of the most common vaginal infections in women, but occurs rarely in men.
What are symptoms of a yeast infection?
In women, yeast infections cause itching of the external genitals (the vulva). There may be burning at the opening of the vagina and on the vulva with urination and intercourse. Women may also notice a thick, white discharge. Yeast infections do not involve the uterus and fallopian tubes and do not impair a woman's ability to become pregnant. In men, there may be no symptoms, or there may be itching and scaling skin on the penis, scrotum and groin.
How is yeast treated?
In women, yeast infections can be treated with a cream or suppositories placed high in the vagina at bedtime. Cream can also be applied to the vulva to reduce itching. There are over-the-counter medications for yeast. Vaginal treatment takes three to seven days. There is also a single dose pill that can be taken orally, but it may take several days for the infection to resolve after taking the pill. In men, yeast can usually be treated with over-the-counter products such as Micatin, Aftate or Tinactin.
What can prevent yeast infections?
Wearing cotton underwear and pantyhose with a cotton crotch helps. Avoid douching, this washes away normal vaginal organisms that protect against infection. After using the toilet, wipe the genital area from front to back. Keep the skin of the genitals clean and dry. Consider using an antifungal cream when taking antibiotics.
If you have yeast you can treat it with over-the-counter medications, or you will be given a prescription for one of the following medications. Please follow the instructions in the package or listed below.
If you have used an over-the-counter medication and your symptoms are still present, see your health care provider. Your symptoms may be caused by something other then yeast.
Terazol cream or suppositories
- Finish all of the medication or reinfection may occur. It is important to do this even if your symptoms are gone.
- Be alert for symptoms of allergic reaction: skin rash, itching, wheezing or trouble breathing.
Diflucan, the use of this medication is not advisable in people with the following conditions:
- Pregnancy or breast feeding
Patients taking Hismanal, Seldane or Claritin
- Allergy to the medication
- Patients with abnormal liver or kidney function.
Possible side effects associated with taking Diflucan include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
This document is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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