Yeast Infection (Thrush): What You Need To Know

Yeast infection or vaginal thrush symptoms are similar to those of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and Trichomoniasis.

“What is yeast infection symptoms, treatment and prevention?”

What is yeast infection?

Yeast infection is caused by a type of fungus called Candida .

Candida lives harmlessly on the skin, in the mouth, gut and vagina and is normally kept under control by harmless bacteria.

But sometimes conditions change and the yeast increases rapidly, which causes symptoms of discharge and irritation.

This is commonly known as Yeast infection or Candidiasis.

What are the symptoms of yeast infection?

1. Vaginal Itching, soreness and redness around the vagina or anus
2. Unusual, abnormal white discharge (cottage cheese like)
3. Pain when passing urine.
4. Pain when having sex.

 

Candidiasis is not a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) but can develop after you had sex.

What are the risks of getting yeast infection?

Your chances of developing yeast infection (thrush) increase if :

1. You wear tight clothing or synthetic clothing which prevents ventilation
2. You are pregnant – Thrush can occur as a result of pregnancy. It is not harmful to you or the baby.
3. You are taking antibiotics
4. You are having chemotherapy
5. You have uncontrolled diabetes, HIV or other illnesses lowers your immune system
6. You use products that may cause irritation of the vagina, such as perfumed soaps.

How do you test for yeast infection?

Your doctor will need to look at the vagina and genital area

A swab test will be used to collect a sample of cells from the vagina, during an internal examination

How do you treat a yeast infection?

1.) Antifungal cream

The cream is applied to the genital area.

2.) Antifungal pessary

A pessary is inserted up into the vagina

3.) Oral antifungal

During oral antifungal treatment, your doctor may require blood tests to check your kidney and liver function.
(Side effects may include stomach upset, headaches skin rash.)

NOTE: If you are pregnant, it can be safely treated using pessaries or creams but you should not take oral tablets if you are pregnant.

What do I do to prevent a yeast infection?

1. Wash your genital area with non perfumed soap and water from front to back.
2. Avoid wearing tight clothings
3. Make sure the vagina is well lubricated before and during sexual intercourse.

Frequently Asked Questions!

1.) How effective is the treatment?

Antifungal cream, pessaries or pills are usually effective if you use them according to instructions. Symptoms should disappear within a few days. If the first treatment doesn’t work, the doctor may suggest another test or a combination of treatments.

2.) Will my partner need treatment?

There is no need for your partner to have any treatment unless they have signs and symptoms.

3.) When can I have sex again?

It is best to wait to have any kind of sex – oral, vaginal or anal – until you have taken all of your medicine and all of your symptoms have gone away.

4.) If I have thrush, will it affect my chances of getting pregnant?

There is no evidence that thrush will affect your chances of getting pregnant.

5.) Do I need to have a test to check that the thrush has gone?

No, this is not usually necessary.

However, you may wish to go back to the doctor if:

You did not use the treatment as instructed

The signs and symptoms did not go away

You think you may have thrush again.

(This article is written by Our Guest writer Dr Mastura Shahrum)

Take care gals!

Dr. Mastura Shahrum

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