Dear Squishy
Why do women get vaginal yeast infections?
Signed
“Itchy”
Dear “Itchy”.
Yeast infections are caused by the overgrowth of this fungus called “Candida albicans”. Yeast lives all over the body, but for this response I am going to focus on vaginal yeast infections. The main symptom is itching in the vagina, but you can also feel burning, discharge, and pain with urination or intercourse. They can be treated with over the counter vaginal cream or suppository. If you are not sure of these symptoms or haven’t experienced a yeast infection before, then seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Yeast infections are really common and up to 75% of women will have one at some point in their lifetime. Many women get their first yeast infection when they are pregnant or are on birth control pills. Antibiotics can also change the environment of the vagina and that can cause a yeast infection. And there are some women who get vaginal infections from yeast overgrowth when they have their periods.
Ways to prevent yeast infections include washing your vagina and drying off really well. Yeast likes to grow in moist areas. Avoid moist clothes like hanging out in your gym clothes or tight fitting clothes that don’t let your vaginal area breathe like pantyhose. You might consider wearing undergarments that are cotton or silk to absorb any moisture. Be careful using scented soaps and sprays because that can cause irritation in the vaginal area. Furthermore, avoid douching because that kills the good and the bad bacteria in the vagina and could make you more susceptible to contracting other vaginal infections.
I hope this gives you a better understanding of vaginal yeast infections. #squishytalk
SquishyLady
Original Post: Oct 11, 2015 @ 20:57