Signs and Symptoms of A Yeast Infection

A severely uncomfortable itch, obvious irritation and redness in the area. These are the major symptoms of a yeast infection. Some people may have some, all, or none of these symptoms. The unbearable itching is the most troublesome symptoms of a yeast infection and it is the reason people look all over the place to find a quick, inexpensive solution. From home made remedies to prescription or over the counter medicines, people will try almost anything to make it go away.

Some other symptoms of a yeast infection are:

• painful urination due to the dryness of the vagina
• painful sexual intercourse due to the irritation and dryness of the vagina
• whitish gray or cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge . This discharge may have no odor or a yeasty odor.

Your doctor can tell you what are the symptoms of a yeast infection and can determine for sure if you have one. You don't want to treat yourself for a yeast infection if you don't have one. If you're not sure you should go to your doctor to rule out more serious conditions such as bacterial infections.

What causes a yeast infection? Candida albicans is the culprit. This microorganism is always present in small amounts in damp, moist areas in our body. A normal balance between good and bad bacteria is usually maintained by our body. Sometimes an outside stimulus will destroy the balance and the Candida organism will multiply freely. This overgrowth of the yeast results in irritation and redness.

Taking antibiotics is associated with excessive growth of the yeast in the vagina. Antibiotics disrupt the presence of other microorganisms that control the population of Candida. Other possible causes of yeast infections include certain detergents, fabric softeners, feminine and hygiene sprays, and forms of contraceptives like foams or jellies. These substances change the pH level in our bodies which allows the yeast to multiply. Women also have a greater risk of being diagnosed with a yeast infection because of the estrogen level in their bodies. Women who take estrogen-containing birth control pills and those who are pregnant are more likely to get a yeast infection.

It is reported that 3 in 4 women will suffer from a yeast infection at some point in their lives. And out of those, 50% will have a recurring infection. Once you determine if you have a yeast infection, there are several things you can do to get rid of it.

How Can You Tell If You Have A Yeast Infection

How can you tell if you have a yeast infection? What are the symptoms of a yeast infection? If you've ever had one before, you remember it for a long time and you know it when it comes around again. There can be different signs and symptoms of a yeast infection. Sometimes you may have no symptoms at all, but the main symptom of a yeast infection is severe itching. It's like an itch you can't scratch or one that can't be satisfied. If you are suffering from your first yeast infection, you should consult your doctor to make sure that is what you have. Some symptoms of a yeast infection can be similar to more serious diseases.

Another symptom of a yeast infection is a burning sensation. The vulvar area may become red, swollen and blisters may develop. Some women experience burning and pain during and after urination and during sex. The burning of a yeast infection is different than the burning from a urinary tract infection.

Sometimes it's hard to tell what are the symptoms of a yeast infection. Discharge and smell can be confusing symptoms. A thick discharge that looks like cottage cheese may be present and have a yeasty or starchy odor. Keep in mind that both discharge and a foul smell could be symptoms of other diseases as well. If you're feeling any type of pain, you should see your doctor.

Men with yeast infections usually notice a redness or soreness around the tip of the penis. A yeast infection can be spread through sex, so you should refrain until you are free of symptoms. Both partners should be treated to stop the infection from going back and forth.

Three out of four women will get a yeast infection at some time in their life. 50% will have more than one. There are prescription treatments as well as over the counter medications that can be taken.

Check out Treatment For Yeast Infection to find out ways to cure a yeast infection with things you may already have in your home.