Yeast infection is also called “candida vaginal infections”.  This affects majority of the women and statistics says that almost 70% of the women have experienced this infection once in their life.  Yet, almost 50% of women have experienced one time or the other recurrent yeast infections in their lives.  This means that after treatment of yeast infection it develops again in the body.

Women tend to get the yeast infection symptoms especially if they are under a lot of stress, they lack sleep, when they are sick and if they have a poor diet.  A weakened immune system is the culprit in most yeast infection symptoms.  Thus, people with diabetes and HIV infection are also strong candidate for yeast infections.
What are the common symptoms of yeast infections?

The symptoms can include vaginal itching and soreness, the appearance of odorless, thick and white discharge on the vagina, the feeling of discomfort and pain around the vaginal opening (labia) especially felt when urinating as well as the pain felt during sexual intercourse are the common symptoms of yeast infection.

When any one of these are present it is best to consult with a medical professional.  He or she can prescribe treatment for yeast infection.  The sooner it is diagnosed the better.  It can prevent any untoward complications later on which can become serious.

Your doctor in order to be sure of his or her diagnosis would have to conduct several examinations.  This would include a pelvic examination that can determine any inflammation or white discharge in and around the vagina.  Another way can be the Pap smear where a small tissue sample is taken inside the vagina or cervix and the sample is taken to the laboratory to be examined.

If the test revealed that a person is infected with yeast infections proper treatment should be forthcoming.  Yeast infection medicine can be prescribed by the doctor.  Proper medical attention can cure up to 90% of most vaginal yeast infections.  The treatment could last from two weeks or less depending upon the gravity of infection.

For patients who have recurring symptoms of yeast infection even after it has been cured should also look into the possibility of diabetes or HIV infection as the possible sources of the fungal infection.  As discussed above weakened immune system caused by other illnesses and diseases can be a way for yeast infection to also develop.

Vaginal yeast infection can be treated in a variety of ways.  This includes the prescription of antifungal medications that can be inserted directly inside the vagina.  This could take the form of tablets, creams, suppositories and ointments.  The common yeast infection medicine that can be prescribed are butoconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole, nystatin, tioconazole and terconazole.  These are generally effective in treating yeast infections.

There are many treatment for yeast infection available in the market today and most of this can be availed without a doctor’s prescription.  For women who experience yeast infection the first time around should see to it that they should consult first with their doctors on what specific treatment is best for them.  Over the counter yeast infection medicine can be availed by people who have a recurrent problem and not for the first timers.
How then can we prevent ourselves from being infected with yeast infection?

The number way to prevent yeast infection is to be hygienic and always keep our genitals clean and dry at all times.  Avoid too much use of feminine wash and spray as these objects cause the destruction of too much bacteria.  The bacteria keep the growth of fungus in check and when its numbers decrease we can see the increase of the fungal candida albicans.

It is also advised that women should wear cotton and loose under wears.  This would allow your skin to “breathe” and keep it cool and dry.  Nylons on the other hand keep the skin warm and moist and this condition is suitable to the growth of the fungus.

Change tampons and sanitary napkins as often as possible.  This will allow you to feel clean but also a good hygienic habit.

We should remember to keep ourselves clean and healthy all the time.  This can effectively prevent the symptoms of yeast infection from developing and avoid yeast infection medicine altogether.