Vaginal yeast infection

The vagina has a normal growth of bacteria and yeast. But when too much yeast grows, irritation usually happens. Sometimes the medicine used to treat the infection stops working.

 Signs and symptoms 
A yeast infection is uncomfortable. It can feel like burning. It causes itching. 

A vaginal yeast infection can cause vaginal discharge. The vaginal discharge can be like water. Sometimes the discharge can be thick, white, and chunky. A woman may have painful sex. It may be painful to urinate.  A vaginal yeast infection usually causes the vagina and vulva to become itchy and red.

 Risk factors and causes 
 If the body has a weak immune system this makes it more likely that a woman will get a vaginal yeast infection. Taking certain types of medicine  like antibiotics increases the risk of having a vaginal yeast infection. Medications are one cause of a vaginal yeast infection. These are antibiotics, steroids, and chemotherapy. The risk is higher if a woman is are pregnant or who has diabetes. The risk is greater if a woman douches or uses sprays in her vaginal area. 

 Treatment 
To find out whether or not a woman has a vaginal yeast infection, a doctor may:

 Ask many questions about the woman's health,
 Do an examination of the vulva and vagina,
 Look for vaginal discharge, its color, qualities, and odor,
 Study a sample of vaginal fluid under a microscope,
 Order some more tests.
Yeast infections are usually treated with cream or with medicine that is put inside your vagina. a There are medicines that can be bought without a prescription.

 See also 

 Vaginal flora

 References 

Category:Diseases and disorders of the female reproductive system
Category:Fungal diseases