Understanding Female Yeast Infections

Present within the female body are various types of yeast. These non threatening strains may be present in the digestive tract, oral cavity, upon the skin and also found in the vagina. These types of yeast provide no infection threat to the body.

However, an infection that is prevalent and found in over half of sexually active women tested is the female yeast infection. Yeast infections are caused by the organism known as Candida albicans or Candidiasis.

Although the presence of this infection is present in the majority of sexually active women, there is no evidence to substantiate that a female yeast infection is passed through sexual intercourse.

In order to further understand occurrences of female yeast infection it is important to identify the symptoms, what is the treatment and what are the precautions associated with the treatment of the female yeast infection.

Symptoms

Symptoms of the female yeast infection involve pain and discomfort when performing normal bodily functions. Symptoms include a burning sensation when using the restroom, itching and irritation or burning sensation of the vagina.

In addition the female yeast infection may produce a vaginal discharge. This discharge can vary from person to person. The consistency of the discharge may be dense or watery and milky-like in color. Also present may be a non-offensive odor.

Symptoms of the female yeast infection may also include the experiencing of pain during sexual activity or following sexual intercourse.

Treatment

The treatment for the female yeast infection is fairly straightforward. The treatment of choice is the application of an antifungal agent. These agents can be directly applied to the vagina using suppositories or creams. Also, available are anti-fungal tablets that can be taken orally.

The frequency of this treatment for the female yeast infection requires treatment over a period of time. Generally, the application of the anti-fungal creams is applied twice daily for a period of seven days. Often, symptoms are relieved within the third to fourth day of treatment.

Female yeast infection can be a chronic occurrence for some women. Repeated female yeast infections require that anti-fungal creams be applied for greater lengths of time.

Precautions

When being treated for a yeast infection it is important to keep in mind certain precautions. Precautionary warning signs include the symptoms of back pain, running a high grade fever, discharge from the affected area being malodorous, pain in the lower abdomen and pain in the shoulder region.

Also, anti-fungal products should not be used if the patient is under the age of twelve or if there is sensitivity to this product. Also, if the woman is pregnant or nursing a child this treatment for the yeast infection is not indicated.

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