What is a yeast infection?

When a healthy acidic vagina becomes unbalanced and alkaline, yeast fungus can grow too rapidly and cause a yeast infection, also called vaginal candidiasis. Triggers are antibiotics, contraceptives, menstruation, douching, sex, tampons, pregnancy, menopause, diabetes, other illnesses, and common soaps, which can increase vaginal pH and contribute to infection.

Symptoms include a white discharge with the texture of cottage cheese, swelling and pain of the vulva, painful intercourse, intense itching, and burning during urination.

Some women suffer frequent yeast infections for no obvious reason. Healthy ones should not contract more than four per year, which can be passed to sex partners of either gender.

While self diagnosis can be tricky, yeast infections are treated with over-the-counter vaginal creams, such as miconazole, clortrimazole, and butaconazole nitrate, also applied to the vulva to relieve itching. Suppositories are another option. Physicians can test for causes of recurrent symptoms, and prescribe oral antifungals for multiple infections, which can be present simultaneously. Do not ignore unusual symptoms.

To maintain the naturally acidic pH balance of the vagina and keep fungus in check, never use common soaps or douches on the genitals. Instead, use a properly balanced cleanser such as Nirena.