How to Get Rid of a Yeast Infection
09 Jun 2023
Drug Approval
FRIDAY, June 9, 2023 -- If you’re among the millions of women who experience a vaginal yeast infection each year, you know that fast relief is a top priority.
Here, experts explain what a yeast infection is and the symptoms you can expect, plus they share the best treatments for getting rid of a yeast infection quickly.
What is a yeast infection?
The Office on Women’s Health (OWH) states that yeast infections are caused by too much growth of yeast, which is a type of fungus. The yeast that causes vaginal yeast infections is called Candida.
About 75% of women and girls will have a yeast infection at some point in their lives, and they usually occur between puberty and menopause.
“If you’re sick and need antibiotics, the drugs can kill healthy bacteria, allowing yeast to thrive,” Dr. Matthew Goldman said recently in a Cleveland Clinic article.
The OWH notes that several other factors can also increase your risk of developing a vaginal yeast infection, including:
Douching
Pregnancy
Diabetes with uncontrolled blood sugar
Sexual intercourse with a partner who has a yeast infection
Tampons, pads and panty liners left unchanged too long
Birth control pills with higher levels of estrogen
Using scented hygiene products
Immersion in very hot water, such as hot tubs and bathtubs
Weakened immunity
Goldman noted that “not showering after a workout, or wearing tight-fitting clothing that holds moisture close to the body can lead to a yeast infection” as well.
Yeast infection symptoms
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the symptoms of a yeast infection are usually mild. You may experience:
Vaginal discharge
Vaginal itching and soreness
Pain during urination and sexual intercourse
If your vaginal yeast infection is more severe, you might also notice vaginal swelling, redness and even cracking of your vaginal walls.
“The biggest issue is that self-diagnosis of yeast infections is not very accurate, especially if you haven’t had one before,” Cleveland Clinic ob/gyn Dr. Kathryn Goebel said in a recent article.
Goebel explained that it’s best to contact your health care provider for a diagnosis if you notice these symptoms, especially since other types of infections may have similar ones.
Yeast infection treatments
Medications
When figuring out how to get rid of a yeast infection, Goebel said that yeast infection medication should be your first line of defense against the Candida fungus.
She explained that your doctor can prescribe an antifungal medication called fluconazole (Diflucan), which is a pill that often clears up your infection after one dose.
An over-the-counter cream called miconazole (Monistat) is also available in one-, three- or seven-day dosages, and it is particularly good at helping with vaginal itching.
If you are having recurring yeast infections or one that won’t clear up, the OWH says a doctor may prescribe antifungal medication for as long as six months.
Home remedies
What about do-it-yourself home remedies like vinegar baths, coconut oil suppositories, or yogurt and garlic rubs?
“Most of it doesn’t work, and a lot of it will cause problems,” Goebel advised.
In fact, certain DIY treatments may even do more harm than good. For instance, she explained that “old-fashioned vinegar douches disrupt natural healthy bacteria and increase the risk of infections.”
Goldman advised that, to be sure that you are receiving the best treatment for a yeast infection, make an appointment with your doctor once you notice symptoms.
“Untreated yeast infections can last for months. In rare instances, a yeast infection can seep into your bloodstream and cause a life-threatening infection like sepsis,” he explained. “With proper treatment, yeast infections clear up within a few days or weeks.”
Posted June 2023
For more details,please visit the original website
The content of the article does not represent any opinions of Synapse and its affiliated companies. If there is any copyright infringement or error, please contact us, and we will deal with it within 24 hours.
Organizations
Indications
Targets
-Drugs
Chat with Hiro
Hot reports
Get started for free today!
Accelerate Strategic R&D decision making with Synapse, PatSnap’s AI-powered Connected Innovation Intelligence Platform Built for Life Sciences Professionals.
Start your data trial now!
Synapse data is also accessible to external entities via APIs or data packages. Empower better decisions with the latest in pharmaceutical intelligence.