Yeast is most commonly used to make bread and bread products. But, there is another form of yeast that is present in our bodies. Yeast is a fungus that is commonly present on our skin, especially in areas where there is moisture like the mouth and vagina. About 20% to 50% of women who are healthy have yeast in their vaginal areas.
Candida albicans, a species of yeast, is known to be the type of yeast responsible for vaginitis, or inflammation of the vagina. This type of vaginal yeast infection is commonly known as yeast infection. This type of vaginal candidiasis is the most common of all vaginal infections that afflict women, and rarely men who have had sex with women with cases of yeast infection.
There are only a few symptoms that indicate a possible vaginal yeast infection. These symptoms, however, can also be indicative of other conditions not necessarily related to yeast infections. Here is a short list of physical indications that could indicate the presence of a yeast infection:
1. Itching. Vaginal itching is something that can usually be remedied with a good wash. If a yeast infection is suspected, an over-the-counter topical antifungal cream can often relieve itching. Itching that doesn’t go away should already be cause for alarm, as this should indicate that there is something else irritating the area that cannot be removed with antiseptics or antifungal treatments. Severe itching may be accompanied by redness and swelling characteristic of vaginitis.
2. Bread. When there is pain, in all probability there is something wrong. Vaginal yeast infection pain can occur due to increased irritation of the swollen area, either from rubbing against clothing or other parts of the body or from bodily fluids touching the swollen area. People with a yeast infection often experience pain when urinating or having sex.
3. Download. This is not present in all cases of vaginal yeast infection. Those who have vaginal discharge see a thick, cottage cheese-like substance from their vaginal cavity. This discharge can be white or yellowish and is usually odorless. Some patients with vaginal yeast infection, however, have reported that their discharge has a starchy odor.
These symptoms may also indicate other conditions. If these are experienced for several days, you may want to check with your doctor. A vaginal exam along with a microscopic analysis of a sample taken from the inflamed area of your vagina could give you a definitive answer about the condition you have. When these symptoms occur and persist for more than a week, yeast infection could actually be a symptom of a more serious disease, such as diabetes mellitus or AIDS.
If left untreated, yeast infection can spread throughout the body and cause a systemic yeast infection that could possibly be fatal. Most people who develop systemic yeast infection are often diagnosed with critical illnesses that are difficult to treat with normal procedures. Therefore, at the slightest sign of vaginal yeast infection, you should see your doctor and get the right treatment.