Vaginal candidiasis infection
also known as vaginal yeast infection, is the second most common vaginal infectious disease after bacterial vaginosis. Yeast fungi of the Candida genus typically cause fungal infections in the vaginal area:
- Candida albicans is responsible for 80 to 90 percent of vaginal yeast infections.
- Candida glabrata accounts for only 2 to 5 percent.
- Candida krusei causes 1 to 2 percent of Candida infections.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae very rarely causes symptoms.
Approximately three-quarters of women will experience this condition at least once in their lifetime, but between six to nine percent may suffer from recurrent vaginal yeast infections. Since yeast infections usually affect both the vulva and the vagina, healthcare professionals refer to it as vulvovaginal candidiasis.
To diagnose a vaginal yeast infection, a medical practitioner will conduct an examination. A physical examination alone, even when performed by a doctor, is insufficient for an accurate diagnosis of a yeast infection and should be accompanied by microscopic examination or other laboratory tests of vaginal secretions. It is important to get tested and evaluated when experiencing symptoms and before starting any treatment. The treatment of candidiasis infection in Treatment in Switzerland involves conducting all the necessary tests and prescribing effective treatment to prevent recurrences.
Symptoms of Candidiasis Infection:
- Red and swollen labia majora and labia minora.
- Itching, sometimes very intense.
- Thick white or watery discharge with a mild odor.
- Thick whitish deposits on the vaginal mucosa.
- Difficulty with urination.
Causes of Vaginal Yeast Infection:
The fungus that causes yeast infections, known as Candida, resides in the gastrointestinal tract and sometimes in the vagina. Normally, Candida does not cause any symptoms. However, when there are changes in the environment of the gastrointestinal tract and vagina (which can be induced by medications, injuries, or stress on the immune system), Candida can proliferate and cause the symptoms described above.
Risk Factors for Vaginal Yeast Infection:
Most women do not have an underlying health issue that leads to yeast infections. There are several risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing an infection, including:
- Antibiotics: Most antibiotics kill a wide range of bacteria, including those that normally reside in the vagina. These bacteria protect the vagina from excessive yeast growth. Some women are prone to yeast infections when taking antibiotics.
- Hormonal Contraceptives (e.g., birth control pills, patches, and vaginal rings): The risk of yeast infections may be higher in women using hormonal contraception methods that contain estrogen.
- Barrier Contraceptives: Vaginal sponges, diaphragms, and intrauterine devices (IUDs) may increase the risk of yeast infections. Spermicides generally do not cause yeast infections, although they may cause irritation in some women.
- Weakened Immune System: Yeast infections are more common in people with a weakened immune system due to conditions like HIV or certain medications (steroids, chemotherapy, post-organ transplant medications).
- Pregnancy: Vaginal discharges become more noticeable during pregnancy, although yeast infections are not always the cause.
- Diabetes: Women with diabetes are at a higher risk of yeast infections, especially if blood sugar levels are not properly controlled.
- Sexual Activity: Vaginal yeast infections are not sexually transmitted, but they can occur in sexually active women.
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