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 | What is a yeast infection? |
|  A yeast infection is an excessive growth of fungus that naturally occurs in the vagina or mouth. When yeast infections occur in the mouth, they are also called oral thrush. Although small amounts of fungus normally grow on the body, pregnancy, hormonal changes, antibiotics, and a weakened immune system can increase the risk of getting an oral or vaginal yeast infection Other factors that can play a role include AIDS or HIV, diabetes and medications such as corticosteroids and estrogen-containing birth control pills. Wearing tight or damp clothing and douching can make vaginal yeast infections more likely.Symptoms of oral thrush include painful white patches on the tongue or inside the mouth or throat.Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include a odorless, thick, white, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge; itching; redness; pain during sex; and pain during urination. While vaginal yeast infections can be self-treated, it’s important that you contact your physician the first time you have these symptoms to verify that a yeast infection is indeed the problem. It’s also important to contact your physician any time you have these symptoms along with stomach pain, fever, or a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, since this may mean you have a bacterial infection. If you have seen a doctor about a vaginal yeast infection in the past and are familiar with your own symptoms, you may want to try an over-the-counter yeast treatment. If over-the counter products don’t work, prescription medications are available both for vaginal infections and oral infections. Sources:Dickey, R.P. Managing Contraceptive Pill Patients. EMIS Inc., 1998.The Merck Manual of Medical Information: Home Edition. Merck & Co., 1997.Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, 1996.Diseases and Conditions, “Vaginitis.” http://www.mayoclinic.com. Mayo Clinic Health. Last accessed 1/10/2007.Medline Plus. Medline, 2007.This answer prepared 7/17/2000.This information updated 1/10/2007. |
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