Knowing your body and what is normal for you is essential to maintaining your health. Women face a variety of reproductive health issues, including the commonly misdiagnosed yeast infection.
The surefire way to diagnose a yeast infection is to ask your gynecologist or doctor to obtain a vaginal swab to check for the primary bacteria that causes a yeast infection, candida albicans.
However, symptoms are often so obvious that they can easily be detected and treated with an over the counter medication. Symptoms include the persistent irritation, pain, burning and itching of the vulvar and vaginal region and/or discharge that range from a yellowish to white color and a smelly discharge.
Any sudden change in the vaginal pH level can stimulate a yeast infection. There are many different ways that can disrupt the sensitive pH levels of the vagina. An allergic reaction, high sugar levels, hormonal fluctuations and any reduction of bacteria normally present all disrupt the vaginal ecosystem.
Reduction of bacteria are most commonly caused by taking antibiotics of any sort. For example, antibiotics given for a sinus infection could reduce the normal bacterial flora within the body and trigger a yeast infection.
Another nuisance is hormonal causes. Hormonal contraception can change the environment of the vagina as it affects the woman's reproductive pathway. This explains why some women who suffer from recurring yeast infections tend to experience infections near or during their periods.
It is good to know how to immediately detect symptoms when you see them, because a yeast infection left undetected could lead to more serious setbacks, such as antifungal resistance.
According to the Yale Journal of Biological Medicine, in 1999 it was reported that mistaken diagnoses of vaginal discomfort as well as repeated and prolonged use of over the counter drugs could create some resistances that give cause for concern.
Thus the rise of women's reproductive health has emphasized women's health education to help women to distinguish symptoms of different disorders, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) or even sexually transmitted infections.
For instance, a bacterial infection such as bacterial vaginosis can feel very similar to a yeast infection in terms of its itchiness, irritating feeling, but the vaginal discharge looks and smells entirely different and requires a doctor's prescription for an antibiotic to get rid of the infection.
Trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection which is sexually transmitted and also significantly more painful than a yeast infection. This also needs a doctor's prescription for the infection.
In the instance of a UTI, however, the telltale sign is lower abdominal and back pain, which can spread like pins and needles down to the legs. Chills, fever and bloody urine are also obvious signs of a UTI. The most important sign is the frequent sensation of needing to urinate. UTIs can be prevented by urinating before and after sexual intercourse.
These symptoms for different diseases all should be distinguished from a yeast infection in order to further reduce misuse of antifungal treatments.
Of the many ways to prevent yeast infections, some are to wear breathable undyed cotton underwear if you are prone to infections.
Cotton is highly encouraged clothing because it is breathable and natural. Another way to prevent yeast infections is to have a healthy, wholesome diet that is rich in acidophilus. The acidophilus bacteria is found naturally in yogurt and some cheeses and is known to combat candida. Many women also find drinking cranberry juice an enjoyable and potentially healthful remedy.
In fact, many women also use the direct application of acidophilus bacteria into their vaginas during an infection as an alternative means of treating an infection without using antifungals created over the counter.
Other natural remedies are vaginal insertions of garlic, yogurt, or tea tree oil. Tea tree oil and garlic contain antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that can kill bacteria. Making sure to cleanse the vaginal area with non-deodorant antibacterial soap also prevents infections from reoccurring.
Of course, feminine health is extremely important. If you suspect that the infection could be sexually transmitted or if over the counter and homeopathic remedies do not work, immediately seek professional advice for more effective treatment. Additionally, if the infection does not clear up within one week, it could be the sign of something more serious and a health professional should be consulted.
Staying aware of symptoms and being in touch with your body are still two of the most important things a woman can do for her health.
