YEAST INFECTION

Common symptoms of yeast infection include
itching (often severe) in the genital area, white, curdy, usually odorless vaginal discharge, painful urination, and pain during intercourse. The skin around the vagina (labia) may be red and irritated. If you have burning and pain on urination and feel the need to urinate often, see Urinary Tract Infections.

Yeast infections are not sexually transmitted. However, some doctors feel that treating your sexual partner may help prevent chronic, recurrent infections. Yeast infections (candidiasis) are commonly associated with antibiotic or steriod use, pregnancy, diabetes, and illnesses that impair the immune system. In addition, irritation caused by frequent douching, tight clothing, or use of strong soaps or perfumed feminine hygiene products may contribute to vaginal irritation or infection.

Prevention
1:Eat a cup of yogurt that contains live Lactobacillus organisms each day.
2:Wear cotton or cotton-lined underwear. Avoid tight-fitting pants and undergarments. They increase body heat, which may allow yeast to grow more easily in your vagina.
3:Avoid feminine sprays, talcs, or perfumes in your vaginal area, because they may affect the balance among the microorganisms in your vagina. Do not douche unless told to by your health professional.
4:Wipe your vaginal area from front to back after using the toilet and when bathing.
It is not clear that a high-sugar diet causes yeast infections, but limiting sugar may help prevent them.

Home Treatment
Left untreated, vaginal yeast infections often clear up on their own, usually when menstruation begins. Be sure your symptoms indicate a yeast infection before trying self-treatment.
Use an over-the-counter antifungal medication for yeast infections (Gyne-Lotrimin, Monistat 7) as directed.
Drink acidophilus milk or eat yogurt with live Lactobacillus cultures regularly.
Use a yogurt douche containing live Lactobacillus cultures. Talk with your doctor before using a yogurt douche.
Avoid excessive cleaning of the vaginal area. Wash once a day with plain water or a mild, non-perfumed soap.
Consider using condoms while being treated to avoid (possibly) being reinfected by or infecting your sexual partner. If intercourse is painful, use a water-soluble lubricant (such as K-Y jelly) to reduce irritation.

When to Call a Health Professional
If you have pelvic or lower abdominal pain, fever, and unusual vaginal discharge.
If you think you have a yeast infection for the first time, or if you aren't sure whether your symptoms are due to a yeast infection.
If home treatment with an over-the-counter product fails to clear up a yeast infection within three or four days, or if you are using antifungal creams repeatedly.
If you have pain with intercourse and it is not eased by use of a vaginal lubricant.
If any unusual discharge lasts more than two weeks.
If you plan to see a health professional, do not douche, use vaginal creams, or have intercourse for 48 hours before your appointment, because they may make the diagnosis difficult.