Women's Health Specialists of St. Louis
Obstetrics and Gynecology

Articles - Yeast Infection

Most women have had or think they have had a yeast infection. The usual symptoms are a thick white vaginal discharge and profound itching. So why do they occur? The organisms that normally live in the vagina include many different forms of bacteria and some yeast. The pH or acidity of the vagina is what keeps the proper organisms growing proportionately. It is only when there is an overgrowth of yeast that a woman has symptoms of a yeast infection. Things that cause a disproportionate amount of bacteria to die can shift the balance and allow for unchecked growth of yeast. Antibiotics for example, can kill the bacteria normally present in the vagina. The yeast which are a fungus are unaffected by antibiotics. Once the number of bacteria is reduced, the vaginal environment becomes more favorable for the yeast to grow and cause a yeast infection. Antibacterial soaps on the vagina frequently do this. For some women, bubble bath, spermicide, or a chlorinated pool will also cause this.

Recurrent yeast infections can be a sign of a resistant yeast or may be from a different organism altogether. For example, some types of bacterial infections have symptoms very similar to yeast infections. Recurrent documented yeast infections may also be a symptom of diabetes. In rare cases, persistent itching can be associated with cancers of the vagina.

A yeast infection is treated with an antifungal agent. Several antifungal agents are available over the counter in the form of vaginal suppositories and creams. Diflucan (Fluconazole) is a single oral prescription tablet that may be used by women who are not pregnant. Since yeast infections are the result of an imbalance of the vaginal environment, sometimes treatment may include an antifungal to kill the yeast followed by an antibiotic to kill off abnormal bacteria. Yeast infections are not considered to be sexually transmitted, so male partners do not need to be treated. For severe infections, inflammation and irritation may persist for several days after the yeast have been killed. Topical steroid or Benadryl cream may be used to reduce the inflammation.

How can we prevent them? Yeast like warm, moist and dark places. So try to keep your bottom dry. Use cotton crotched panties and change out of wet swimsuits or work out clothes. Red and itchy patches under the breasts or in folds of skin may also be caused by yeast infections. Topical antifungal creams and powders are available to treat these symptoms. What about eating yogurt? Yogurt that contains live cultures contains the yeast that fermented it from milk called Lactobacillus acidophilus. It is similar to the lactobacillus which is normally found in the vagina. Lactobacilli are the acid-secreting bacteria that should be present in the vagina. Most vaginal infections (bacterial or yeast) occur when there is a decrease in these acid-secreting bacteria and the environment becomes less acidic and therefore more favorable for bacteria from the skin and rectum. Does eating yogurt work? It doesnt hurt; but by itself will not cure a yeast infection. Douching is not recommended because of the risk of further altering the vaginal environment or spreading the infection into the uterus or fallopian tubes.

Many women report that they have a yeast infection after their monthly menstrual cycle. Though the symptoms of a change in discharge and itching may be present, the majority of these infections are not from yeast. Many of the symptoms are caused from irritation from the pads or tampons. The change in vaginal discharge is the way the vagina cleans itself after the cycle. In most cases, the symptoms will completely resolve spontaneously in 2-3 days after the cycle ends. Vaginal discharge in fact changes throughout the cycle and is only considered abnormal if it itches or burns, smells fishy, or stains the crotch of underwear yellow. If symptoms such as these persist despite use of over the counter medications, a visit to the doctor is appropriate.