Most women will experience a vaginal yeast infection at some point in their lives. Most women know how annoying a yeast infection can be. There are a number of possible causes and fortunately you can do something about it yourself!
Cause
Almost all women will suffer from a vaginal yeast infection at some point in their lives. This infection is caused by the fungus Candida Albicans . Although it is a relatively harmless condition, it can cause very unpleasant symptoms. All women have bacteria and fungi near their vagina. This is normal and ensures a good balance in the vagina. But sometimes certain fungi grow too fast and an infection occurs. This can happen when the balance is disturbed by, for example:
- washing too often with soap
- the use of antibiotics because they kill all bacteria, including the good ones
- pill use and pregnancy due to increased estrogen levels.
The symptoms of a vaginal fungal infection
Not all women have to develop complaints, but the complaints usually consist of:
- Itch
- Burning feeling
- Redness and swollen mucous membranes of the vagina
- A changed discharge, often white and friable and often smelling differently than normal
- Pain during sex
What can you do about it?
If you have a fungal infection, you naturally want to get rid of it as quickly as possible. Recently, over-the-counter medicines have become available at pharmacies and drugstores. It is about this:
Canesten 1 vaginal tablet:
This tablet contains clotrimazole and is inserted deeply into the vagina once before going to sleep.
Canesten cream 10mg/g:
This cream also contains clotrimazole and is a six-day treatment. An applicator must be inserted every evening before going to sleep. The labia can also be rubbed with this. NB! This product can damage the rubber of a condom, causing it to break more quickly!
Daktarin cream:
This cream contains miconazole and can be used to relieve itching on the outside of the vagina.Although a vaginal yeast infection is harmless, it is important to treat it. Never stop once the complaints have disappeared, but always complete a treatment, so you can be sure that all fungi have been killed.
Tips to prevent a fungal infection:
- Do not wash with soap, but only with some lukewarm water
- Do not use a vaginal douche, it can disrupt the balance
- Wipe from front to back in the toilet
- Wear cotton underwear
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing
- Change sanitary towels or panty liner regularly
Contact your doctor if the symptoms do not disappear or keep coming back after following the tips and using over-the-counter medications.