Most women will, unfortunately, experience at least one yeast infection in their lifetime. Some will experience more. They are often irritating, itchy, and embarrassing. The urge to scratch it can be almost unbearable! The good news is they are easy to treat and usually clear up pretty quickly. Read on to find out how to get rid of that terrible itch!
Does a yeast infection always itch?
Itching is one of the main symptoms of a yeast infection. If you are not experiencing an itching sensation you may have a different infection, such as bacterial vaginosis. Perhaps you caught the yeast infection early before it began to itch. A yeast infection is caused by an imbalance of natural bacteria and yeast that is around the vaginal area. Specifically, a fungus called Candida Albicans is the cause.
Symptoms Of A Yeast Infection
- Itching and irritation of the vaginal area
- Redness and swelling around the vaginal area
- Pain when urinating or having sex
- A thick white vaginal discharge
Diagnosis
If you are not sure that you have a yeast infection. You can buy a test kit that will tell you if you have a yeast infection at your local pharmacy or order one online. If it is positive you can purchase medication over-the-counter creams or vaginal suppositories that will clear it up. If it is negative and you are having symptoms you need to follow up with your doctor. Another option is to just go to your doctor, to begin with. There are some treatment options that you need a prescription for.
If the treatment does not work you will need to go to your doctor. They will do further testing for other causes of the symptoms you have.
Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have similar symptoms as yeast infections. If left untreated they can have serious effects on your health, including your fertility. If you are pregnant there could be risks to your baby as well. If you have an STI you could also spread it to any sexual partners you have. Quick treatment is important.
Things that increase your risk of getting a yeast infection
- Antibiotic use
- Having diabetes
- Being pregnant
- Using estrogen birth control
- A weakened immune system
- Having sex with someone that has a yeast infection(it is not considered a disease). If a male partner does not have redness or itching he does not need to be treated.
Treatment Getting Rid of The Itch!
You can go to any pharmacy and find over-the-counter antifungal cream. The cream has different options: a one-day, three-day, or seven-day option. I think most women would want to clear it up as quickly as possible! There are also antifungal vaginal suppositories you can buy over the counter.
If you go to your doctor to be treated for a yeast infection. There are a couple of available prescription creams. They are butoconazole and terconazole. However, they are more expensive. There is an antifungal medication called Diflucan is a one-dose pill that is often preferred by women for its convenience. However, It does not offer immediate relief. It may take a couple of days to work.
Conclusion
Yeast infections are common among women. Although yeast infections are uncomfortable, they are easily treated. You can get a diagnosis by either buying an over-the-counter test kit or by going to your doctor. There are a variety of treatment options. Some are over the counter. Others you need a doctor’s prescription for.
What is the quickest way to get rid of a yeast infection?
The quickest way to get rid of a yeast infection seems to be the one-day antifungal cream or the Diflucan pill. If after treatment you continue to have symptoms follow up with your doctor.