Female yeast infections, also known as vaginal candadiasis, are a common issue in women.
It's estimated that three quarters of women will have a yeast infection at some part in their lives, and chances are that number is actually much higher, as many women don't tell their doctor about the symptoms.
These infections occur when the yeast Candida, which is present in small amounts in the bodies of many healthy women, changes from from a yeast to a mold, which causes it to overgrow and invade.
This can occur for many reasons, and is usually related to some type of imbalance in the body.
For example, using antibiotics can kill off healthy bacteria in the body, so that there is more space available for the Candida to take over.
Similarly, medications with female hormones like birth control pills can stimulate yeast to overgrow.
The most common symptoms of vaginal candadiasis are itching and burning of the affected area.
Some women will have a whitish discharge that is usually thick and often described as having the consistency of cottage cheese.
The vaginal and vulva areas may also appear red and swollen.
Some women will notice pain during sex (dysparunia) or pain with urination (dysuria).
The pain with urination is usually distinct from what you may have experienced during a urinary tract infection, and will feel like it's coming from outside the urethra as opposed to inside.
Some women may have yeast infections every once in a while, while others may get them all the time.
If you fall into the latter category, it's important to look at what underlying issue may causing the problem.
Aside from antibiotics and hormonal contraceptives, there are many factors that can lead to the type of imbalances of the body that can lead to Candida overgrowth.
For example, a weak immune system, which can be caused by stress, a poor diet, poor sleep, or excessive alcohol intake, can make it more difficult for your body's natural defenses to fight off the infection.
If you think you may have a yeast infection, make sure to get checked out by your doctor so you can be sure that's what it is.
Many studies have shown that women are actually very bad at diagnosing yeast infections in themselves, and when formal testing is done, they actually have something else going on, such as bacterial vaginosis or a sexually transmitted infection.
Although many treatments are available over the counter and without a prescription, it's still important to see your physician so you know for sure you're treating the right problem, and not missing something else that could be more serious.
As a final note, yeast infections are NOT considered a sexually transmitted infection, as the yeast is present in many healthy people and is typically not spread through sexual contact.
However, if you have a yeast infection, it is possible to spread it to your partner through direct contact, who then may spread it back to you.
For this reason it is important to abstain from sexually activity while you are treating your infection, so that you will not continue to spread it back and forth with your partner.