A Look At Yeast Infections
Yeast infections are actually quite common, with 3 out of 4 women experiencing them at some point in their lifetime . For women, a yeast infection is a common fungal infection that develops when there is too much yeast in your vagina. Every woman has yeast in her vagina, and there is a certain amount that is healthy and normal. But when the bacteria in your vagina becomes unbalanced, it can lead to an overgrowth of a specific type of yeast called Candida, resulting in an uncomfortable yeast infection.
Most yeast infections are mild and can clear up within a few days with OTC treatment or prescribed medications. But others can be more severe and may take up to two weeks to clear. Some mild yeast infections can occasionally go away without any treatment and the help of home remedies, but more often than not, you will need OTC or prescription medications to treat the yeast infection.
If you choose to treat your condition with OTC medication or natural remedies and the symptoms dont go away, you need to see a medical professional who can diagnose and treat you. You may be dealing with something other than a yeast infection.
How To Tell The Difference Between Thrush And An Sti:
Thrush is a common yeast infection that affects both men and women. It is caused by a fungus called candida which is usually harmless. The fungus grows in warm, moist conditions developing if there is an imbalance of bacteria.
Even though Thrush is not recognised as an STI, symptoms can be similar to that of a sexually transmitted infection making it difficult to know which one is causing your genital discomfort. Similarly, both Thrush and STIs may not present any symptoms even if you are infected.
Telling the difference between a Thrush infection and an STI is difficult. Many of the symptoms are the same and with STIs there are frequently no symptoms at all. If you have had any kind of sexual encounter which you think might have put you at risk, then book an STI screen to make sure you dont have an infection. If your test is negative you will feel happy and relieved, and if its positive, you can get treated and suffer no long-term ill effects.
How To Treat A Uti Or Yeast Infection
Treatment for a UTI generally includes antibiotics. The type and the dose depend on the bacteria in your urine.
Women especially need to be careful when taking antibiotics for a UTI, however, because the antibiotics also kill the good bacteria that keeps the vagina in balance. Its common to develop a yeast infection while taking antibiotics.
Over-the-counter antifungal medications often can treat a yeast infection in men and women. Depending on the severity, though, your doctor might prescribe an antifungal cream or a one-time oral dose of an antifungal such as fluconazole.
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When To See Your Doctor
If you are experiencing symptoms of an infection, but think that it might not be a yeast infection, use the Vaginal Health Test from MONISTAT® CARE to help determine if you need to see a doctor.
Make an appointment with your doctor if:
- It’s your first yeast infection
- You’re under 12 years of age
- You get an abnormal result from the Vaginal Health Test from MONISTAT® CARE
- You have missed a period, are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have or suspect you may have diabetes
- You’re taking the prescription drug Warfarin
- You have a weakened immune system
- You have recurring yeast infections
- You may have been exposed to HIV
- You develop other symptoms such as rash, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, lower abdominal, back or shoulder pain
- You have foul-smelling or greenish-grayish vaginal discharge
- You’re using MONISTAT® and there is no improvement in symptoms within 3 days
- You’re using MONISTAT® and symptoms last more than 7 days
If you are unsure of what to ask or uncomfortable speaking with your doctor regarding yeast infection concerns, download our
Gonorrhea And Vaginal Discharges
Like chlamydia, gonorrhea doesnât always make itself known with immediately obvious symptoms. And also like chlamydia, gonorrhea discharges are frequently filled with mucus and pusâand commonly has a cloudy appearanceâand can range from white to yellow to green in color.
Another symptom you might experience if you have gonorrhea is vaginal bleedingâeven when youâre not menstruating.
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Chlamydia Symptoms In Women:
- testicular pain and/or swelling
- swollen skin around the anus
Depending on the localization of the infection, women, men and children may experience inflamed rectum, urethra or eyelids. The symptoms of mouth and throat infections are rare although a person can suffer a sore throat. Eyes infected with chlamydia can be itchy, swelled, cause painful sensations or produce discharge similar to conjunctivitis. Infection in the rectum results in bleeding, chlamydia discharge and pain.
Rules For Successful Treatment
The patient should make sure that the doctor is informed if the patient is pregnant or has any allergies. These conditions influence the choice of the medicine prescribed. No matter which antibiotic the patient takes treating chlamydia the following points should be remembered:
- The treatment of all partners on the infected person is obligatory
- Abstain from sex contacts during the treatment and until the negative result on chlamydia test is received
- It is unadvisable to interrupt the course of antibiotics treatment as it will result in the necessity to start again from the beginning. Although the symptoms may disappear, the infection may still remain in the body
- It is necessary to get tested after 34 months after the end of the treatment to make sure the infection is no longer in the body.
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What Are Candida Or Yeast Infections
Yeast infections of the vagina are what most women think of when they hear the term vaginitis. Yeast infections are caused by one of the many species of fungus called candida. Candida normally live in the vagina, as well as in the mouth and digestive tract of both men and women. An infection occurs when the normally occurring candida increase in number to cause bothersome symptoms.
Yeast infections produce a thick, white vaginal discharge with the consistency of cottage cheese. Although the discharge can be somewhat watery, it is generally odorless. Yeast infections usually cause the vagina and the vulva to be very itchy and red, sometimes swollen even before the onset of discharge. Women with yeast infection of the vulva may have small cuts on the vulva due to friable skin of the area, and may have burning with urination.
If yeast is normal in a womans vagina, what makes it cause an infection? Usually, infection occurs when a change in the delicate balance in a womans system takes place. For example, a woman may take an antibiotic to treat a urinary tract infection, and the antibiotic kills friendly bacteria that normally keep the yeast in balance. As a result, the yeast overgrows and causes the infection. Other factors that can upset the delicate balance include pregnancy, which changes hormone levels and diabetes, which allows too much sugar in the urine and vagina.
Hpv And Genital Warts
HPV is very common. Three out of four women will have an HPV infection at some time in their lives. Most of the time, HPV infection is not serious, has no symptoms and goes away without treatment. There is an HPV vaccine.
Some types of HPV cause genital warts, while more serious types can lead to cervical cancer. Genital warts are usually spread by skin-to-skin contact during vaginal and anal sex. It may take from four weeks to eight months, or longer, for warts to appear after contact with the virus.
Genital warts are painless bumps that may appear near the opening of the urethra , under the foreskin, on the shaft of the penis, near the vagina opening, and inside the anus.
Sometimes warts never appear or you can’t see them.
Learn more about HPV and genital warts. Get HPV vaccine information.
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Bottom Line: If Youre Not Sure If Its Yeast Infection Or Std See A Doctor
Both Dr. Abdur-Rahman and Dr. Hutcherson say that if youve been diagnosed with yeast infections before and your symptoms are presenting in the exact same way, its generally okay to get over-the-counter antifungal meds if you can. But if youve never had a yeast infection and are experiencing strange symptoms, or youve had them before but things are different this time around, get in touch with a medical professional.
And, no matter what, if you do try medication on your own and things arent much better in 24 hours, try to connect with your doctor, says Dr. Hutcherson. At that point, you want to rule out other things, she explains.
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Yeast Infection Std Or Something Else
If you suspect that you have a vaginal yeast infection, youre most likely in a hurry to get rid of it. Yeast infections are uncomfortable, and are usually accompanied by itching, burning, and thick discharge.
Before you run to the pharmacy, though, its important to determine if what youre experiencing is indeed a yeast infection or something else. Other causes of vaginal pain and discomfort include bacterial infections, sexually transmitted diseases , skin irritation, and more. While the symptoms are similar, the causes and treatments are very different.
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When To See Your Obgyn
Ultimately, you cant know for sure if you have a yeast infection or an STD unless you get tested by a doctor. Youll want to set up an appointment as soon as possible if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Vaginal or vulvar itching, soreness, and irritation
- A burning feeling during sex or urination
- Think, white discharge
- Any discharge that has an unusual odor or color
- Redness and swelling around your vulva or genital area
- Unusual skin conditions on your vulva such as blisters, cracking, or scaly white patches
- Bleeding after sex or between menstrual periods
- Lower abdominal pain
- Bleeding during or after a bowel movement
- Anal leakage
All of these symptoms can be indicators of a yeast infection, STDs, or other medical conditions that need to be addressed by a medical professional.
What Does Chlamydia Smell Like
These secretions combine with dead infected cells to produce discharge. A white discharge may also be caused by vaginal thrush, however, but this is usually curd-like, often odourless, or smells like bread or yeast.
In the same way What are the pink pills for STD?
Azithromycin is an antibiotic . This single-dose form of the medication is used to treat certain infections, including genital infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
Subsequently, Does chlamydia usually smell? So, what does a chlamydia discharge look like? A chlamydia discharge is often yellow in color and has a strong odor. A symptom that frequently co-occurs with this discharge is painful urination that often has a burning sensation in the genital area.
What causes fishy smelling sperm?
Fishy, rotten, or foul-smelling semen isnt normal. Eating certain foods like asparagus, meats, and garlic or drinking a lot of caffeine or alcohol can make your semen smell pungent. Try limiting these foods to see if your semen smell returns to normal after a few days. If so, theres nothing to be concerned about.
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Top Things To Know About Chlamydia:
- Chlamydia is often asymptomatic, meaning that many people donât know they have it
- Chlamydia symptoms can include pus-like yellow discharge frequent or painful urination spotting between periods or after sex and/or rectal pain, bleeding, or discharge
- Untreated, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and/or infertility in women and people with female reproductive tracts
- Antibiotics are used to treat chlamydia infections
Do I Have Chlamydia Or A Yeast Infection
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What Is The Prognosis For A Female With Chlamydia
As discussed previously, chlamydia infection can progress to pelvic inflammatory disease if untreated, which can have serious consequences. Complications include permanent damage to the reproductive organs, including infertility and an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. Chlamydia infection in pregnancy can also lead to low birth weight and premature delivery as well as pneumonia and eye damage in the newborn.
Having an untreated chlamydia infection can also increase a person’s risk for acquiring HIV infection. It can also increase the risk that a person with HIV infection will transmit the infection to others during sexual intercourse.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Or Injury
Damage to the muscles of the pelvic floor can cause pain in the vagina, stomach, and back, as well as affecting muscles in other areas.
Some factors that can increase the risk of pelvic floor problems include:
- age
- pregnancy
- injury from childbirth
- episiotomy, which is a surgical incision to enlarge the vaginal opening into the perineum during labor
Some people with pelvic floor dysfunction also experience incontinence, especially when sneezing or jumping. A person may also experience fecal incontinence, pain when passing stool, or both symptoms.
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Special Cases: Chlamydia In Infants And Hiv
Newborn infants are also at risk for chlamydial infections if their mother has an untreated infection at the time of delivery. Newborn infants can contract chlamydia trachomatis as they travel through the birth canal and develop eye infections or pneumonia . For this reason, chlamydia testing should be routine during pregnancy.
Having an STI, like chlamydia, can also increase your chances of contracting HIV if you are exposed it to it, or spreading HIV if you are already infected . If you think you have chlamydia, or any STI, it is important for you to seek help immediately from your healthcare provider or an STI clinic. Many clinics provide free or low-cost STI testing. This will all help keep you, your sexual partners, and your community healthy.
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How Bad Can A Yeast Infection Get
Complications of untreated yeast infections If left untreated, vaginal candidiasis will most likely get worse, causing itching, redness, and inflammation in the area surrounding your vagina. This may lead to a skin infection if the inflamed area becomes cracked, or if continual scratching creates open or raw areas.
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How To Tell The Difference Between Yeast Infections And Stds
admin STD, STI, Women’s Health
Vaginal itching, soreness, irritation, or painful urination and sex are some of the symptoms that yeast infections and some STDs have in common. This can cause many to wonder, Do I have a yeast infection or is this an STD? How can I know the difference?
Vaginal Yeast Infection Vs Chlamydia Differences
VYI is a disease that exists in females and is caused by a fungus known as Candida, with symptoms including painful sex, intense vulvar or vaginal itching, burning during urination, odorless discharge, vulvar rash, or sore vagina.
It is not considered a sexually transmitted infection.
On the other hand, chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that is caused by the bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis and is most prevalent in women under 25 , with symptoms including abnormal vaginal discharge, burning while peeing, lower belly pain, and pain during sex.
Images credit Shutterstock
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How To Tell If You Have A Uti Or Yeast Infection
A doctor or other health care professional diagnoses a UTI through a urine test. To diagnose a yeast infection, a doctor or health care professional usually examines the genitals, as well as sends a sample of any discharge or secretions for testing.
Diagnostic tests such as a rapid STD test or a 10-panel STD test can tell the difference between a yeast infection and STD.
However, there are a few causes and symptoms for UTIs and yeast infections that can indicate what you might have, what treatment to seek, and what to tell your doctor.
Learn About The Different Types Of Sexually Transmitted Infections Their Symptoms And Other Sti Information
It is important to be aware of the different types of sexually transmitted infections . Some STIs have symptoms and some dont, and some are more common in B.C. than others. Remember, many STIs are curable and all are treatable. If you think you have one, consider getting tested as soon as possible.
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How Does One Get Chlamydia
Chlamydia is spread through sexual contact with an infected partner. It can be spread through any type of unprotected sex, including penis in vagina sex, anal sex, and oral sex . An eye infection, conjunctivitis, can also be acquired through contact with genital fluids infected with chlamydia.
A person can also be re-infected with chlamydia after having been treated previously. People donât become immune to chlamydia after theyâve had it once.
How Common Is Chlamydia
In the United States, chlamydia infection rates are on the rise, making chlamydia the most commonly reported sexually transmitted infection in the country. In 2016, almost 1.6 million cases of chlamydia were reported to the Centers for Disease Control .
In the U.S., women are about twice as likely to be reported to have chlamydia as men. However, this is likely due to screening practices, since women are often screened during their annual pelvic exams. Men do not generally have similar annual screenings of their reproductive organs.
Since women are more likely to be asymptomatic, the number of people who actually have chlamydia could be even higher. Also, as testing becomes more sensitive and screening becomes more common and available, this trend is expected to continue to rise.
People aged 15 to 25 years old make up almost two thirds of all chlamydia cases reported in 2016 to the CDC . More specifically, up to 1 in 20 sexually active young women aged 14-24 could have chlamydia in the US .
Outside of the US, chlamydia is also very common. In 2012, the worldwide estimate of chlamydia infections was around 131 million new cases of chlamydia per year . This number is close to that of the entire population of Japan.
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