How Long To Get Rid Of Yeast Infection

Definition
- What is a yeast infection?
Types
- Types of yeast infection
Symptoms
- Symptoms of a yeast infection
Causes
- Causes of a yeast infection
Who Gets It?
- Who can get a yeast infection?
Diagnosis
- Diagnosing a yeast infection
Treatment
- Treatments for a yeast infection
Complications and Side Effects
- Complications and side effects of a yeast infection
Center
- What Is the Fastest Way To Get Rid of a Yeast Infection? Center

What is a yeast infection?

The fastest way to get rid of a yeast infection is by seeing your doctor and getting Fluconazole prescription. Over-the-counter Monistat (Miconazole) and prevention can also work.

Yeast infections are more common than you might think. Yeast is a fungus that is normally found on your skin and digestive system. If you are a woman, you will also find yeast in your vaginal area. Yeast grows normally in those body parts, but it can develop into an infection if it grows out of control. It may also occur on your penis or scrotum if you are male, but it is not as common.

Types of yeast infection

A yeast infection is a condition that occurs when too much yeast grows in certain areas of your body, causing an infection called candidiasis. This condition may cause symptoms that greatly affect your quality of life, including complications leading to other medical conditions. In some cases, a yeast infection may spread from one area of your body to another.

Yeast infections may affect different parts of your body in different ways:

Thrush: This is a type of yeast infection that affects the mouth and throat. You may notice white patches in your mouth, a loss of taste, or pain while eating or swallowing.
Vaginal yeast infection: As the name suggests, vaginal yeast infections affect the vagina. These yeast infections cause itching and discomfort and may bring about complications like vaginitis.
Yeast infections of the skin: This type of yeast infection affects the skin and may cause your skin to itch and develop a rash.
Invasive yeast infection: This is a serious infection of the bloodstream that can impact many major organs and may develop into a life-threatening condition.

Symptoms of a yeast infection

Depending on where your yeast infection is based, the symptoms may include the following:

Sores
Rashes
White patches in your mouth
Pain when swallowing food
Shiny, white areas on your penis
Irritation and itching of the vagina
A burning feeling when urinating or during sex
Swelling and redness of the vulva
Thick, white, and odorless vaginal discharge which is commonly described as looking like cottage cheese
Vaginal discharge that appears watery

Causes of a yeast infection

Yeast infections are usually caused by yeast overgrowth in the parts of the body where it is normally found. Infections have a variety of causes, including:

A weak immune system
Pregnancy
Normal changes in hormone levels (during the menstrual cycle in women)
Antibiotics, cortisone, and other drugs

Who can get a yeast infection?

Some people are more likely to get a yeast infection than others, including those who:

Have diabetes
Are pregnant
Have a condition which weakens your immune system
Are overweight
Are using birth control pills

Diagnosing a yeast infection

If you are seeking treatment for a vaginal yeast infection, your doctor will first complete a vaginal exam to ensure proper diagnosis. They may take a sample of vaginal discharge for examination. You should always be sure to get a doctor's opinion when experiencing vaginal discomfort because at-home diagnoses are often faulty.

QUESTION

The vagina includes the labia, clitoris, and uterus. See Answer

Treatments for a yeast infection

After you have been diagnosed, your doctor may prescribe medication to get rid of the yeast infection. The medications used to treat yeast infections are antifungals either applied topically as a cream, taken orally as a pill, or used as suppositories placed in the vagina.

Medications

Oral treatment in the form of Fluconazole is available by prescription. However, it may take one week for the complete resolution of symptoms.

The vaginal suppository Monistat and generic versions of this medication (Miconazole) will successfully treat most vaginal yeast infections.

Home care

There are several ways you can prevent a vaginal yeast infection or reinfection. These include:

Keeping the vaginal area clean and dry
Avoiding the use of harsh soap and perfumed feminine hygiene products
Not douching
Wearing loose-fitting clothes and avoiding pantyhose
Wearing underwear made of cotton
Wiping from the front to the back after using the toilet

Complications and side effects of a yeast infection

If your yeast infection remains untreated for a long time it could develop into complications. Here are some signs that may show you are developing a complication:

Symptoms like redness, swelling, and itching become so severe that it causes tears or sores
A recurrence of a yeast infection four or more times in one year

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Medically Reviewed on 2/2/2021

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "Vaginal Candidiasis."

Johns Hopkins Medicine: "Yeast Infection."

Mayo Clinic: "Yeast Infection (vaginal)."

National Cancer Institute: "Yeast Infection."

PennState Student Affairs: "Yeast Infection."

University of Michigan: "Vaginal Yeast Infections."

UCDAVIS: "Yeast Infections (vaginal)."