How do I know if I have yeast infection? A question most women ask especially if this is their first yeast infection. First, let us discuss what is yeast infection and what are the factors affecting yeast infection.
Yeast infection is a very annoying condition especially for women who are commonly infected by this disease. Yeast infection is caused by the fungus Candida Albans which are always present in the vagina. Increase growth or reproduction of Candida Albans leads to yeast infection.
There are many factors contributing to the propagation of yeast infection that women should know and some of them are:
- Imbalance in your system due to antibiotics and stress
- Wearing tight undergarments or underwear materials that promotes sweating
- Pregnancy
- Taking Pills
- Frequent douching
- Hormonal replacement for menopause
- Diabetes or increased sugar level
Even with the knowledge of the different factors affecting yeast infection, you will still ask the question “how do I know if I have yeast infection?” especially, if this is your first yeast infection.
A doctor can tell you if you have yeast infection by examining your vaginal discharge under a microscope but initially you can tell that you have yeast infection if you have these symptoms: – Severe itching, swelling and burning sensation in and around your vagina, so bad that you can hardly walk.
- Vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese.
- Vaginal discharge that smells like bread or beer.
Doctors are able to perform physical assessment and take samples from affected area to culture and study in the lab. The lab results will give you a definite answer to what causes the manifesting symptoms. Samples taken can be a portion of the skin, discharges and blood samples, possibly excretion if gastrointestinal tract is involved as well as urine.
Pregnancy kit can be taken since it increases instances of yeast infection happen for pregnant women. In addition, pH balance and bacteriology can be part of it. So, you do know that there are a lot of things to verify rather than just checking some symptoms online and telling yourself that you have the condition. It certainly takes more than that.
Importance Of A Correct Diagnosis
In contrary to common people’s belief, treatment is actually based on the diagnosis and not due to ailing treatments alone. As you can see, treating the symptoms and not the underlying causative factors will only delay the actual treatment and may even put patients in graver conditions.
In addition, having wrong diagnosis may lead to futile treatments that may cost you more money and time than you think. With this, in mind, self medications should not be encouraged. You may not have yet the infection but because of your own medication you end up having one. A professional is always the best resource for you.
Most women resort to over the counter drugs and medications when they think they have yeast infections on their private area. However, one should mind that symptoms may come from different causes. Itching is never definitive signs of yeast infection well as the whitish discharges.
Diseases such as sexually transmitted disease can cause similar symptoms. To name a few are bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia and the famous gonorrhea.
Signs And Symptoms As Clues
Learning about the signs and symptoms will give you a good clue on what the underlying condition is. In terms of yeast infection, here are the top three of them: odour, discomfort and appearance.
Perhaps, the most noticeable symptom of candidiasis is having discomfort on the area. This discomfort is due to localized inflammation in the area. When tissues or an area is inflamed redness, swelling and burning sensation is felt. The most irritating discomfort would probably eh the itchiness. In some cases, pain in urination and during sexual intercourse is noted. In extreme instances, walking is hindered as well as other daily activities.
The appearance is quite unique for yeast infection. Most people are affected in the genitalia area, most commonly the vaginal area. There can be an unsightly clump of white material on the area. Redness and soreness is evident surrounding it. Also discharge is another key feature of vaginal yeast infection; a record shows that 20 percent of women have discharges. This can be whitish to slightly yellowish discharge and with thick or thin consistency.
The odour is the last distinctive sign that may show that you are having yeast infection. The discharge has a starchy odour and sometimes, it resembles a bread or beer. This is likely because yeast is components of creating beer and bread through fermentation.
Take note of these symptoms and consider having the right treatment. If you have such symptoms refer to your doctor accordingly and stop asking the question, “do I have a yeast infection?”