Almost every woman will experience a yeast infection at some point in her life. Yeast infections are caused by an imbalance of candida albicans fungus in the vagina. Small amounts of yeast are often present in the vagina, but when they multiply then women can start to experience the symptoms of what is commonly known as thrush. There is plenty of medication for yeast infection treatment that is available through your pharmacy.
Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include intense itching and burning, swelling, redness and a white cottage cheese like discharge that smells of yeast. Yeast infections can range from mild to severe and the itching and burning can be so intense that they make urinating or sex painful.
A yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted disease, although you can pass it onto your partner. Usually you can develop a yeast infection is you have taken antibiotics, are run down, are menstruating, take the contraceptive pill, have used highly perfumed deodorants or soaps in your genital area, are pregnant or have been wearing a lot of tight synthetic materials.
There are many types of medication for yeast infection treatment that are available for purchase at a pharmacy. It is not usually necessary to visit the doctor or to have a prescription for this medication. However, it is recommended that you do visit your doctor if you are having recurring yeast infections as it could be a symptom of another health problem or could be indicative of an STD.
There are three types of medication for yeast infection: tablets, pessaries and creams. Pessaries are dissolvable tablets that are inserted into the vagina.
Clotrimazole 2% has been a very popular medication for yeast infection treatment for many years. This ingredient is available as a cream with applicators or a pessary. The cream comes as a 1 day, 3 day or 6 day treatment and the pessary as a 1 day or 3 day treatment. The ingredient is marketed under various brand names around the world.
Clotrimazole is available in pessary form as well. Some women prefer pessaries as they have a long lasting effect. Some woemen prefer the cream as it is very soothing – starting to work immediately. These days you can also purchase du packs that come with a pessary and a cream in the same box. Other antifungal creams that can treat yeast infections include: miconazole, mycostatin and nystatin.
If a cream or pessary seems like too much work, then there is now an oral tablet that can be bought over the counter. The tablet contains fluconazole and it is a once only dose. It kills the yeast infection, however, this treatment is generally not recommended for use in pregnancy. Talk to your pharmacist about this option if the idea of a cream is not appealing to you.
Most women will have a yeast infection at some point and luckily there are many different treatments available. The symptoms are very unpleasant and uncomfortable, but they are relieved by treatment very quickly. Getting some cream for your partner to apply is also a good idea in case you have inadvertently infected them.
To get more information about female yeast infection, visit female yeast infection.
