WHAT IS YEAST INFECTION?

Yeast infection is caused by a type of fungus called Candida .

Candida lives harmlessly on the skin, in the mouth, gut and vagina and is normally kept under control by harmless bacteria.

But sometimes conditions change and the yeast increases rapidly, which causes symptoms of discharge and irritation.

This is commonly known as Yeast infection or Candidiasis.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF YEAST INFECTION?

Vaginal Itching, soreness and redness around the vagina or anus

Unusual, abnormal white discharge (cottage cheese like)

Pain when passing urine.

Pain when having sex.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF GETTING YEAST INFECTION?

Your chances of developing yeast infection (thrush) increase if :

You wear tight clothing or synthetic clothing which prevents ventilation

You are pregnant – Thrush can occur as a result of pregnancy. It is not harmful to you or the baby.

You are taking antibiotics

You are having chemotherapy

You have uncontrolled diabetes, HIV or other illnesses lowers your immune system

You use products that may cause irritation of the vagina, such as perfumed soaps.

HOW DO YOU TEST FOR YEAST INFECTION?

Your doctor will need to look at the vagina and genital area

A swab test will be used to collect a sample of cells from the vagina, during an internal examination

HOW DO YOU TREAT A YEAST INFECTION?

1.) Antifungal cream

The cream is applied to the genital area.

2.) Antifungal pessary

A pessary is inserted up into the vagina

3.) Oral antifungal

During oral antifungal treatment, your doctor may require blood tests to check your kidney and liver function.