Yeast Infection Specialist
-
- Tweet
Carolina Care
Family Medicine Physician & Sports Medicine located in Wilmington, NC
When you’re suffering from the itching and discomfort that comes with a yeast infection, you want relief in a hurry. Dr. Richard Ferro and his experienced team at Carolina Care in Wilmington, North Carolina offer urgent care services for medical conditions like yeast infections, the flu, and pneumonia. You don’t have to wait to find relief for your yeast infection. Call Carolina Care or schedule an appointment online today.
Yeast Infection Q & A
What is a yeast infection?
Yeast infections, or candidiases, are a common problem that can affect several parts of your body. When you have a vaginal yeast infection, the healthy balance of bacteria and yeast in your vagina changes. This imbalance causes your yeast cells to multiply.
A yeast infection is contagious and can spread through sexual contact, but it’s not a sexually transmitted disease.
What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?
Excess yeast cells can cause intense vaginal irritation that includes itching and swelling. Additional symptoms include:
- Vaginal swelling
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Soreness, redness, or rash
- Burning while having sex or urinating
It’s also common to have changes in your vaginal discharge. Instead of healthy vaginal discharge that’s clear to milky white with a mild odor, yeast infections cause thick, grayish discharge that resembles cottage cheese.
What causes a yeast infection?
The yeast candida naturally occurs in the vagina, but the bacteria lactobacillus controls its growth. When this bacteria is thrown off balance, candida grows unchecked.
Several factors can trigger a yeast infection, such as:
- Antibiotics
- Diets high in sugar
- Stress and lack of sleep
- Weakened immune system
- Hormonal imbalance and pregnancy
- Wearing tight underwear that traps heat and moisture
Most yeast infections are easy to treat, but sometimes lab testing is necessary to determine which strain of candida is present.
How is a yeast infection diagnosed and treated?
To diagnose a yeast infection, Dr. Ferro discusses your medical history and performs a comprehensive physical examination that includes a pelvic exam. During this examination, he checks for internal and external signs of infection.
Based on your physical exam and yeast infection history, Dr. Ferro might take cells from your vagina for lab testing.
Most yeast infections respond to short-term treatments like antifungal creams, ointments, suppositories, or tablets. For more complicated infections, Dr. Ferro might recommend longer-term oral and vaginal antifungal treatments.
If you’re sexually active and not using condoms, it may be necessary to treat your partner for a yeast infection as well to avoid reinfection.
Don’t ignore uncomfortable vaginal yeast infection symptoms. Call Carolina Care or schedule an appointment online to relieve your discomfort today.
