How to Identify and Treat a Yeast Infection

Every day, women have to deal with the irritating downside of being women ... vaginal yeast infections. The first time you get one, you should see a doctor and verify that what you are experiencing really is a yeast infection. After that, you will know when it happens. This article will tell you how to identify and treat a vaginal yeast infection.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   This is our friend, Candida

   The first step in identifying a vaginal yeast infection is to know what you are dealing with! So many women think if they get a yeast infection it's because they are "dirty" and the fact is that may not be true. We all have yeast in our bodies and our delicate vaginal areas have a bacterial balance that can be upset for a lot of reasons including medications, chemotherapy, douching, stress, poor hygiene and more. When that balance is upset and there is more of the yeast fungus called, "Candida" than there should be, the end result is a yeast infection.

2. 
    
   Yeah that's an arm pit ... but you get the idea ...

   The second step in identifying a yeast infection is to know what it will look like. The entire vaginal area will be sore, inside and out. Sex will hurt and should be avoided during this time. The vagina and vulva will be red and tender to the touch. The skin may even crack and bleed if the infection is bad enough.

3. 
    
   Well, it "looks" like ricotta ...

   The third step in identifying a yeast infection is to know how your body might change. Normally, women produce a vaginal discharge. This discharge will undergo some nasty changes during a yeast infection. In fact, it could be a watery type of discharge or you may find your vaginal coated with a substance that looks an awful lot like ricotta cheese. Just don't cook with it ...

4. 
    
   Pee-Yew!

   The fourth step in identifying a yeast infection is to know what it smells like. We all have a certain ordor in the genital area but when there is a yeast infection, the odor changes. As strange as it sounds, it actually has a slight rotten yeast or bread smell that can be quite offensive. You will recognize right away that it is not your normal bodily scent.

5. 
    
   Relief!

   Finally, you need to know how to treat a yeast infection. Let me say up front that if this is your first suspected yeast infection or if you are not 100% sure you are dealing with a yeast infection, see a doctor and get checked out. If you are sure of what you are dealing with, buy a package of Monistat 7 or something similar. I will warn you, they are expensive. The seven day treatments seem to work the best though they are the most inconvenient. When you go to bed, make sure you have used the bathroom, gotten a drink of water, kissed the kids good night, locked all your doors ... in effect, plan on not getting up all night. Wear a sanitary napkin when you go to bed, insert the suppository while laying on your back with your hips lifted up and go to sleep. It's messy but it does bring relief. Make sure you complete the dose every night and take all the medicine. Best of luck to you!

[predd8193]

on 10/23/2009 great informative article....

[skyedanzer]

on 10/22/2009 Treatment and not ignoring the problem is important. Great instructions.

[skyedanzer]

on 10/22/2009 Treatment and not ignoring the problem is important. Great instructions.

[sbarry77]

on 10/22/2009 Great tips.. It's the worst! 5* and recommended