Yeast infections are a common disorder among females of childbearing age.  Yeast infections are experienced by 75% of women with 40 to 50% of women having a second infection.  Approximately 5% of women have recurrent yeast infections.

Signs and Symptoms-
 Symptoms that are common with yeast infections include, vaginal itching, soreness, burning, and painful intercourse.  The vaginal discharge present with yeast infections is nonodorous and varies in consistency from watery to cottage cheese-like.    A white to gray or yellow-green discharge along with a fishy odor is most likely due to a bacterial infection and must be treated by an antibiotic prescribed from a physician.

Causes-
 Yeast grows in a warm moist environment.  Wearing tight-fitting clothes, nylon undergarments and swimming can provide an environment suitable for yeast to grow.  In addition, candy binging can provide sugar for the yeast to grow.  Other predisposing factors include, pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, use of high-estrogen-containing oral contraceptives, broad-spectrum antibiotics (e.g. amoxicillin, tetracycline, cephalosporins), use of perfumed toilet paper, feminine hygiene sprays, and douches.  Other possible contributing factors include the use of an IUD, diaphragm, and spermicidal agents.  Yeast infections are usually not caused by intercourse but high frequency intercourse may contribute to infection.

Treatment-
 Over-the-counter medications should only be used after a doctor has previously diagnosed a yeast infection.  Any subsequent yeast infection with similar symptoms can be safely treated with over-the-counter medications.  The Campus Health pharmacy carries two over-the-counter products for yeast infections.  Clotrimazole, generic for Gyne-Lotrimin, and FemStat 3 are available in vaginal creams.  Both therapies are equally effective.  The advantage of FemStat 3 is that it is a three-day course whereas the Clotrimazole is a seven-day course.  The advantage to Clotrimazole is that it is more economical than the FemStat.    While using the vaginal creams, tampons should not be used.  A sanitary napkin may be used to prevent staining of the underwear due to leakage of the cream.  There are relatively few adverse reactions to using the creams.  However, FemStat, Monistat, miconazole (generic for Monistat), and Vagistat may weaken latex and are not recommended to be used with condoms or diaphragms.  If the yeast infection symptoms have not improved within three days you should see a physician for a prescription strength medication.  It is also recommended to see a physician if a recurrent yeast infection occurs within two months.

Pregnancy-
 Pregnant women are at an increased risk for yeast infections.  Some yeast infection products should not be used in pregnancy especially in the first trimester.  Pregnant women should see a physician if a yeast infection is suspected rather than self-treating with an over-the-counter product.

Additional Information-
 If you have recurrent yeast infections you should be checked for diabetes and other more serious conditions such as AIDS.