Probably one of the most common female complaints is vagina yeast infection since it is estimated that most, if not all women will have this condition, also known as candidiasis, at some point in their lives. It is a condition caused by the overgrowth of a kind of fungus called candida albicans.
Detection and diagnosis of a vagina yeast infection
Typically women who have this condition will experience symptoms such as general soreness, burning, itching, redness and swelling of the vaginal and vulvar area. Passing urine could be painful or may cause a burning sensation.
There could be pain during sex. Changes and increase in vaginal discharge will also be noted. Typically discharge related to a yeast infection is not foul smelling but is usually of a thick, white consistency (though in some cases it could be runny and watery as well).
Some women also experience rashes and the swelling and redness of the vulva may be evident.
The above symptoms of vagina yeast infection are much like those of certain sexually transmitted infections that could have more serious implications. So a definitive diagnosis of this condition should be made, not only to identify a yeast infection but also to rule out other more serious illnesses.
The diagnosis can be made by consulting with a doctor who will physically examine the pelvis to look for symptoms such as swelling, redness and so on. Also a swab or sample of vaginal tissue will be taken to examine and test in the lab to see whether it is yeast, a viral infection or other bacterial infection.
Reasons why a vagina yeast infection should be detected
Firstly the condition should be identified and diagnosed to rule out other more serious infections such as gonorrhea, Chlamydia and so on.
Though candidiasis is not considered to be a sexually transmitted disease, it is known to be connected to sex in other ways. For instance women with same sex partners may spread their infection to their female partners. So for lesbians controlling and treating yeast is important.
For heterosexual women as well, it could be that they pass of a kind of penile rash which is itchy to their partners when they have intercourse while having a yeast infection. The penile rash could need medical attention.
Another reason to identify and control a vagina yeast infection is because of a higher rate of recurrence of this condition. In such cases, suppositories to prevent repeat infections may be indicated.
When the condition is recurring, other problems such as HIV, AIDS, leukemia or diabetes should be checked because these are conditions that compromise and weaken the immune system and raise chances of getting yeast infections. Here yeast could be a warning sign.
There could also be pregnancy complications, so pregnant women with vaginal yeast should be under medical supervision.
Also if left untreated, a yeast infection can lead to a more serious complication and so is important to detect. In very rare cases, vagina yeast infections can cause a systemic candidial disease, which can be life threatening.
