How to Treat a Yeast Infection During Pregnancy

How to Treat a Yeast Infection During Pregnancy
Photo by CDC / Unsplash

During pregnancy, a yeast infection can be resistant to treatment. It would be best to treat your infection before the fetus is born. Otherwise, the infant will develop oral thrush. Symptoms may include vaginal odor and discharge, oral sores, and itchy and burning skin. If left untreated, yeast infections can cause oral thrush and esophageal and penile odors. This article will cover the most common treatments for these infections.

Candida albicans

Many people are unaware that their bodies can be infected with candida Albicans. This is a fungus found on inanimate surfaces. However, it can be transferred through the hands of health care workers or other patients. While candida is part of the human flora, it can be harmful to humans if it overgrows. Hence, it is important to treat this infection immediately to avoid a worsening situation.

Symptoms of a yeast infection can vary between women. They include itching, irritation of the vagina, and red, swollen tissues. Some women experience no abnormal discharge, while others may develop a watery, white clumpy discharge. In some cases, the infection may be accompanied by impotence. Because the fungus normally lives in the gastrointestinal tract, any environmental changes can cause it to grow.

Treatment of vaginal yeast infection

Antifungal medications can be an effective way to treat vaginal yeast infections. Both prescription and over-the-counter drugs are effective. Homeopathic remedies are available but have not been studied enough to offer solid recommendations. Fortunately, many women have successfully used tea tree oil, which contains antifungal properties. Tea tree oil is also available in many drugstores and online marts. You should purchase it in its purest form, though, so it is free of side effects and can be used safely on the affected area.

Antibiotics are also a common treatment for vaginal yeast infections. These drugs destroy the good bacteria that protect the vagina from an overgrowth of yeast. Unfortunately, some women can still get vaginal yeast infections while on antibiotics. Other factors that make women more likely to develop yeast infections include having a weakened immune system or having HIV. Women with diabetes are also at greater risk of contracting yeast infections. At the same time, vaginal yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted disease, many women who experience this infection experience severe emotional and physical discomfort. For some, a fear of pain during sex and of infecting their partner may be a significant barrier to a fulfilling relationship.

Treatment of esophageal yeast infection

Yeast is an organism that lives in the vagina and oral cavities. Its overgrowth occurs when an individual's immune system is compromised. There are more than 15 species of candida, but the most common are C. Albicans, C. glabrata, and C. tropicalis. This condition causes inflammation and pain and can cause difficulty swallowing. Generally, treating a yeast infection with over-the-counter medication will clear up the problem.

Infection of the esophagus is usually diagnosed by symptoms and the response to therapy. Generally, fluconazole treatment is given to patients diagnosed with esophageal candidiasis. If fluconazole treatment fails to relieve the symptoms, further investigation may be necessary. A diagnostic procedure called an esophagogastroduodenoscopy can be performed on patients with symptoms of esophageal candidiasis. This procedure can reveal classic raised plaques, yeast, and pseudohyphae.

Treatment of penile yeast infection

Symptoms of penile yeast infection include genital itching, painful urination, swollen foreskin, and foul-smelling discharge. Treatment includes topical antifungal creams available over the counter. In severe cases, invasive candidiasis may require intravenous antifungal medication. Treatment of penile yeast infection can be difficult without a physician's supervision.

A yeast infection is an overgrowth of the fungus candida. While this organism is naturally present on the skin, it is controlled by the immune system. When the immune system becomes weak, candida can overgrow and cause an infection. In uncircumcised men, severe balanitis (inability to retract the foreskin) can be a medical emergency. However, some penile yeast infections do not produce symptoms.