Hi, I need help with essay on Yeast Infections. Paper must be at least 1250 words. Please, no plagiarized work!Download file to see previous pages... A common misconception about yeast infections is t

Hi, I need help with essay on Yeast Infections. Paper must be at least 1250 words. Please, no plagiarized work!

A common misconception about yeast infections is that vaginal yeast infections are the only form of yeast infections that occur in the human body. This is certainly not true however and other forms of yeast infections are also very common. These other forms of yeast infections include: Thrush, Esophagitis, Skin yeast infections, and yeast infections in the bloodstream. Let us first discuss vaginal yeast infections first. Vaginal yeast infections are extremely common amongst women. So common in fact that every 6 out of 8 women will at least once in their lifetimes will suffer from this infection. Also more than 50% women will suffer from a vaginal yeast infection more than once in their lifetimes. The fungus which causes vaginal yeast infection is called Candida Albicans. The fungus causing bacteria live in small numbers on the skin of the vagina and inside it. The environment of the vagina is acidic and thus stunts the growth of yeast. However, if for some reason the environment of the vagina becomes less acidic then the fungus grows and causes a vaginal yeast infection. The environment of the vagina may become less acidic due to different reasons such as menstruation, birth control pills, and pregnancy etc. Another possible cause of vaginal yeast infection is an injury to the inside of the vagina which may be cause by any reason (e.g. chemotherapy). The common symptoms of vaginal yeast infections include: Itching and burning inside the vagina and on the vulva. A white cheesy vaginal discharge. Discomfort and soreness during sexual intercourse and urination. Swelling of the vulva. (Familydoctor.org) It should be noted here that vaginal yeast infection is not usually considered to be an STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) although males who perform sexual intercourse with infected partners are known to sometimes develop symptoms of irritation of the penis skin. The major identification of a vaginal yeast infection is the white cheesy vaginal discharge. If such a discharge occurs then contacting a doctor is most advised to ascertain the fact that it is in fact caused by a yeast infection because similar symptoms are caused by other infections such as gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and bacterial vaginosis. (Familydoctor.org) The treatment for vaginal yeast infections are usually antifungal medications. These medications can be taken orally or applied topically in and around the vaginal area. Common over the counter antifungal creams include: butoconazole (Femstat 3), clotrimazole (Lotrimin), miconazole (Monistat), and terconazole (Terazol 3). Antifungal medications that are also available as vaginal tablets include: clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex), miconazole (Monistat. Micatin), terconazole (Terazol), and nystatin (Mycostatin). Oral medications for yeast vaginitis and vulvitis include fluconazole (Diflucan). (Stoppler) Most medical professionals prefer suppositories and vaginal tablets over oral medications for the treatment of vaginal yeast infections. Oral medications cause side effects such as abdominal pain, nausea, and headache. Oral medications are also not prescribed to pregnant women for fear of these side effects. Vaginal yeast infections can be prevented by avoiding tight fitting clothing, feminine hygiene sprays, and perfumed toilet paper. Wearing cotton panties, and keeping the vagina dry (by drying it after bathing every time, changing out of wet swimming costumes as soon as possible etc). (Familydoctor.org) Another major form of yeast infections is called Thrush. An infection of the mucus membrane, Thrush mainly affects the mouth and the tongue.