
Note: If you have had a yeast infection diagnosed by a doctor in the past, are certain you are having the same symptoms, do not have recurrent yeast infections, are not pregnant, and have no concern about having acquired an STI, then treating yourself for a yeast infection is probably ok. There are also a number of predisposing factors for RVVC that are the same for VVC, and are listed later on in this article. Some of the underlying causes for RVVC include: The danger with self-diagnosis and self-treatment of RVVC is that when women try to treat themselves for what they think is a simple vaginal yeast infection, the underlying cause of their infection may go undiagnosed.

Approximately 5% of women have four or more vaginal yeast infections per year. The greatest concern with self-diagnosis and self-treatment is of women who have recurrent VVC (RVVC). Therefore, it is crucial to have a doctor diagnose your vaginitis as being the result of a yeast infection before attempting to treat yourself for this condition. Furthermore, even if it is a yeast infection, over the counter anti-yeast infection treatment does not work for everyone and can lead to chronic Candida infections. For example, although VVC is often assumed to be the cause of vaginitis, only 33% of cases are actually due to VVC.

This results in frequent misdiagnosis and can create more serious consequences, especially if the cause of vaginal symptoms is something that requires a different treatment, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. Unfortunately, because many women are hesitant to contact their doctor regarding vaginal symptoms, they will try to diagnose themselves. Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection can include all or only a couple of these symptoms, so it is important to contact your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the above changes. Symptoms of VVC are often worse the week before your period, with some relief experienced after the onset of menstrual flow. Red rash surrounding the vagina and extending toward inner thighs However, if you notice any changes or have any questions regarding discharge you are seeing, it is important to contact your doctor right away, as a change in vaginal discharge could indicate something more serious. Here is a list of the most common signs and symptoms:Ībnormal vaginal discharge: This can range from a slightly watery, white discharge to a thick, white, chunky discharge resembling cottage cheese. Note: Most women have some sort of discharge throughout the month, especially during ovulation. Yeast infections can have a broad range of presentations, ranging from women who have colonization of yeast but no symptoms to those who have frequent, recurrent, symptomatic episodes. Signs and Symptoms of Vaginal Yeast Infections:

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Therefore, it is important to understand how to properly treat them. The symptoms range from very mild to severe, and although they are not officially considered an STI, they can be transmitted between sexual partners and to children at birth.

Although they are not life-threatening in women with a healthy immune system, they can greatly impact the quality of a woman’s life, especially in chronic cases. At least 75% of women will have a yeast infection at some point in their lives, with nearly 45% experiencing two or more in their lifetime, and 5-8% having recurrent episodes ( a condition known as RVVC, and is defined as four or more episodes within one year). It is known in the medical community as vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). A vaginal yeast infection is an infection of the vagina, most commonly due to a fungus known as Candida.
