18/07/2023
Greetings my people I shall be talking to us on 👇👇 pls feel free to dm for questions
VAGINAL YEAST INFECTION
A va**nal yeast infection is a fungal infection that causes irritation, discharge and intense itchiness of the va**na and the v***a( the tissues at the va**na opening).
CAUSES
1. IRRITANTS: soaps, body wash, perfumes and va**na contraceptives can all irritate by the va**na. This can cause inflammation. Tight fitting clothes may also cause heat rashes that irritates the va**na.
2. WEAKENED IMMUNE SYSTEM: if you have a disease like HIV or AIDs, your medications can suppress the immune system thereby leading to va**nal infection and even other infections.
3. DIABETES: When you have diabetes, there is too much sugar in the urine and the va**na is impacted by this surplus sugar.
4. PREGNANCY AND HORMONAL/ CONTRACEPTIVES USE : Hormones can be all over the charts during pregnancy. This change in the hormones can distrupt the balance of Candida in the Va**na leading to infection.
5. BACTERIAL INFECTIONS: Certain micro organisms are found in the va**na. An overgrowth of these micro organisms can cause bacteria vaginosis.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
1. Itching and irritation in the va**na and v***a.
2. Burning sensation.
3. Dysuria ( painful urination).
4. Dyspareunia ( painful s*xual in*******se).
5. Redness and swelling of the v***a.
6. Va**na pain and soreness.
7. Va**nal rash.
8. Thick, white ,odour- free discharge with a cottage cheese appearance.
9. Watery Va**na discharge.
RISK FACTORS
1. Antibiotic use; yeast infections are common in women who take antibiotics. Broad-spectrum antibiotics kills a range of bacterial, also killing healthy bacteria in the va**na leading to overgrowth of the yeast.
2. Increased estrogen levels; yeast infections are more common in women with higher estrogen levels, such as pregnant women or women taking high dose estrogen hormones therapy.
3. Uncontrolled diabetes; women with poorly controlled blood sugar are at greater risk of yeast infection than women with well controlled blood sugar.
4. Impaired immune system; women with lowers immunity such as from corticosteroids therapy or HIV infection are more likely to get infected easily.
MANAGEMENT
Treatments are generally determined based on the severity of the symptoms presented.
MILD INFECTION
The Nurse will usually prescribe a 1- 6 days regimen of an antifungal cream, ointment, tablet or suppository depending on the severity and presenting signs and symptoms.
Commonly used Antifungal regimen
1. Clotrimazole ( Gynazole)
2. Miconazole ( Lotrimin)
3. Terconazole ( Terazole)
4. Fluconazole ( Diflucan).
Note; if you have a mild infection, follow up with your Nurse to make sure the medication has worked.
SEVERE INFECTION
1. 14 days use of antifungal cream, ointment tablet or suppository va**nal treatment.
2 long term prescription of fluconazole taken once a week for 6 weeks or long term use of topical antifungal medication.
3. If infection is reoccurring, you may want to see if your s*xual partner has a yeast infection and he treated. Use barrier method such as condoms when having s*x, if you suspect either of you has a yeast infection.
PREVENTION
1. Wear underwear that has a cotton crotch and doesn't fit too tightly.
2. Avoid tight fitting panty hose.
3. Avoid douching, which removes some of the normal micro organisms in the Va**na that protect the va**na from infection.
4. Avoid scented feminine products including; bubble bath, pads and tampons.
5. Avoid hot tubs and very hot baths.
6. Avoid unnecessary antibiotics use, such as for colds or other viral infections.
7. Avoid staying in wet clothes, such as swimsuites and work out attire for long.
8. Proper hygiene can also prevent Va**na infection.
9. Treat your s*xual partner to prevent reoccurrence
Nurse chi Cares
