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If you’ve ever had a yeast infection, you have a lot of company. Research shows about 75% of women have at least one yeast infection during their lifetimes, and nearly half have more than one.
Fortunately, yeast infections are usually easily treated. The key is getting the most appropriate treatment as quickly as possible and following through on the complete treatment, even if your symptoms improve.
A top-ranked gynecology practice in Conroe, Texas, OB/GYN Associates of Conroe offers custom care for each patient to relieve yeast infection symptoms and help prevent infections from returning. In this post, Richard Roberts, MD, and his team review the importance of seeking medical treatment for yeast infections.
Quick facts about yeast infections
Most vaginal yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida that’s normally found inside the vagina. In a yeast infection, populations of the fungus increase, and an infection occurs.
Several factors can trigger yeast infections, including:
- Pregnancy or other hormonal changes
- Diabetes
- Weakened immune system
Antibiotic use can also trigger yeast infections when those antibiotics affect the microorganisms that maintain a healthy balance in the vaginal canal. Often, the cause of a yeast infection isn’t identified.
The most common symptoms of vaginal yeast infections include:
- Itching
- Burning, especially during urination
- Irritation around the vagina and vulva
- Pain during intercourse
Some infections are accompanied by a thick, white vaginal discharge, although other women have no noticeable discharge at all.
Why medical evaluation is important
Although uncomfortable, we can treat yeast infections with topical or oral medications or both. There are over-the-counter topical products for yeast infection treatment that can be effective. The problem is that other serious gynecological issues may cause symptoms similar to yeast infections.
If that’s the case, these products won’t work, which means you’ll still have uncomfortable symptoms. Worse, using these products for another problem delays diagnosis, allowing the underlying problem to get worse.
Having an exam ensures you receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, so you can enjoy quick relief and prevent more serious problems from developing. Plus, we can tailor your treatment to your specific needs, and we can provide you with lifestyle tips to help prevent subsequent infections.
It’s especially important to have an exam if you have never had a yeast infection before, have frequently recurring infections, or have an underlying health issue that makes you more prone to yeast infections, like diabetes, hormonal imbalances, or immune issues.
Relief for uncomfortable symptoms
Yeast infections are common, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take them seriously. If you have a yeast infection or if you’ve had recurrent infections, we can tailor treatment to help you find relief. To learn more, call 936-756-7788 or book an appointment online with the team at OB/GYN Associates of Conroe today.