Yeast Infection

Yeast infection is a disease caused by microscopic yeast-like fungi Candida albicans. These microorganism are natural inhabitants of human organism, but under some certain conditions they are able to grow excessively and to cause a great deal of troubles.

Yeast infection is very spread. Every year 20 million women in USA (every second pacient) apply to doctors with complaints about yeast infection.

In normal (slightly-acid) vaginal environment Candida grows and breeds moderately without causing any unpleasant sensations. However, when the organism is influenced by some certain factors like birth-control pills, some antibiotics, diabetes, periods pH might become more acid thus providing more favorable environment for Candida's growth.

What other conditions cause acid-base disbalance in the vagina?

These are

• stress
• disbalanced nutrition
• polluted environment
• steroids
• antibiotics and hormones in meat a woman eats
• foods rich in sugar and refined carbohydrates

Keep in mind: presence of yeast in the vagina is normal if it does not cause any troubles. All healthy people have yeasts as yeasts take part in metabolism. You will never get rid of yeasts completely and forever.

Symptoms

The main symptom of yeast infection is abundant white discharges that smell of bread. These discharges typically cause itch in the vagina or some other organs: mouth, rectum or anus. There are several types of the fungi, so to define the causative agent and to prescribe appropriate medication laboratory test of vaginal discharges is required.

How can a lesbian get infected?

Usually lesbians get infected through the following ways

• tribadism i.e mutual friction of genitals between women
• oral sex - you can get infected if the girl who performs oral sex on you has candidiasis of mouth
• co-use of insertable sex toys (dildos, vibrators, butt plugs and others)

And of course a lesbian, who has not had sex contacts for a long time can suffer from yeast infection being under influence of such factors as other infections, stress, antibiotics and others that were mentioned above.

Treatment

Treatment for yeast infection usually implies vaginal pills and creams that contain antifungal agents. Make sure you use the medication properly and use the whole cream or all pills even if you have nothing to complain about any more.

To treat chronic infection you might be prescribed pills and capsules that are taken orally.

Prevention

Here are some tips that will help you to prevent yeast infection

• do not douche without necessity. It used to be considered that douching especially with herbs or some disinfectants contributes to better hygiene and helps to prevent diseases. However, modern studies show that there is nothing healthier than natural vaginal environment that contains beneficent bacteria. Do not interfere in natural processes!
• Follow the rules of intimate hygiene, wash genitals before and after sex contact. Brush your teeth if there was oral sex.
• If you had sex with a casual partner and you suppose she could have yeast infection, douche with some alcaline solution (water with soda).
• Wear only natural cotton lingerie and avoid lingerie made of synthetic fabric. Synthetic fabric prevents ventilation and creates wet and environment with hight temperature - favorable environment for growth of pathogenic organisms.
• Make sure your sex partners are healthy and follow rules of intimate hygiene
• Use only clean sex toys and do not share them with your sex partners or use condoms on sex toys.
• Use only water-based or silicone based lubricants
• Do not use flavored soap