Vaginal Discharge

When you have a vaginal yeast infection, you may have one or more of the following symptoms:

• Vaginal itching
• Vaginal discharge that may be thick, white, and lumpy like cottage cheese
• Vaginal soreness, irritation, or burning
• Rash or redness on the skin outside the vagina (vulva)
• Burning on urination
• Painful vaginal intercourse (sex)

Why do women get repeated vaginal yeast infections?
Women may get repeated vaginal yeast infections that may not clear up easily with proper treatment. Listed below are some of the causes of repeated yeast infections:

•hormonal changes occuring a few days before the monthly period
•use of antibiotics
•use of some birth control pills
•pregnancy
•diabetes (“sugar” or “high blood sugar”)
•clothing – wearing tight layers or moist clothing in the genital area
•weakened immune system – some drugs (such as chemotherapy or steroids)
•and medical conditions can weaken the body’s normal ability to fight infection.
One of the most serious of these conditions is infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV – the virus that causes AIDS). Infection with HIV causes the person to be more likely to get infections, including vaginal yeast infections.

How can I prevent repeated vaginal yeast infections?
To lower your chances of getting another yeast infection:

Try to keep the genital area cool and dry. Yeast grow well in warm, moist areas.

The following suggestions may be helpful:

•Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes.
•Change out of damp clothes or a wet bathing suit as soon as possible.
•If you use minipads when you are not having a menstrual period, change the minipads often.