Pregnancy and Yeast Infection
Pregnancy and yeast infection problems often go together but there are solutions.
Odds say that if you are female, that you will have good odds of having a candida infection.
There are many assorted causes for yeast infections.
But one thing that is well known is that during pregnancy, the chances get much higher that you will have to deal with yeast infection.
One of the problems with pregnancy and yeast infection is that often the reasons are beyond the woman's control.
The culprits in vaginal yeast infections are candida albicans. This fungus occurs naturally in the vagina. It is only when the yeast starts to dominate the environment that an infection occurs.
Vaginal yeast infection is also known in medical terms as monilial vaginitis or vaginal candidiasis.
Candida flourishes during pregnancy. Certain functions of pregnancy add to a positive environment for candida albicans. Hormonal changes in the body may alter the vaginal environment enough that the yeast growth gets out of hand causing an infection.
In preparation for birth, the body will load up on glucose to assist in the gestation. The body stores the glucose in glycogen which is a major food source for candida albicans. In addition to multiplying the number of yeast cells, those same yeast cells could adhere tighter to the walls of the vagina.
The use of antibiotics are another contributor to candida overgrowth. In particular long term use of antibiotics will upset the balance in the body. The antibiotics kill good bacteria as well as bad bacteria. Without the good bacteria controlling the rate of yeast production, it will get out of hand ending in an infection.
An itch in the crotch could be a symptom of vaginal yeast infection. It can cause a burning sensation. The irritation in the genital area can cause redness and soreness. Often there is an odourless discharge from the vaginal area. This white discharge has the texture of cottage cheese. Should you notice these conditions, it is best to refrain from sexual relations. The yeast infection can be passed on to partners; in addition the irritation in the area may make sex uncomfortable.
A large part of the time, the treatment for yeast infection in pregnant women and non-pregnant women is the same. If this is the first time, then you should seek advice from your doctor to decide on the best medications or treatments for your particular situation. Doctors will recommend anything from over-the-counter creams to special treatments relating to the pregnancy.
The good news is that the baby is protected from the yeast infection inside the womb. Given the changes to a woman's body during pregnancy, it is not surprising that women have a good probability of contracting a yeast infection. Avoiding yeast infections during pregnancy can be tricky, sometimes even impossible, but there are successful treatments.
I have been a researcher and a health consultant. My area of expertise is Candida and yeast infections. You can find out much more on my website: http://www.ReliefofYeastInfection.com
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