Yeast Infections And Pregnancy - A Common Condition
One of the more uncomfortable things when it comes to being a female involves the experience of vaginal infections, especially infections that are caused by yeast. With this in mind, going through pregnancy and yeast infection at the same time is something that seems to be common. There are several reasons for pregnant women to be prone to yeast infections, a few of which are difficult to control.
When it comes to yeast infections, also known as monilial vaginitis and vaginal candidiasis, the fungus Candida is the main reason for the spreading of the disease. Women that suffer from vaginal yeast infections will find that the fungus called Candida albicans is the cause. This fungus occurs naturally in a woman’s body so a positive test result for Candida alone is not necessarily a cause for concern.
Pregnant women are likely to suffer a yeast infection because of the increase in estrogen they experience during their pregnancy. Higher estrogen levels mean higher production of glycogen, the form of glucose stored in the body. The presence of glycogen is conducive to the rapid growth of yeast. Several studies have shown that glycogen may speed up the growth of yeast and even encourage it to stick to the vaginal walls, making a yeast infection more likely to occur.
Use of antibiotics can cause fungi to proliferate. Long-term use of antibiotics kills bacteria, both good and bad and can weaken the body’s natural ability to fight infection. This allows the bad bacteria to grow uncontrollably because the good bacteria have been reduced in number and is unable to fight the bad bacteria. This is when an infection may occur.
Symptoms of yeast infection include itchiness, burning, soreness and redness of the genital area. These are the initial signs of the condition. As the yeast continues to grow, there may be a liquid, cottage-cheese like discharge and you may experience discomfort. It is important to refrain from sex while you have this infection.
Treating yeast infections during pregnancy does not differ substantially from standard treatment. However, it is wise to check with your doctor to determine if any treatment might be harmful to your or the fetus. Antifungal creams are available over-the-counter and your doctor can tell you which will be helpful for your. It is possible that he or she will recommend a particular product meant just for pregnant women.
Luckily, yeast infections have no affect on the growing baby in the womb. The baby’s development will not be jeopardized in any way. Pregnancy and yeast infection are inevitable for a number of women given the changes in the body. Approximately 15% of women who become pregnant will have a yeast infection of some form during their pregnancy. Avoiding yeast infection during pregnancy may be difficult, but there are safe and effective treatments for this condition, even during pregnancy.
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