Vaginal Yeast Infection
(Yeast Vaginitis)

• What is yeast?
• What is vaginitis?
• What is vulvitis (inflammation of the vulva)?
• What causes yeast vaginitis (vaginal yeast infections)?
• What are the symptoms of vaginal yeast infection and vulvitis?
• How are vaginal yeast infection and vulvitis diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for vaginal yeast infection and vulvitis?
• If yeast is commonly present in normal women, who should be treated?
• Vaginal Yeast Infection At A Glance
• Related yeast infection articles:
  Yeast infections - on WebMD

Douching and Yeast Infection Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR A Viewer Asks: Can douching cause a yeast infection? Also, is it okay to douche after a yeast infection? Dr. Stöppler's Answer: All healthy women have bacteria and other organisms in the vagina. The balance of organisms and the normal acidity of the vagina both act to prevent overgrowth of specific organisms, leading to symptoms of a vaginal infection. Douching disturbs the normal environment of the vagina... Read the rest of Dr. Stöppler's answer » Top Searched Yeast Infection Terms: symptoms, causes, treatment, yeast infection in mouth, vaginitis, pregnancy, male yeast infection

What is yeast?

Yeast is a fungus scientifically referred to as Candida. The specific type of fungus most commonly responsible for vaginitis is Candida albicans. Yeast is commonly present on normal human skin and in areas of moisture, such as the mouth and vagina. In fact, up to 20% of women normally carry yeast in the vaginal area.

What is vaginitis?

Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina. Vaginitis is very common and is reported by as many as 75% of women at some point in their lives. Vaginitis can be caused by a number of infections, including bacteria (such as Gardnerella and gonorrhea), protozoans (such as trichomonas), and yeast (Candida). Vaginal yeast infection is often referred to as vaginal Candidiasis.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

Pap Smear - The Pap smear, or Pap test is a screening test for cervical cancer. Source:MedicineNet Vaginal Douche (Douching) - Learn why doctors do not recommend vaginal douching. Douching increases the risk for vaginal infections, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, and other conditions. Source:Government Bacterial Vaginosis - Learn about bacterial vaginosis, an infection which symptoms include an odorous vaginal discharge. The vaginal odor may be fish like, and grey in color. Treatment is necessary with antibiotics. Source:MedicineNet Read 47 more Yeast Vaginitis related articles ... Health Tip: Positive Pap Results