Is it time to see my doctor about my yeast infections?

Did you know that your yeast infection may not be a yeast infection at all? There are many reasons for vaginal irritation, anywhere from allergies and bacteria to chemical causes. The irritation you're experiencing may be due to yeast again, but it also may not. Here are a few situations in which you should visit your doctor to be sure.

The infection keeps coming back. If your last infection was less than 2 months ago, or if you have had 4 or more infections in the last year, see your doctor. Frequent yeast infections can be a sign of an underlying health problem or ineffective self-treatment. Your doctor can help uncover the cause and find a treatment that works.

The treatment you tried isn't working. Even though you checked to make sure that you used your last treatment exactly as recommended, it may just not be the right one for your infection. You may have a resistant infection, or you may be infected with a type of yeast for which the medication you tried was not effective. Your doctor can help you find out why the treatment didn't work, and can recommend one that will.

You're pregnant or breast-feeding. Your doctor can help you choose a treatment option that is effective for you and safe for your baby.

You're having other symptoms or are not sure if it's a yeast infection. If you have a fever, pelvic pain, or a smelly or coloured discharge, see your doctor. These are signs that you may have a different type of infection. Yeast infection treatments will not work for infections that aren't caused by yeast. It's important to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment if you have other symptoms.

You have diabetes or other health conditions. If you have diabetes or other health conditions, especially conditions that affect your immune system, see your doctor. Frequent yeast infections may be a sign that your condition is not well-controlled. You may require a different treatment.

If any of these situations applies to you, see your doctor. Ask your doctor for a treatment that will treat all types of yeast. Getting a proper diagnosis is important. Many women think they have a yeast infection when, in fact, they have another health condition. Sexually transmitted infections (also known by the older term "STDs") often mimic the symptoms of yeast infections, and can be harmful if left untreated. Plus, a proper diagnosis will help pinpoint the cause of your frequent infections and make it easier to get rid of them for good!

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2023. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Oh-No-Not-Another-Yeast-Infection