WHAT IS A YEAST INFECTION?

Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of naturally occurring fungus, most commonly candida albicans. It’s not an STI, but similar to bacterial vaginosis (BV), sex (both vaginal and oral) is still one way you can get it.

HOW DO YOU GET A YEAST INFECTION?

Yeast infections are a pretty common issue, especially for vagina-havers. In fact, 3 out of 4 vaginas will experience a yeast infection at least once, and about 1 out of 2 vaginas will experience a yeastie more than once. There are some things that make you more likely to get one, including douching, being pregnant, going through a round of antibiotics or corticosteroids, using any medicines with high levels of estrogen (e.g.: certain birth controls and hormone therapies), and having a weakened immune system or uncontrolled diabetes.

While this article focuses on vaginal infections, you don’t actually need to have a vagina to get a yeast infection. So regardless of your genital equipment, if you think you may need to slay a yeast beast, consult a doctor. 

WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF A VAGINAL YEAST INFECTION?

The most common vaginal yeast infection symptoms include:

• Thick, white or whitish-grey discharge (sometimes described as similar to cottage cheese), without a strong odor 
• Burning and/or itching of the vagina, especially during sex and urination
• Soreness, redness, and/or swelling in the vaginal and vulva

HOW ARE VAGINAL YEAST INFECTIONS TREATED?

Thankfully, yeast infection treatment is pretty straightforward. Dima offers Neo-Penotran in our shop. On top of being medicine for vaginal yeast infections, this can also be used to treat BV and trichomoniasis.

Although it’s not difficult to buy medicine for a yeast infection, it’s still best to consult a doctor first. This is because other, more serious problems like BV and trichomoniasis can present similar symptoms. This is especially true if it’s your first yeast infection, you’re not 100% sure what you have, you’ve already finished a course of treatment without results, or if you develop other symptoms. You should also consult a doctor if you have 4 or more yeast infections in a year.

HOW DO I AVOID GETTING A YEAST INFECTION?

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: prevention is the best medicine! Many of the same steps you can take to avoid getting BV also apply for yeast infections, including:

• • • Avoid using scented products on and around your vagina. This includes scented feminine washes, tampons, soaps, and toilet paper.
    • Don’t douche! Your vagina is self-cleaning. It really doesn’t need an interior power-wash. 
    • Moist environments are great for bacterial growth, so don’t hang out in wet bathing suits or clothes. While we’re at it, make sure your underwear (or at least its crotch) is made of cotton or another breathable material.
    • Change your tampons, pads, and liners frequently.
    • Clean your sex toys and menstrual cups carefully and according to their care instructions.
    • Butt bacteria and vagina bacteria are not a good combination. Make sure to wipe carefully after using the bathroom, and always front to back. Also, if you incorporate butt play into your sexcapades, make sure to always wash fingers/sex toys/penises before they re-enter your vagina (or put on a new condom).
    • Yeast feeds on sugar, so a well-balanced diet with lower sugar intake will help prevent yeast infections. This is especially true for people with diabetes.
    • Probiotics help keep good bacteria happy not just in your gut, but in your whole body. Happy good bacteria = a balanced bacteria ecosystem!
    • Know thyself! If you know what your vulva and its discharge usually look and smell like, you’ll know when something changes.