Sex Toys and STIs: 20 Facts About Risk, Safer Sex, Cleaning, More
Yeast Infection: Signs & Symptoms
A yeast infection can feel like itching or even burning. Or you may have swelling so extreme, it leads to sores. Sexual intercourse may be painful. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, a yeast infection can be uncomfortable.
Yeast infections are caused by a fungus. It generally causes your vagina and vulva (the tissues at the opening of the vagina) or your penis to itch. You may also have a discharge.
Knowing how to spot the symptoms of a yeast infection can help you get the most effective treatment.
A yeast infection is a condition caused by a fungus that can lead to itchiness of your vagina and vulva (the tissues at the opening of the vagina) or penis. It can also cause a discharge. Yeast infections are a common type of vaginitis or vaginal infection. Knowing how to spot the signs and symptoms can help you get the most effective treatment. (Photo credit: KATERYNA KON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images)
Your vulva and vaginal opening or your penis may look red, swollen, and irritated. There may be a white coating or shiny sores on your vaginal or penile tissue. Your discharge may be different than normal. Your symptoms will vary depending on how severe your infection is.
Yeast infection discharge
It may be watery or thicker and look like cottage cheese. It's usually whitish to yellowish in color. A vaginal yeast infection shouldn't smell different than normal. Symptoms can vary from person to person.
Your symptoms depend on where the infection is and how your body responds. Your symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe. Or you may have no noticeable symptoms.
Vaginal yeast infection symptoms
Yeast infections are a common type of vaginitis or vaginal infection. Three of every four women and people with a vagina get one in their lifetime. And many have more than one.
Also known as vaginal candidiasis, if you have a vaginal yeast infection, you'll most likely have extreme itching in and around your vagina; this is the most common symptom. In addition to itching, you might also have:
Penile yeast infection symptoms
A penile yeast infection is also called candida balanitis. This can happen when there's an overgrowth of fungus on the penis or if you have sex with a partner who has a vaginal yeast infection.
About 3%-11% of men and people assigned male at birth will get a yeast infection in their lifetime. It tends to happen on moist, warm, creased areas of skin such as the head of the penis and foreskin.
It's more common if you aren't circumcised and for children under age 4. About 1 in 30 uncircumcised people will develop a yeast infection. It's also more common if you have phimosis, which means the foreskin doesn't easily pull back over the penis.
The symptoms include:
Sometimes the symptoms of a yeast infection can be more serious and require extra care. Or you may get repeated infections. You might need a longer course of treatment or a prevention plan with your doctor to keep the infection from coming back. Severe yeast infections are also called complicated yeast infections.
You can get a more complicated infection if:
Your infection might also be more complicated if it's caused by a different type of fungus than what commonly causes yeast infections. This can mean the usual over-the-counter treatments are not as effective.
Signs of a complicated infection include:
Vaginal yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis (BV) are different types of vaginitis. BV is caused by bacteria rather than a fungus. Both infections can cause itching and a burning feeling when you pee. However, other symptoms are not the same.
You may have BV rather than a yeast infection if your vagina has a bad smell or if you have a thin, white, green, or gray discharge.
See your doctor if you think you may have BV or if you're not sure what infection you have.
Both infections may cause discomfort and a burning sensation when you pee. But while a yeast infection causes symptoms like vaginal itching and a thick or watery odorless discharge, a urinary tract infection (UTI) does not. If you have a UTI, you may have these symptoms instead:
Call your doctor if your symptoms don't improve within 72 hours of starting treatment. Call right away if you have any signs of a complicated infection.
You should also make an appointment with your doctor if:
If you think you have a yeast infection but aren't sure, it's important to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis. Your doctor can also let you know if something else may be causing your problems.
Treatment can help relieve your symptoms, keep an infection from becoming severe, and prevent you from spreading any potential infections during sex.
If you have itching around your vagina or penis and a thick, white, chunky, or watery discharge, there's a chance you have a yeast infection. Call your doctor if you're not sure. Over-the-counter treatments often provide relief in a few days.
Latinas Are More Prone To Bacterial Vaginosis – Here's How To Avoid And Treat It
Getty / LumiNola. Photo illustration by Keila Gonzalez
Self-love, for many, means making time to slow down, meditate, and journal every day. But it can also look like taking care of your body – including your vaginal and sexual health. The vagina is quite magical, but in order to keep it healthy, it needs to be in balance. While our bodies contain what we need to stay healthy, external factors can impact what's happening inside. Our vagina is basically a canal that extends from the vulva to the neck of the uterus or cervix. Think of it as a highway where miracles occur, like the shedding of the uterus during menstruation and childbirth. It's also where penetration can occur during sex. All of this activity can muddle the path of this highway, leaving it vulnerable to bacteria and infections.
Bacterial Vaginosis, or BV, is a common vaginal infection caused by the overgrowth of disruptive bacteria in the vaginal microbiome. It is the most common cause of vaginal symptoms among women globally, impacting an estimated 21.2 million women between the ages of 14 and 49 in the United States. BV is directly related to an imbalance in vaginal pH levels, and research shows that Latinas and African American women have disproportionately high diagnosis rates.
"The incidence of BV globally is about 20 to 30 percent among all women. Latin America is in the same range," says Monica Simons, MD, a Latina gynecologist currently working at BronxCare in New York. "There is a slightly higher incidence among Latinas in the US, however."
Daniella Levy is the co-founder and CEO of Happy V, a Latina-owned and operated wellness company focused on delivering high-quality information about vaginal health, along with a line of clinically proven products.
"Latinas may be more prone to BV due to our genetic predisposition affecting the composition of our vaginal microbiome," Levy explains, adding that microbial profiles can vary, with some having a higher proportion of pathogenic bacteria, while others may have a balance of beneficial bacteria or probiotics.
"It's kind of like a family thing – this trait gets passed down through generations in Latinx communities, so it's literally in our DNA," she says. "When you start looking into the science and our cultural background, you realize it's a whole intricate web of factors that makes us more prone to BV."
Rebecca Alvarez, a Latina sexologist and founder of Bloomi, an intimate wellness brand, says she believes Latinas are more susceptible to BV due to two primary reasons: "Genetics and bad ingredients in intimate products we use."
She explains, "Within the vagina, there are hundreds of good bacteria strains that keep the ecosystem balanced. This is where the term 'self-cleaning oven' comes from."
Vaginal acidity keeps our pH levels balanced, but when those levels become basic or when the bacteria is higher in our vaginal flora, BV may be the cause. Good bacteria include lactobacillus, which Alvarez explains is a strain with protective qualities that keeps our pH low and acidic.
"However, when there is an overgrowth of candida in our vagina, it can lead to yeast infections, and an overgrowth of bacteria can lead to BV," Alvarez says. "Research shows that Latinas are genetically predisposed to BV because our vaginal pH is naturally higher. On average, Latina women have a pH of 5, whereas white women have a pH of 4."
Additionally, Latinas tend to use intimate care products like douches and deodorizers more often than women of other ethnic backgrounds, Alvarez adds. She says these products are pushing the idea that strong fragrances are associated with cleanliness and that Latinas may opt for products containing synthetic fragrances, glycerin, and propylene glycol, like Summer's Eve and Lemisol, the popular Dominican vaginal wash that reportedly leaves your vagina smelling and tasting like mint.
"Unfortunately, these ingredients have been linked to disrupting the vaginal microbiome and increasing the risk of BV," Alvarez says.
Dr. Simons explains that BV presents itself with symptoms including abundant white discharge (generally associated with yeast infections) or gray-colored discharge (often associated with BV); in some cases, women can also experience a fishy odor.
According to Levy, other symptoms may include experiencing itching or irritation around the vaginal area, as well as discomfort during urination.
The risk factors that can expose a woman to contracting BV include lack of condom use because unprotected intercourse may cause a change in the flora and pH, Dr. Simons explains.
Other risk factors include harsh and perfumed soaps, IUD use, and other vaginal infections and STDs, adds Dr. Simons. When a woman has BV, she becomes vulnerable to other infections as well.
"The risk of other STDs, infections, and even premature labor increases since the usual vaginal acidity or protection is decreased," she says. "Men do not carry the organisms which produce BV, but since semen generally has a higher pH than the vagina, it may cause the bacteria to overgrow."
The vagina is self-cleaning and self-regulating, so there's no need for washes. In fact, washes containing perfumes may cause irritation and allergic vaginitis. Dr. Simons adds that the use of boric acid helps to maintain the acidity of the vagina and may reduce the risk of BV, especially in those who may develop it more frequently.
According to Dr. Simons, semen can also up your chances of developing BV. Alvarez breaks it down further to explain that semen is alkaline, with a high pH ranging from 7.5 to 8.0, so if a cis woman has sex with a cis man without a condom, it could lead to BV for the woman.
"Other intimate activities like sharing toys, oral sex, or fingering can also lead to BV," Alvarez adds.
BV can cause discomfort and is something that can recur even after taking antibiotics to restore balance in the vaginal flora. Levy adds that if left untreated, BV can lead to severe health issues.
"One of the big risks is an increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections like HIV, herpes, and gonorrhea, especially with a lowered immune system," she says. "It can also interfere with your reproductive health, increasing the risk of complications like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to infertility or pregnancy complications. It's definitely something you want to address sooner rather than later."
The good news is that we can prioritize our vaginal wellness to keep infections like BV at bay. Levy says this includes the practice of good hygiene habits, including urinating and cleansing before and after sex and using condoms with non-irritating lubricants to maintain a healthy pH balance in the vaginal environment.
"Incorporating probiotics containing strains known to support vaginal health can be beneficial," she adds.
Levy knows and understands this firsthand, as the foundation of her company Happy V came from her own vaginal health journey. She struggled with BV for five years before launching her company. This led to extensive efforts in sourcing the highest quality and safest ingredients, prioritizing formulations that support her health and wellness goals.
"Witnessing the positive impact these products had on my own well-being, I felt compelled to share this formula with others who may struggle with chronic or occasional BV," Levy says. "It became apparent that there was a genuine need for safe and effective solutions in the market, and I was driven by the desire to provide individuals with a reliable option for managing their health concerns."
Let's face it, there's an underlying shame many women carry when they are susceptible to recurring vaginal infections like BV, yeast infections, UTIs, and more. Levy's goal is for customers to feel supported, informed about their options, and empowered to take control of their health journey.
"Oftentimes, these conditions create a feeling of isolation, which can lead to other health concerns, such as emotional and mental health issues," Levy says. "By fostering a community where individuals feel empowered to discuss and prioritize their health and well-being, we aim to make a positive impact beyond just the products we offer."
Alvarez similarly wants to empower women through Bloomi to provide inclusive sexual education and intimate health essentials for all bodies. Bloomi's products include plant-based ingredients and aphrodisiacs, as well as recyclable or compostable packaging. Alvarez considers wellness from the inside out (including doing good by the environment), with a particular focus on Latina consumers.
"As a sexologist and researcher, I was genuinely taken aback when I learned about the disparities in Latina women's intimate health," she says. "It hit close to home as I realized how deeply ingrained our cultura is in promoting the idea of 'smelling fresh,' often leading us to rely on products that harm rather than help our vaginal microbiome."
To maintain vaginal hygiene, Levy suggests sticking to gentle cleansing methods like using a soft washcloth or your hands. "Opt for a mild cleanser without any harmful ingredients aimed at enhancing scent or making you smell 'fresher' – these can disrupt the microbiome," she says.
Wash only the vulva, or the outside visible part of the vagina, which includes the labia or lips, while avoiding the vaginal opening and opening of the urethra. Try your best to avoid getting any soap inside the vagina.
"This is especially harmful if the wash contains fragrances," Levy says. "Recognize that vaginas possess the remarkable ability to self-cleanse, requiring minimal external intervention for natural maintenance."
Like Latinas, Black women also face similar challenges when it comes to BV and being susceptible to contracting it, Alvarez says. Additionally, Black women also tend to use intimate products with fragrance more often compared to caucasian women. In the end, Alvarez says, "Understanding these differences is crucial for tailored healthcare and promoting vaginal wellness among diverse communities."
Zayda Rivera is a former POPSUGAR contributor. She has been a professional writer for more than 20 years. Z is a certified Reiki Master Teacher, yoga and Zumba instructor, mindfulness and meditation guide, tarot reader, and spiritual mentor.
Why Lace Underwear Is Illegal In Three Countries
Chances are, you've never really given much thought to how your underwear affects the health of, you know, down there. You just buy whatever's comfiest or makes you feel the best, and call it a day.
However, there is one material that experts have warned that women should avoid when buying underwear, and three countries have gone so far as to ban outright: lace.
In 2014, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Belarus all banned lacey underwear – and not for aesthetic reasons.
Why was lace underwear banned in three countries?Lace underwear was effectively banned after Kazakhstan, Russia, and Belarus introduced a regulation that meant clothing that came into contact with skin needed to contain at least 6% cotton, citing safety reasons.
The idea behind the regulation is to protect customers against synthetic fabrics as these do not absorb enough moisture and can cause skin problems. As lace underwear often doesn't contain any cotton, this is why it was outlawed.
At the time, women in Kazakhstan took to the streets to protest, waving their lacey garments to fight the ban. Several of these women were detained.
"Although traditionally lace was made from cotton, the majority of lace used these days to make underwear is made from synthetic fabric such as polyester or polyamide nylon," Dr Deborah Lee of Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, tells Yahoo UK.
"Lace tends to trap moisture and microorganisms, and is not able to transmit heat in the same way as natural fibres. Without a proper gusset, the panties slip back and forth and can transport bacteria from the anus to the vagina and the urethra (the neck of the bladder) encouraging the development of vaginal and urinary infections."
Lace underwear was banned in Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan in 2014. (Getty Images)
Health implications of lace underwearAlong with potential vaginal and urinary infections, Dr Lee says the synthetic material that lace underwear is made from can facilitate local allergic reactions and cause a rise in vaginal pH.
"This encourages anaerobic bacteria to flourish, leading to bacterial vaginosis (BV)," she adds. "This is a very common vaginal condition associated with a characteristic fishy-smelling discharge. BV is the most common vaginal infection.
"In addition, the warm, moist vulvovaginal conditions are ideal for yeasts to thrive, increasing the risk of acute candidiasis. Recurrent urinary tract infections are very common in women with some at their wit's end trying to cope. Looking after the vulvovaginal area carefully – including wearing sensible underwear – and supporting the delicate vaginal ecosystem, is fundamental in reducing the frequency of these conditions."
Should lace underwear be banned in the UK?Dr Lee says, despite the bans in Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan, it's "hard to believe" that something similar could happen in the UK.
"The right to clothing is a human right, and choosing what to wear is accepted as a form of self-expression," she adds. "It does make sense to raise awareness in women about the potential health risks of wearing fashionable, but less hygienic, underwear, so they can choose for themselves.
"[However] time and time again we see women in the GP surgery complaining of vaginal soreness and irritation, who don't have an STI. Their symptoms are very often the result of using feminine hygiene products such as douches and wet wipes on the genitalia, which are absolutely not needed on sensitive genital skin. Add to this, wearing synthetic, non-wicking underwear – and you have a perfect storm. The fewer artificial products of any sort that come into contact with the vulva, vagina and whole genital area the better."
Cotton underwear is the best for health. (Getty Images)
Best underwear for genital healthLace underwear was recently voted as one of the UK's favourite types of knickers – so what's the best alternative?
"Underwear should be made of natural products such as cotton, hemp or bamboo – because these are breathable fabrics that do not retain moisture or bacteria," Dr Lee says.
"The fabric should be moisture-wicking – meaning it absorbs moisture and dries quickly, so the area does not stay damp and warm for too long."
She adds that, ideally, underwear should be loose fitting and not tight, have a proper fitting gusset, plain in colour as fabric dyes can irritate the skin, and you should wear a clean pair every day.
Health: Read more
Comments
Post a Comment