Yeast germs grow in the vagina without causing infection. A yeast infection occurs when the yeast overgrows, which may cause noticeable symptoms. This often happens when the normal health of the vagina is disrupted.

Almost all women get vaginal yeast infections from time to time. For example, taking antibiotics for a bacterial infection will often lead to an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina. However, if a woman gets yeast infections "all the time" or can’t get rid of the infection despite proper treatment, it may be due to a chronic illness.

Vaginal thrush doesn’t mean your going to have mould growing everywhere, like you’ve gone off, despite what boys think!

 Vaginal thrush typically causes a thick, white curd-like discharge, often described like "cottage cheese". It may not have an odour, or there may be a bad odour, especially around the time of your period. Thrush can cause a lot of itching and irritation both inside and outside of the vagina. The vulva (vaginal lips) may look very red and inflamed, and may burn, sting, or itch.

The symptoms can differ from person to person. But if you do notice a change and it is combined with an itch and/or unusual discharge then this usually means that there is some kind of infection in your tender area!

Many women can usually tell that they have an infection by their symptoms. However, if you ever have any symptoms, and are not quite sure what sort of infection you have, the best thing to do is to visit your local GP.

They will treat you in the strictest of confidence and should be able to detect the problem after a short examination. If you are too embarrassed to visit your GP for one reason or another then a nurse at the same practice will be able to help. Other than that, you could visit any Sexual Health Clinic or Family Planning Clinic for help and advice.

The treatment that is commonly used for vaginal yeast infections is an anti-fungal medicine. This is placed inside the vagina in the form of a cream with without a pessory. Treatments are usually used for a day or so before the infection is cleared completely. As Vaginal Thrush is such a common infection amongst women, treatment can be bought in most chemists, pharmacies and even in major supermarkets. There is even a single oral tablet that can be bought at the Chemists.

Creams and suppositories are safe to use, even if the infection reoccurs frequently. However, some infections simply won’t respond to these treatments, or reoccur too frequently. These infections will usually respond better to oral medication. It would be best to get that advice from your doctor or a nurse if your initial treatment doesn’t help.

There are also some homeopathic remedies (natural remedies), sold in chemists, as well as home remedies for yeast infections. Boric acid or garlic may work well for some women. Or applying Natural Yoghurt (yoghurt that contains live acidophilus culture) directly to the vagina will help soothe it whilst helping the yeast germs inside the vagina return to a normal level. It may also help prevent thrush if applied on a regular basis.

Unfortunately, complete prevention of vaginal yeast is not possible or desirable, as normal amounts of yeast are needed for good health. However, like using natural yoghurt, there are some ways that may help yeast overgrowth. Reducing the amount of sweets and sugar in your diet would help. It also helps to wear cotton knickers with skirts or loose fitting trousers to allow the vaginal area to "breathe".

Did you read up on Oral Thrush. That's right you can also get Thrush in your mouth!

Read the following for info:

• STI's: The Facts

• Oral Thrush

• Table of the Major STI's

Sexwise
Website: www.ruthinking.co.uk
Tel: 0800 28 29 30

Remember!!! - Having sex under the age of 16 in the UK is illegal