What causes yeast infections?

Yeast infection is the commonest in women and mostly affects the vagina. Normally, some amount of yeast and beneficial bacteria are always present in the vaginal area. In yeast infection, the proportion of yeast overtakes that of bacteria through multiplication or via some external source. The increased quantity of yeast (known as, Candida albicans) attacks the lining of the organ, causing swelling, irritation, and a thick discharge from vagina.

What causes yeast infections?

A host of combined or single factors account for yeast infections. Lets look:

Immunity

Like in other conditions, a weakened immune system enhances the possibility of developing yeast infection. Reduced immunity could be due to improper diet, excess physical strain, or external factors, such as the influence of certain medicines, e.g., prednisone.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Either adopted to reduce menopausal symptoms or as contraceptives, hormones taken as supplements can promote yeast infection.

Medication

Certain strong medicines, particularly the antibiotics, taken to fight lung & throat infections, urinary tract infection (UTI), some skin disorders, either wipe out, or greatly reduce the amount of useful bacteria from the vagina also. These bacteria regulate the pH balance by keeping the vaginal area mildly acidic, which is not conducive for the growth of yeast, Candida. As the antibiotics act towards reducing the bacteria, the safe pH balance of the vagina is disturbed too in the process. The yeast gets the opportunity to thrive and starts affecting the surrounding tissues. Although, antibiotics rank among the lead causes of yeast infection, their prolonged usage aggravates the infectious situation.

Diabetes

Diabetes considerably raises the blood sugar level, providing sustenance to Candida, which feeds on various forms of sugar.

Pregnancy

And associated hormonal changes are responsible for the yeast infection.

Hot and humid weather

Such conditions are ideal for the growth of yeast, especially when coupled with tight and closely woven fabric.

Injury

If the internal vaginal tissues are injured, for instance, in the case of chemotherapy, the possibility of developing yeast infection rises. If any other, external or internal, injury confines you to bed or wheelchair, be extra cautious, as yeast thrives in moist and warm atmosphere.

Toiletries and other products

Products such as certain perfumes, anti-bacterial soaps, bath salts, scented sanitary napkins, certain detergent bases, etc. may also prove instrumental in disturbing the vaginal yeast-bacteria balance. Certain spermicidal, such as, nonoxynol-9, can also create bacterial imbalance.

Personal hygiene

Carelessness in the terms of cleanliness and the upkeep of inner wear can cost dearly, as improperly washed fabric may retain the yeast.

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Do I Need a Pelvic Exam to Get Birth Control?

Birth Control

Birth control is a procedure of one or more events, plans, sexual practices, or prescriptions, which are followed in order to purposely prevent or reduce the chances of pregnancy or childbirth. Technically, the three main ways to prevent or end pregnancy are:

Preventing the fertilization of the ovum by sperm cells, i.e. contraception

Averting the implantation of the blastocyst, i.e. contragestion

Chemical or surgical abortion of the developing embryo or, later fetus

Birth Control and Pelvic Exam

A pelvic test does become necessary in some of the above cases of contraception and/or the termination of pregnancy. While, oral contraceptive administration does not require pelvic exam, some birth control methods, such as a diaphragm or intrauterine device (IUD), do require it. The exam finds out if the pelvic area is healthy enough for installing the device. Additionally, the pelvic test helps ensure the proper fit of the device.

Pelvic Exam

The word pelvic refers to pelvis. Pelvic exam involves a complete medical investigation of a woman's pelvic region. Through it, the health practitioner evaluates the size and the position of the vagina, cervix, uterus, and ovaries. Pelvic exam is instrumental in determining certain cancers in initial stages, infections, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or other reproductive system ailments.

Eligible Cases for Pelvic Exam

Precisely, a woman should have a pelvic examination if she:

Wants to adopt a contraceptive device, requiring installation in the pelvic region

Observes vulvar or vaginal conditions, such as pain, discharge, abnormal bleeding, itching, and/or a mass

Has suspected or proven pregnancy

Has been exposed to sexually transmitted infections

Gets menstrual cramps

Has infections, such as chlamydia, vaginosis, and trichomoniasis

Sexually active, exam required on a yearly basis

Methods of Pelvic Test:

Whatever may be the reason of the requirement of pelvic exam, the following are the standard steps for it:

Pap Smear: In this, from the opening of the cervix, loose cells are gently scraped. The test helps detect any malignant or benign growth (cancer) in the pelvic region. The exam is especially helpful in deciding the line of treatment required to thwart any further growth of cancer, if present.

Wet Mount: In this, fluid drops from the vagina are collected and observed under a microscope to check for any possible infection.

Testing for STDs: The test helps detect Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. In this, a urine specimen is touched to the opening of the cervix.

Cases Not Requiring Pelvic Exam

There is no need for a pelvic exam if you are a virgin.

Being sexually flaccid or aged below 18 years does not require the pap smear test.

Those taking oral contraceptives do not need to undergo the pelvic exam.

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