The bacterial vaginosis is different from a vaginal yeast

If it itches and burns in the genital area, increased vaginal discharge and genital odor is noticed, it can have various causes. Maybe a vaginal yeast behind it, maybe a vaginal infection by bacteria (bacterial vaginosis). The differences include:

1.The symptoms

1.1 - Fungal infection

- Itching
- Burning in the vaginal area
- friable whitish discharge, which later thin
- Redness and swelling
- sometimes pain during urination
- sometimes pain during sex

1.2 - Bacterial vaginosis

- unpleasant, fishy odor
- grayish to pale yellow bubble discharge that is thin
- occasional mild pain
- sometimes pain during sex
- pH in the vagina than 4.5. Can be determined with a special glove (or indicator paperstrips)

2.The causes

2.1 - Fungal infection

- Usually caused by the yeast Candida albicans. An imbalance in the vagina, mellitus, for example through the use of antibiotics, by conditions such as diabetes, through changes in hormone production during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy or menopause, stress, by excessive personal hygiene. Fungus are transmitted for example by wrong toilet hygiene, through shared towels, whirlpools and in sexual intercourse if the partner is infected.

2.2 - Bacterial vaginosis

- Usually caused by Bacteria - A defective colonization of the vagina with intestinal bacteria. Changes in the vaginal environment, such as by stress, by changes in hormone levels, the menstrual bleeding. Bacteria are often transmitted during sexual intercourse.

3.The risks

3.1 - Fungal infection

- Can be transferred at a birth to the child

3.2 - Bacterial vaginosis

- An increased risk of gynecological inflammations, such as the uterus or fallopian tubes, which at worst can lead to infertility. In pregnant women increases the likelihood of bacterial vaginosis on preterm labor, a premature rupture of membranes and fruit prematurely.

4.The therapy

4.1 - Fungal infection

- Can be treated with creams and vaginal tablets, which is also available without prescription at pharmacies.

- It is important to adhere to the instructions on the package and the treatment with the antifungal drug for as long as specified conduct, even if no complaints more noticeable.

- A doctor visit is necessary, if it occurs after about three days of antifungal therapy, no improvement, keep occurring, fungal infections, pregnancy and there is doubt whether it is in fact vaginal fungus.

- Following a vaginal fungal treatment, a Milchsäurekur for a healthy vaginal environment and thus provide support for the contested vaginalis here to regenerate.

4.2 - Bacterial vaginosis

- A bacterial infection is treated with antibiotics, for example in the form of vaginal cream, suppositories or tablets.

- Pregnant women should treat bacterial vaginosis even when they have no symptoms, especially as this increases the risk of preterm birth. This further helps the gynecologist.

5.The precautionary

5.1 - Fungal infection

- Wipe the toilet accessible from the front to rear.

- Wash the genital area as possible with clean water.

- You should not use sprays.

- Do not use air-tight panty liners.

- Wear the cotton underwear and change it every day

- Do not use tight, synthetic clothing.

- Out of your wet bathing suits are made immediately.

- Sit in the sauna always on your towel.

- Use of sex condoms with a new partner.

- With increased vulnerability, can strengthen the vaginal flora with a Milchsäurekur.

5.2 - Bacterial vaginosis

- Having sex with a new partner you should always use condoms.

- Avoid stress and build him a targeted manner.

- Check the pH in the vagina. There are a glove with a finger mounted on pH paper.

- At high sensitivity, it is recommended, for example, stabilize the vaginal flora on a regular basis with a Lactic acid.

- Wipe the toilet accessible from the front to rear.

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Vaginal yeast infections during pregnancy

Vaginal yeast infections during pregnancy and lactation treated properly

Pregnant and lactating women should exercise caution with drugs. For vaginal yeast are suitable agents clotrimazole and nystatin. Also, lactic acid preparations can women use during pregnancy and lactation without worry.

Fungal suspected, the pregnant and lactating women consult their physician

Women who get a baby or mother have just turned to go, very careful with medications. One survey shows for the Federal Union of German Associations of Pharmacists (ABDA). Thus almost two thirds of all mothers take during pregnancy or lactation no medicines. That's good, because drugs can damage the young - not only in the womb but also through breast feeding. Drugs get into breast milk and may be passed to the infant.

Only recommended medications in pregnancy and lactation
But sometimes it's during pregnancy and lactation without medication. A vaginal yeast infection is an emergency. are creams and vaginal tablets to vaginal yeast it without prescription at any pharmacy to buy. "Pregnant and lactating women should take medication always discuss with your doctor first." The gynecologist knows which agents can use a data subject, without endangering the child: Friedemann Schmidt, vice president of the ABDA advises, but still.

During pregnancy and lactation, two active compounds are suitable for vaginal yeast infections: clotrimazole and nystatin. In both cases, extensive experience militate against a risk to the infant, says the pharmacovigilance and Consultation Centre for Embryonaltoxikologie, an agency of the Department for Health, Environment and Consumer Protection of the State of Berlin.

Wash hands well before breastfeeding
To be sure, advises LIFE LINE expert Dr. Anja Oppelt also: ". Always wash hands well when you have cream on your genital area with an anti-fungal agent and before breast-feeding" This prevents the baby with the preparation comes into direct contact. In addition, no drugs through the skin get into breast milk.

Lactic acid products are not a danger for the baby
Especially for women during pregnancy, a vaginal yeast infection had already, it may be useful to establish a healthy vaginal environment specifically. In order to bring balance to the vaginal flora disturbed one, suitable lactic acid products. Women, preparations, the lactic acid contained in the nursing care without use, doctors have no concerns. Lactic acid preparations are described, for example as a gel in the form of a Milchsäurekur , a week is applied over a long and pleasant moisturizing effect has also (eg KadeFungin ® Milchsäurekur).

A vaginal yeast infection can be prevented by responsible behavior. The most important thing is, after using the toilet always clean from front to rear in order to transfer any mushrooms from the intestine into the vagina. Also advises LIFE LINE expert Oppelt, not to clean the genital area excessively aggressive soaps, vaginal sprays or rinses. Women should also wear light cotton underwear and change them daily. At close, synthetic clothing should also be avoided.

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10 Tips to Help Prevent Vaginal Yeast Infections

While vaginal yeast infections are rarely serious, you can avoid the uncomfortable symptoms by preventing them from occurring in the first place.


For most women, yeast infection symptoms are just plain annoying — a vaginal yeast infection is rarely dangerous. Still, you can take steps to prevent yeast infections. The following 10 pointers will help you to do just that.

Preventing Vaginal Yeast Infections: Hygiene Sense

Personal care and hygiene can go a long way when it comes to preventing vaginal yeast infections. Be sure to:
Wash well. Keeping the vagina clean will not only keep you smelling fresh, it can also help prevent yeast infections. When bathing, be sure to clean the inside folds of the vagina where yeast is likely to grow, says Samantha Dunham, MD, a gynecologist at the NYU Langone Medical Center and assistant professor of medicine at NYU School of Medicine in New York City.

Dry thoroughly. Because yeast thrives in moist environments, it’s important to dry the entire vaginal area after taking a shower or bath. You may even want to use a blow dryer on a low, cool setting to get rid of excess moisture, says Dr. Dunham.
What to Wear to Prevent Yeast Infections

The way you dress can affect your risk of developing a vaginal yeast infection. To prevent such infections, keep these tips in mind:

Go natural. Cotton and silk underwear absorb moisture, keeping you dry. On the other hand, nylon and other synthetic fabrics hold moisture close to your skin, encouraging the growth of yeast.
Change your clothes. Don’t sit around in sweaty gym clothes or a wet bathing suit. Change into dry clothes as soon as possible. Also, change your underwear often to prevent dampness.
What to Avoid to Prevent Yeast Infections

Some cosmetic products can encourage the production of yeast. You can stay well by:

Not douching. “Douching [washing out the inside of the vagina with liquid] destroys not only harmful bacteria, but also the helpful kind that keep yeast under control,” says Dunham. Douching also washes away the natural protective lining of the vagina, leaving you more susceptible to yeast and other vaginal infections.

Skipping scented soaps, bubble baths, and feminine sprays. Perfumes can be irritating to the sensitive area inside the vagina, and that can increase your risk of getting a yeast infection. Also avoid scented sanitary pads and tampons and colored or printed toilet paper — dyes can also be irritating. “A good rule of thumb is to avoid using anything around the vagina that is scented or dyed or has print on it,” says Dunham.
Limiting the heat. Yeast organisms love warm (and moist) environments. It’s best to avoid taking long hot baths or soaking in a hot tub. Also don’t wear tight clothing that will prevent air from circulating around the crotch area, especially in the summer.

Medications That May Cause Vaginal Yeast Infections

Here's what to know about medication when it comes to keeping vaginal yeast infections at bay:

Watch the meds you take. Antibiotics kill not only bad bacteria, but also good bacteria that can prevent an overgrowth of yeast. “Recent antibiotic use, like for a bladder infection, is one of the most common risk factors for getting a yeast infection,” says Dunham. Taking oral steroids and birth control pills may also increase your risk. If you have frequent yeast infections, talk to your doctor about the medications you take. There may be alternatives available.

Personal Care Tips for Preventing Yeast Infections

As with most illnesses and infections, taking care of your body overall can help you stay healthy. Be sure to:

Get enough sleep. Usually your immune system helps keep yeast under control. But if you get run down from skimping on sleep, your immune system may not be able to do its job. Try keeping a regular sleep schedule and avoiding exercise, caffeine, and heavy meals within three hours of bedtime. Immune-depressing diseases such as diabetes and HIV can also increase the risk of yeast infections. Additionally, if you have diabetes, it's important to keep your blood sugar levels under control to prevent yeast infections.
Change your diet. Some studies suggest that eating yogurt with active cultures may help the body combat an overgrowth of yeast. Dunham also recommends limiting your intake of sugar. There’s some evidence that sugar may help promote the growth of yeast.

Knowing how to prevent yeast infections — and following these pointers — will greatly reduce your risk of dealing with uncomfortable yeast infection symptoms.

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