Vaginal Candida Causes the Most Misconceptions and Fear: How it Develops, What Are the Symptoms, and Is It Sexually Transmitted?
A vaginal fungal infection occurs when the fungus *Candida* *albicans* overgrows. Candida is naturally present in the body and usually does not cause health problems. However, when the balance is disrupted, it multiplies rapidly and leads to infection.
TL;DR
- Vaginal fungal infections occur when *Candida* *albicans* overgrows, which is normally present in the body.
- Symptoms include itching, burning, redness, and thick, white discharge resembling cottage cheese.
- It is not a sexually transmitted infection, despite common misconceptions.
- Risk factors include antibiotic use, hormonal fluctuations, weakened immunity, and diabetes.
- Treatment involves oral or topical antifungal medications, and it's crucial to complete the entire course.
- Preventative measures include avoiding douching, scented feminine products, wet clothing, and tight garments, while opting for cotton underwear and water-based lubricants.
- Frequent infections (more than four per year) require medical attention to identify underlying causes.