Caring for women of all ages

Vaginal itchiness and a thick discharge are signs of a candida infection. The team at NA OB/GYN in New Albany and Holly Springs, Mississippi, diagnoses the infection and offers candida treatment to restore your health. Call NA OB/GYN or make an appointment online today.

What is candida?

Candida is an infection caused by Candida albicans, a common type of fungus that usually lives harmlessly with the bacteria that live in your mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina. However, if something changes in your health, body pH, or bacteria levels, the candida on your body can multiply rapidly and cause an uncomfortable infection in your mouth, skin, or vagina.

Approximately 75% of women experience a candida yeast infection at some point during their lives. As many as 45% of women have more than two yeast infections.

What are the signs of a candida infection?

If you have a vaginal candida infection, you may experience:

• Soreness or itching in your vagina and labia
• Thick, cottage cheese-like discharge
• Burning feeling around your vaginal opening, especially during urination
• Painful intercourse

Make sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms. You want to make sure that it’s a candida infection and not something more serious like an STD that’s causing your symptoms.

Also, if you get frequent yeast infections, you should talk to your doctor instead of heading to the pharmacy to pick up an over-the-counter treatment. Your doctor at NA OB/GYN can test for an underlying condition that makes you especially vulnerable to candida infections and provide treatment to reduce your risk of recurring infections.

How is candida diagnosed?

Your doctor at NA OB/GYN asks you about your symptoms, overall health, and lifestyle during your appointment. For example, they want to know if you’ve taken antibiotics recently or if you have an autoimmune disease and need to take medicine to suppress your immune system.

Your doctor also performs a pelvic exam and takes a swab from your vagina to test for candida and other bacteria that could be causing your symptoms.

What’s involved in candida treatment?

If you have a candida infection, your doctor prescribes antifungal medication. The medication is available as an oral pill or a suppository. You may also find that a topical cream relieves your soreness and burning feelings.

If you’re concerned about candida or have any candida symptoms, call NA OB/GYN or schedule an appointment online today.