Yeast Infections in Teens
What is it?
A yeast infection is a common type of vaginal infection, also referred to as candidiasis. Its main symptom is a thick, cottage cheese-like discharge from the vagina.
Who gets it?
Any girl can get a yeast infection. However, if you have been taking an antibiotic for a bacterial infection, like strep throat, you may be more likely to get a yeast infection. Girls with diabetes that isn’t well controlled are also more likely to get a yeast infection. Yeast likes sugar and the sugar levels in the urine are higher when diabetes is not controlled.
What causes it?
Everyone has yeast organisms in the rectum and vagina. You also have certain amounts of “good” bacteria. When you take an antibiotic, the antibiotic fights the bad bacteria that is causing an infection like strep throat. Sometimes the antibiotic also kills too much of the good bacteria and the fungus that causes a yeast infection is allowed to grow. Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can also cause yeast infections, as well as frequent sexual intercourse. You can also get a yeast infection because of poor personal hygiene, or if you wear tight-fitting pants or synthetic underwear that create too much heat and moisture in the genital area.
What are the symptoms?
A yeast infection causes a discharge that looks like cottage cheese. The discharge usually doesn’t have any kind of bad smell. Your vagina may also itch and feel uncomfortable. You may feel a burning sensation when you go to the bathroom because the urine stings where you are sore. When the vagina is itchy, red, and sore, it is called vaginitis or
vulvovaginitis.
How is it diagnosed?
If you think you have a yeast infection, you should see your doctor. Your doctor will be able to make a diagnosis based upon the type of discharge you have. He or she may also perform an internal examination, take a urine sample, and study of smear of your discharge under a microscope.
What is the treatment?
Yeast infections may be treated with a cream or suppository that you insert into your vagina. Or, you may be given a pill to swallow to fight the infection. Your doctor may also give you a cream to put on the outside of your vaginal area to stop the soreness and itchiness. You will need a prescription from your doctor for these treatments. You should always see your doctor if you think you have a yeast infection, especially if you are sexually active. Some sexually transmitted infections may have similar symptoms. With treatment, most vaginal yeast infections clear up within one week.
Self-care tips
You can help prevent yeast infections by keeping your genital and rectal area clean and dry; wearing clean, cotton underwear each day; wiping from front to back after you go to the bathroom; and avoiding using products that contain deodorants around your vagina. Keeping a wet bathing suit, tight jeans, or pantyhose on for long periods of time creates the warm, moist environment that yeast likes. If you get frequent yeast infections, you may have a reaction to the dyes or perfumes in certain soaps, bath gels, lotions, laundry detergents, tampons, or sanitary napkins. You should avoid these types of products.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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