Pregnancy And Yeast Infection – Why Does It Occur ?

One of the more uncomfortable things when it comes to being a female involves the experience of vaginal infections, especially infections that are caused by yeast. With this in mind, going through pregnancy and yeast infection at the same time is something that seems to be common. There are several reasons for pregnant women to be prone to yeast infections, a few of which are difficult to control.

Monilial vaginitis and vaginal candidiasis are additional terms sometimes used to describe yeast infections. A fungus called Candida is thought to be the cause of the disease. Most vaginal yeast infections are caused by the fungus Candida albicans. Candida is a fungus that is normally found in the human body. In fact it occurs naturally in the body and in most cases is not a problem.

Pregnant women are likely to suffer a yeast infection because of the increase in estrogen they experience during their pregnancy. Higher estrogen levels mean higher production of glycogen, the form of glucose stored in the body. The presence of glycogen is conducive to the rapid growth of yeast. Several studies have shown that glycogen may speed up the growth of yeast and even encourage it to stick to the vaginal walls, making a yeast infection more likely to occur.

If you have been taking antibiotics for a period of time, the beneficial bacteria may be destroyed along with the harmful bacteria, allowing fungi to flourish in the body uncontrolled. As fungi grows rapidly and takes over, a yeast infection may develop.

Early signs of infection include itchiness, irritation, soreness, burning, and redness of and around the vagina. Cheese-like liquid discharges might be a symptom of the infection's further development. As this could bring along some pain and is transmittable to others, it is advisable to abstain from sex while suffering from a yeast infection.

Even though treatment for yeast infection is usually the same for pregnant women as for regular cases it is better to consult your doctor because the possible effects of yeast infection medicine on the pregnant women are not entirely known. Your doctor might prescribe a specific product for yeast infection treatment in pregnant women. Over-the-counter antifungal creams are also available.

Luckily, yeast infections have no affect on the growing baby in the womb. The baby's development will not be jeopardized in any way. Pregnancy and yeast infection are inevitable for a number of women given the changes in the body. Approximately 15% of women who become pregnant will have a yeast infection of some form during their pregnancy. Avoiding yeast infection during pregnancy may be difficult, but there are safe and effective treatments for this condition, even during pregnancy.

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July 06 2009 | Skin Care | No Comments »