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.

Candida albicans is the fungus most common in vaginal yeast infections. Other medical terms for yeast infection include monilial vaginitis and vaginal candidiasis. However, you should be aware that Candida occurs normally in the human body. The presence of the fungus does not necessarily mean that a yeast infection is present and so should not concern you.

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.

Antibiotics kill bacteria in the body that can cause disease, but they also kill good bacteria. The bacteria that can keep yeast organisms in check is also affected by prolonged use of antibiotics. When those good bacteria are gone, yeast can grow out of control and result in a yeast infection.

Symptoms of yeast infection include itchiness, burning, soreness and redness of the genital area. These are the initial signs of the condition. As the yeast continues to grow, there may be a liquid, cottage-cheese like discharge and you may experience discomfort. It is important to refrain from sex while you have this infection.

Treating yeast infections during pregnancy does not differ substantially from standard treatment. However, it is wise to check with your doctor to determine if any treatment might be harmful to your or the fetus. Antifungal creams are available over-the-counter and your doctor can tell you which will be helpful for your. It is possible that he or she will recommend a particular product meant just for pregnant women.

Statistics suggest that one out of every six women will experience some form of yeast infection during the term of their pregnancy. Whilst this may be alarming, the good news is that yeast infection will not harm your baby. It’s hard not to worry but while pregnancy and yeast infection are very common, the condition is generally easy to treat fast and successfully.

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