Yeast infections are a source of discomfort for many women, but sometimes the symptoms of yeast infections are a sign of something more serious.
Potentially severe vaginal infections with symptoms similar to those of a yeast infection include bacterial vaginosis, a condition caused by abnormal bacterial growth in the vagina; and trichomoniasis, a parasitic infection. Both of these conditions require antibiotics from a doctor. Self-treating these conditions with a yeast medication may delay getting the right diagnosis and an effective treatment.
Fortunately,
at-home tests can help women learn what to look for and determine whether their
discomfort is indeed caused by a yeast infection or by something else that
requires a doctor visit and prescription medication to resolve. A vaginal
health test kit is available over the counter at most pharmacies. The test
measures the acidity of vaginal discharge using a hand-held detector with a tip
resembling a cotton swab. The tip is designed to detect acidity, or pH, to help
distinguish the type of infection that is present, and shows results in 10
seconds.
In the case
of a typical yeast infection, the test kit swab will not change from its
original yellow color, and you can likely treat yourself with an
over-the-counter yeast infection medication. However, if bacterial vaginosis or
trichomoniasis is the source of the symptoms, the swab will change color to a
blue or green, and the kit instructions strongly advise a visit to your doctor.
Even in cases where there is a mixed infection caused by a combination of
candida and trichomoniasis/ bacterial vaginosis, the test will give a positive
result and send the user to the doctor.
Other
features that distinguish a yeast infection from a bacterial infection include:
Smell. Bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis are usually accompanied by fishy,
musty, or otherwise unpleasant odors, while yeast infections are usually
odorless. Texture. The discharge associated with yeast infections is usually
thick and white, while discharge from bacterial vaginosis is often thin and
milky white or gray in color.
By contrast,
discharge in cases of trichomoniasis may be yellowish-green and frothy. Sting.
Yeast infections usually involve an itching, burning, or stinging feeling, but
these symptoms are not always present or as severe in cases of bacterial
vaginosis or trichomoniasis. The over-the-counter vaginal health tests
available today are approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are the
same as those used by doctors in their offices.
Read more:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/yeast-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20378999
https://www.healthline.com/health/vaginal-yeast-infection
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