Causes and therapy of yeast infections

Unpleasant itching and burning, sore skin and unusual discharge: normally, a
gynaecologist has no difficulty identifying and treating yeast infections.

Yeast infections (mycosis) are much less common than generally assumed. In fact, only approximately one third of patients who are checked for mycosis actually have a yeast infection. As the symptoms can also be caused by mixed infections, it is always worth consulting your gynaecologist.

Yeast infections often arise after a course of antibiotics. This is because the antibiotics also reduce the number of protective lactobacilli in the vaginal flora, making the genital area more susceptible to illness. Treatment with lactobacilli is recommended after antibiotics in order to close the gap in the defences as quickly as possible, preventing any potential yeast infection. If a yeast infection is already present, however, the administration of lactic acid or lactobacilli (lactic acid bacteria) is not advisable.

The infection should be treated with a special antifungal agent. Yeast infections are even treated in the last trimester of a pregnancy, as there is a danger that the infection could be passed on to the newborn, presenting as oral thrush or nappy rash. Antifungal treatment is essential as yeast infections also present fertile ground for other, secondary infections.

There are preventive measures that you can take to protect yourself from all sorts of infections. The most important is to ensure that you have healthy vaginal flora.