subject: Candida Yeast infection: When to Visit A Doctor [print this page] Candida Yeast infection: When to Visit A Doctor
Candida yeast infection is a very tormenting disease, but it is not life-threatening, unless it has developed into the stage of systemic infection. If you have been infected before, you will understand the great discomfort caused by the infection. The itching can be so bad that you will scratch it until the skin is bloody. The pain of urination and sexual intercourse might cause you to refrain from it altogether. Yet, the most worrysome to you might be the abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis. These conditions are refered to using different names, depending on the location of the infection, such as, candida men, candida penis, and candida vagina.
Now, when should a person with yeast infection need to go and see a doctor? Here are a number of suggestions:
1. First-time Yeast Infection. If this is the first time you think you might have yeast infection, and the suspicion is caused by some unusual symptoms in the genital area, then you do need to go and see a doctor. Why is it so? Because you will need to make sure that your problem is indeed that of a yeast infection, and not some other forms of sexual diseases. Only a doctor thru clinical examination, and sometimes, aided by laboratory analysis, can determine if you have a yeast infection. The treatment for yeast infection and STDs diseases are completely different.
2. Recurring Yeast Infection. If you have been infected before, most probably, you will recognize the symptoms. In this case, and if the infection is rather mild, you can just go to the pharmacy and get some over-the-counter topical cream for self-treatment. You might not need to see a doctor. Most people like to use Monistat (miconazole nitrate). This topical cream is suitable for male and female, but not for girls under 12 years old, and pregnant women. This topical cream is rather cheap and effective, easily available at the pharmacy and local drug-store. Other brand names include Vagistat-1 (tioconazole), Gyne-Lotrimin or Mycelex (clotrimazole), or Gynezol or Femstat (butoconazole).
However, some recurring yeast infections are rather bad. In this situation, you will need to see a doctor. You will most probably be prescribed medication that are more potent than over-the-counter creams. Medication might include Gynazole, Diflucan, Nizoral, or Terazol. When using these strong medication, be careful to read the instructions and be aware of the possible side-effects.
In conclusion, the question of when to visit a doctor will depend on the experience of the sufferer and nature of the infection.
