Yeast infection, vagina
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Yeast infection, vagina: Essentials
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How common are yeast infections?

Yeast infections are very common, but it's difficult to say exactly how many women get them.

One study found more than 7 in 10 women say they have had a yeast infection at some time in their lives.
 
 
 
 
 
Source:
Sobel JD, Faro S, Force RW, et al.
Vulvovaginal candidiasis: epidemiologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic considerations.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 1998; 178: 203-211.
 
 
 
 
 
1

Yeast infections are the second most common cause of an
 
 
 
 
 
inflammation
If your skin or some other part of your body becomes red, swollen, hot or sore, we say it is inflamed. It means that your body is trying to protect you from germs, from something in your body tissues that can hurt you (like a thorn or sliver), or from things that cause allergies (allergens). Inflammation is part of the way the body heals an infection or injury.
 
 
 
 
 
inflamed vagina (vaginitis). The most common cause is bacterial vaginosis. This is an infection caused by
 
 
 
 
 
bacteria
Bacteria are tiny organisms. There are lots of different types. Some are harmful and can cause disease. But some bacteria live in your body without causing any harm.
 
 
 
 
 
bacteria.
 
 
 
 
 
Source:
Spence D.
Candidiasis (vulvovaginal).
February 2007. Clinical Evidence. (Based on October 2006 search). Available at http://www.clinicalevidence.com (accessed on 19 December 2008).
 
 
 
 
 
2

Vaginal yeast infections are most common in women in their 20s, 30s and 40s. It is very rare for anyone to get a yeast infection before
 
 
 
 
 
puberty
Puberty is the time when boys and girls develop secondary sexual characteristics. For boys, the major changes include pubic hair, a deeper voice, and growth of their penis and testicles. For girls, major changes include pubic hair, breasts and starting to have periods. After puberty, girls are able to become pregnant and boys are able to father children.
 
 
 
 
 
puberty. There haven't been studies on how common yeast infections are in women at or after
 
 
 
 
 
menopause
When a woman stops having periods, it is called menopause. This usually happens around the age of 50.
 
 
 
 
 
menopause.
 
 
 
 
 
Source:
Sobel JD, Faro S, Force RW, et al.
Vulvovaginal candidiasis: epidemiologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic considerations.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 1998; 178: 203-211.
 
 
 
 
 
1

It's also common to get the symptoms back, although they're not always caused by a yeast infection.

Sources for the information on this page:
  1. Sobel JD, Faro S, Force RW, et al.Vulvovaginal candidiasis: epidemiologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic considerations.American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 1998; 178: 203-211.
  2. Spence D.Candidiasis (vulvovaginal).February 2007. Clinical Evidence. (Based on October 2006 search). Available at http://www.clinicalevidence.com (accessed on 19 December 2008).
This information was last updated on Jan 09, 2009
BMJ Group
This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.
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