So why so many yeast infections during pregnancy?  Hormone levels and normal body yeast.

A tiny fungus usually Candida Albicans causes these infections. Many women have this fungus on and in their body naturally. The problem happens when the yeast grows so fast it overtakes the body's defense system. During pregnancy your body's level of estrogen rises. This higher level encourages the yeast fungus to grow even faster. Some researchers have said they think estrogen makes the Candida albicans stickier. When the tiny fungus is stickier it grows faster as it can hold onto the vaginal walls easier.

How Do I Know I Have A Yeast Infection?

Signs and symptoms of a yeast infection are:

• Redness and itchiness are two of the primary symptoms of thrush. Urination can also cause burning. As urine goes over the irritated skin, it hurts.
• A creamy white discharge without odor.
• Discomfort with sexual intercourse

How Pregnancy Affects Treatment

It's often difficult to self diagnose a yeast infection.  Studies have shown the majority of women misdiagnose a yeast infection.

Accuracy of self-diagnosis of yeast infections can be increased with the use of testing strips for yeast infection. One study showed the accuracy to be 96% when the test strips were used. Kit with a test strip for yeast infection can be purchased at a local drugstore or online.

With prescriptions from your healthcare provider you can start to feel better and get rid your yeast infection.

Your healthcare provider knows which medications are safe to use during pregnancy. Many medications interfere with your developing baby.

During pregnancy you are limited in the medications you can safely use. The pill form of yeast infection medication should not be taken during pregnancy. The medication can interfere with the healthy development of your baby.

Yeast infections can be difficult to control during pregnancy. Together with your healthcare provider you can have a healthy baby and get rid of the yeast infection.

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common form of vaginal infection. Women having bacterial vaginosis have a large number of organisms called Gardnerella vaginalis. If this infection is present, a strong foul odor after sexual intercourse is present as well as, profuse white or discolored discharge.

Candida caused vaginitis is another frequent type of vaginal infection. This is characterized by itching, redness and swelling of the vaginal area. If this is present, there may be larger amounts of thick, white discharge or no discharge at all.

In cases of vaginal infection, one third of women have an unknown cause. These infections may extend to the urinary and reproductive system. Menopause, low hormone levels, allergies and weak immune system are among the causes of vaginal infections.

There is no one cause for vaginal infection. They may occur in stress, illnesses and with overuse of antibiotics.

In terms of diagnosis of vaginal infection, a simple physical assessment is done. The physician may ask for a history of the disease process as well as the clinical presentation.

The treatment for vaginal infections depends on the cause. A medication called metronidazole (Flagyl or Protostat) is prescribed for Trichomonas Vaginalis.  This drug is taken by mouth. Alcohol is contraindicated while taking this drug because it may have an adverse effect of stomach upset or nausea. Other medicines such as clindamycin (Cleocin), miconazole (Monistat), clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin or Mycelex-G) and anti-fungal creams or gels are also available as treatment for Candida yeast infections.

If the infection gets worse or recurs, a physician must be consulted immediately.

Vaginal yeast infection is caused by a fungus called Candida Albicans. The medical term for yeast infection is Candidasis. This kind of infection causes itching, soreness and redness. It needs to be treated promptly. This is particularly important if a woman is pregnant as it avoids complications.

Seeking medical advice is necessary when you think you have a yeast infection. This is important to have an accurate diagnosis. Without an accurate diagnosis you could use the wrong treatment or even end up treating an infection not caused by yeast.

There are many natural ways to fight vaginal yeast infections. Dietary changes are invaluable for prevention and also treatment of yeast infections. The major components of the diet should include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish and poultry, oat bran. Most importantly large amounts of water. Another helpful food is yogurt. The bacterium in yogurt, the acidophilus, fights yeast by creating hydrogen peroxide. This makes it difficult for the yeast to grow.

The key sign of this condition is a vaginal discharge, which is foul often described as fishy. Usually bacterial vaginosis is not dangerous, but it can cause problems especially in women who are pregnant. If you have an unusual vaginal discharge you should check with your health care provider to make sure it is not a more serious infection such a chlamydia or gonorrhea.

What are the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis symptoms are vaginal odor and discharge. Rarely are there other symptoms. In fact, many women have no symptoms.

The discharge with bacterial vaginosis is thin, and a grayed white color. It tends to be more obvious after sexual intercourse.

Normal vaginal discharge varies by woman. So if the amount, color or smell changes it is a good idea to discuss this with your health care provider.
A large number of women with bacterial vaginosis do not have any symptoms with bacterial vaginosis.

What causes bacterial vaginosis?

The answer is no one really knows. It’s guessed that several different types of bacteria have to be present for this to happen. The vagina has its own special cleaning system normally taking care of the vagina.

The vagina’s natural cleansing system is made up of  a bacteria called lactobacilli. These bacteria kill off the harmful bacteria by secreting or giving off hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide prevents the harmful bacteria which doesn’t use oxygen  to live (anerobic).  So the harmful bacteria is unable to grow.

Certain conditions tend to increase a woman's risk of developing bacterial vaginosis. Some of the factors include new sexual partners, multiple sexual partners, use of vaginal douching, and smoking cigarettes.

It's not known why these factors lead to a higher risk. Though sexual activity is one of the conditions bacterial vaginosis can and does develop in women who have not had sexual intercourse.