Are Yeast Infections Dangerous?
Although yeast infections are seldom considered dangerous, any infection is a sign that something is not right and needs your attention. A normal yeast infection is usually easy and inexpensive to treat. There are always exceptions to the rules, of course. There may be instances where a yeast infection could be dangerous to the person it inhabits; however, this is a rare occurrence.
The danger would actually be more along the lines of what else is wrong with your system that caused you to be vulnerable to the overgrowth of yeast. There would also be danger is the yeast infection were actually misdiagnosed and was really something more serious. There are other illnesses that mimic the same symptoms.
Douching is considered an inner cleansing of a woman's most intimate place. It's supposed to make the woman feel more refreshed. However, anything done to excess or done at the wrong time can create more of a problem. Douching actually kills organisms that suppress yeast growth. If your body has a low count of good bacteria, douching could actually bring on an infection.
Women on birth control methods may be at higher risk for obtaining yeast infection.
Taking secretions to study under a microscope is sufficient for someone suffering a first-time yeast infection. A culture is usually only necessary for recurring infections or those that are resistant to the usual treatments. However, this still does not mean there is danger. It just means a different route needs to be followed to get the situation back to normal.
Oral therapy, a vaginal cream, or vaginal suppositories are the usual treatments for vaginal yeast infections. These treatments are not normally considered dangerous either. Sometimes it depends on the personal preference of the woman being treated. The oral therapy is not prescribed for every situation, nor is it recommended because of the tendency to become resistant to the medication. There are many medications that can cause resistance if overused, such as antibiotics. Antibiotics can cause yeast overgrowth.
You do have the right to ask your doctor if oral treatment would be an option for your particular case. One option has not been shown to be any more effective than another. It depends on several things. One of which is how severe the infection is or if it is recurrent.
Don't allow fear to keep you from seeking a doctor's help for a yeast infection. The doctor has seen his or her share of embarrassing illnesses and yeast infection is just another diagnosis in their day. The tests the doctor will perform are not dangerous, either, so there's no need to fear the exam. It may be uncomfortable for a short period of time, but it is worth getting a professional opinion to ease your mind.
After you have been diagnosed, you can discuss whether the doctor thinks it is safe for you to try the regular over-the-counter methods for treating the infection or if there would be any danger in trying herbal remedies. Always know the side effects of your treatments, regardless of which you prefer. Make the doctor aware of any other medications you may be taking so there won't be any danger in adding a new medication. The yeast infection may just be a sign that something more important needs attention.
