Dr Steven R. Goldstein MD, top gynecologist in NYC explains Yeast Infections

What is a Yeast “infection”?

The vagina is a location where normally there are a significant number of bacteria as well as yeast forms that live in harmony with each other (medical term is symbiosis). If something upsets the normal balance, a patient may end up with overt symptoms (burning, itching, etc.) of such an imbalance. The most common reason is the use of an antibiotic for some other reason such as sinus infection, urinary tract infection or indiscriminate use for common colds, where patients often feel that an antibiotic will make them well “sooner.” This kills some of the normal bacteria in the vagina and allows yeast forms to flourish. There is just a limited amount of glycogen and nutrients in the vagina and when some of the competition is eliminated, yeast forms will do quite well. That patient then ends up with overt signs of itch or burning with or without a significant amount of cottage cheese-like discharge.

Is a Yeast “infection” contagious?

The use of the word “infection” implies that this is something that is caught or may even be contagious. This is totally not true. When medications are given to restore the normal balance and the patient feels symptoms have gone away, yeast forms are still there but in the normal harmonious balance with the normal bacteria. Thus, I prefer the phrase yeast “imbalance.”

What treatment is there for these Yeast “infections”?

There are intravaginal and oral medications, which will restore normal vaginal balance of bacteria and yeast. In addition, we often use a low-grade hydrocortisone cream for the labia (outside) because this is where the itch and burning are often perceived, although, the problem emanates from in the vagina. The outside hydrocortisone cream gives symptomatic relief until the specific yeast medication can restore the normal balance.

Obviously, these “yeast infections” are one more reason why the use of antibiotics should be limited to those instances where there is a proven bacterial infection that will benefit from the use of antibiotics. You can read more about the effect of antibiotics on a woman’s body and the resulting yeast imbalances here.

If you have a yeast imbalance, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with me so you can have this taken care of and not continue to suffer with bouts of it.

Dr Steven R. Goldstein MD is an expert gynecologist in NYC, and highly regarded as one of the best gynecologists in the nation.