Yeast Infections: Symptoms, Treatment, and Follow-Up Care

Fungal infection

About two weeks ago, I visited a doctor for itching in my genital area, and the doctor diagnosed me with a fungal infection.
I have been taking oral medication for about 11 days now (without any sexual activity).
Two days ago, I still had some white and green discharge, and the doctor mentioned that this indicated I had not fully recovered yet.
However, I haven't seen any discharge in the past two days.
Is it difficult to determine if there is still fungus in the uterus just by external appearance? Yesterday, during my follow-up appointment, the doctor said that there didn't seem to be any major issues externally.
Should I continue to monitor my condition over the next few days? If there is no discharge, can I skip the follow-up appointment? About six months ago, I had a yeast infection, and that doctor only prescribed one pill for me, and after a few days when my period came, I felt fine.
That doctor did not ask me to return for a follow-up.
This time, at a different clinic, the doctor requested a follow-up.
Could this be related to the previous infection not being completely eradicated? Additionally, I have been under a lot of stress recently, and six days ago I ovulated, which caused me significant pain and left me feeling weak all over.
For the next few days, I felt a dull ache in my lower abdomen that lasted about three to four days.
Is this normal?

Mimi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/04/22

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

About two weeks ago, I visited a doctor for itching in the genital area, and the doctor diagnosed it as a yeast infection.
I have been taking oral medication for about 11 days (without sexual intercourse).
Two days ago, I still had some white and green discharge, and the doctor said that meant I was not fully healed yet.
I haven't seen any discharge in the last two days.
Is it difficult to determine if there is still yeast in the uterus just by appearance?
Answer: It is difficult to determine if there is still yeast in the vagina just by appearance.
However, since there has been no sexual intercourse, we can only rely on visual assessment.
The doctor mentioned during my follow-up visit yesterday that there didn't seem to be any major issues.
Should I continue to monitor my condition over the next few days?
Answer: Yes, you should continue to observe your condition over the next few days.
If there is no discharge, is it possible that I do not need to return for a follow-up?
Answer: I had a yeast infection about six months ago, and at that time, the doctor only prescribed one pill for me.
A few days later, when my period came, I felt fine, and that doctor did not ask me to return for a follow-up.
This time, I went to a different doctor who requested a follow-up.
Could this be related to the previous infection not being completely eradicated?
Answer: It is possible, especially since I have been under a lot of stress recently.
Six days ago, I ovulated, and I felt weak all over due to the pain.
For the next few days, I felt a heaviness in my lower abdomen that lasted about three to four days.
Is this normal?
Answer: It cannot be considered normal.

Reply Date: 2019/04/22

More Info

Yeast infections, particularly those caused by Candida species, are common and can lead to a variety of symptoms, including itching, irritation, and abnormal discharge. Based on your description, it seems you have been diagnosed with a yeast infection and have been undergoing treatment for about 11 days. It's good to hear that you are experiencing some improvement, as indicated by the absence of discharge in the last couple of days.

Symptoms of Yeast Infections
The typical symptoms of a yeast infection include:
- Intense itching in the vaginal area
- Redness and swelling of the vulva
- A thick, white discharge that may resemble cottage cheese
- Pain during intercourse or urination
In your case, the initial symptoms of itching and the presence of white-green discharge are consistent with a yeast infection. The fact that the discharge has resolved is a positive sign, suggesting that the treatment may be effective.

Treatment and Follow-Up Care
You mentioned that you have been taking oral medication for approximately 11 days. It is important to complete the full course of any antifungal medication prescribed by your doctor, even if symptoms improve before finishing the medication. This helps ensure that the infection is fully eradicated and reduces the risk of recurrence.

Your doctor’s recommendation to return for a follow-up visit is not uncommon, especially if the initial symptoms were severe or if there was a concern about the infection not being fully resolved. Follow-up appointments allow healthcare providers to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and make adjustments if necessary.

Assessing the Infection
Regarding your concern about whether there could still be yeast present in the uterus, it is important to note that yeast infections typically affect the vaginal area rather than the uterus itself. The presence of yeast in the vagina does not necessarily indicate an infection in the uterus. If your external examination showed no significant issues, it is likely that the infection is localized.

Stress and Symptoms
You also mentioned experiencing abdominal discomfort and pressure, particularly around the time of ovulation. Hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle can lead to various symptoms, including bloating and discomfort. Stress can exacerbate these symptoms, as it may affect your hormonal balance and overall well-being. It is essential to manage stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, or other methods that work for you.

When to Return to the Doctor
If you continue to have no discharge and your symptoms have improved, you may not need to return to the doctor immediately. However, if you experience any of the following, you should seek medical advice:
- Return of symptoms such as itching, burning, or unusual discharge
- Severe abdominal pain or discomfort
- Any signs of systemic infection, such as fever or chills
In summary, it sounds like you are on the right track with your treatment for the yeast infection. Continue to monitor your symptoms, complete your medication, and follow your doctor's advice regarding follow-up care. If you have any concerns or if symptoms return, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further evaluation. Your health and comfort are paramount, and open communication with your doctor will help ensure the best outcomes.

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