Understanding Vaginal Yeast Infection - the Basics

Vaginal yeast infections are very common. These yeast infections -- sometimes called candidiasis -- develop where a moist environment encourages fungal growth, such as the genitals.

What causes a vaginal yeast infection?

Candida albicans causes 80% to 90% of vaginal yeast infections. This fungal organism, or yeast, thrives in your mouth, gastrointestinal tract, mucous membranes (vagina, mouth, nose) and skin.

Normally, your body produces bacteria that keep candida in check. But when fungal growth exceeds the body's ability to control it, a vaginal yeast infection can occur. This can happen when you're weakened by illness or upset by stress.

The chance of a vaginal yeast infection is increased if you take antibiotics or use hormone contraceptives containing estrogen and possibly with the use of contraceptive diaphragms, IUDs, and sponges. Women who are pregnant, have diabetes, or have immunosuppression are at higher risk of vaginal yeast infections. They are not a sexually transmitted disease.

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Reviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD on September 10, 2008

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As You Journey through Menopause, Vivelle-Dot Is By Your Side

VIVELLE-DOT (estradiol transdermal system) IS AVAILABLE BY PRESCRPTION ONLY.

INDICATION

Vivelle-Dot is used after menopause to: reduce moderate to severe hot flashes; treat moderate to severe dryness, itching and burning in or around the vagina; help reduce your chances of getting osteoporosis (thin weak bones); and treat certain conditions in which a young woman's ovaries do not produce enough estrogens naturally. Vivelle-Dot 0.025 mg/day is only used to prevent osteoporosis from menopause. If you use Vivelle-Dot only to treat your dryness, itching, and burning in and around your vagina or if you use Vivelle-Dot only to prevent osteoporosis from menopause, talk with your healthcare professional about whether a different treatment or medicine without estrogens might be better for you.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Estrogens increase the chances of getting cancer of the uterus (womb). Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away while you are taking estrogens. Vaginal bleeding after menopause may be a warning sign of cancer of the uterus (womb).

Do not use estrogens with or without progestins to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes. Using estrogens with or without progestins may increase your chances of getting heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer, and blood clots. Using estrogens with progestins may increase your risk of dementia (decline in memory and thinking skills).

Vivelle-Dot should not be used if you have unusual vaginal bleeding; currently have or have had certain cancers, including cancer of the breast or uterus; had a stroke or heart attack in the recent past (for example, in the past year); currently have or have had blood clots; currently have or have had liver problems; or think you may be, or know that you are, pregnant.

The most common side effects that may occur with Vivelle-Dot are headache, breast tenderness, and back pain.

You and your healthcare professional should talk regularly about whether you still need treatment with Vivelle-Dot.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see Full Prescribing Information for Vivelle-Dot.

Prescribing Information