Diabetes FAQ » Diabetes Q&A » I have been diabetic for a few years now, and I now have a swollen clitoris with itching and burning, some people have told me I have a vaginal infection others say just wash the area with warm water and it will go away. Are there other things I should do?

I have been diabetic for a few years now, and I now have a swollen clitoris with itching and burning, some people have told me I have a vaginal infection others say just wash the area with warm water and it will go away. Are there other things I should do?

Unfortunately women who are diagnosed with diabetes stand to have a greater chance of getting vaginal infections even if they were never prone to having them before. The problem starts with the fact that their blood sugar is out of control. When blood sugar is high, there is too much fungus and bacteria concentrated in various mucus membranes in the body. The vagina is an area that is warm and moist and a great place for growing yeast and bacteria, which are the two different kinds of vaginal infections that diabetic women can get.

Vaginitis

Vaginitis is the medical term for any inflammation of the vagina that all women can attract. Some are more serious than others. There are three diseases, the two above-mentioned infections are specifically associated with diabetic women, though any woman can get these diseases, and then there is trichomoniasis, which is a sexually transmitted disease.

Vaginal yeast infections and diabetes

A vaginal yeast infection, medically known as vulvovaginal candidiasis, is a very common fungal infection caused by a fungus by the name of Candida Albicans. Even though this infection is not classified as a sexually transmitted disease, up to 12 percent of men develop the infection after having sexual intercourse with a woman who has it.

The main factors associated with a yeast infection is: pregnancy, oral contraceptives or antibiotics, and having uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Other possibilities include, douching, perfumed feminine vaginal sprays and some topical antibiotics and steroid medications.

Other factors for yeast infection occurrences

Since the fungus, Candida Albicans and other yeast infections thrive in hot warm tight places, wearing tight jeans or other restricting clothing and underwear can also be a factor in contracting this infection. Your doctor or health care professional can also assist you in tips for avoiding this infection.

The symptoms of yeast infections

The most frequent symptoms of yeast infections include itching, burning and vaginal irritation. Painful urination and sexual intercourse may also occur. The fungus looks like a cottage cheese like white little chunks or white or gray cylinders depending on the type of Candida Albicans, it is not uncommon to have both strains at the same time. The constituency can be either thick or watery. Most sexual partners do not have any symptoms but some men have reported rashes and burning sensations of the penis after having unprotected intercourse.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is done by examining the vaginal fluids (pap smear) under the microscope.

Treatment

Women who have had yeast infections before and are certain this is the same thing can buy over the counter anti fungal, tablets or creams, even pill forms. Canesten, and Monistat are among the most popular brands, but if the infection continues after a week you must go to the doctor for antibiotics. However, if you are not sure it could be a different infection such as trichomoniasis. Women who have chronic symptoms may need to be treated for a prolonged period of time.

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is also common in diabetic woman and common among women during their childbearing years. It has been called Gardnerella. Bacterial vaginosis is due to a chemical imbalance where the different kinds of bacteria overpower the good bacteria in the vagina. Not enough research is known for why Gardnerella vaginalis, mobiluncus, bacteroids, and mycoplasma hominis (bacteria, or germs) infect the vagina at this time.

Symptoms

The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include a white or gray abnormal discharge, often having a fishy smell, which is most apparent after intercourse. Some women do not have any symptoms at all. Other women may have pain during urination and itching around the vagina.

Treatment

Examination of the vaginal fluid is done to diagnose the disease and antibiotics are prescribed.

Related Articles

• I am itching all the time and I have a rash. I am wondering if I may have a skin disease or is this just a symptom of diabetes, which I have or is it nothing at all?
• Hyperglycemia
• I am 67 years old I have type 2 diabetes now for several years and I just found out that I now have a thyroid condition. Is this a complication of diabetes or is it something totally unrelated?
• I have fibromyalgia and diabetes how do they interact with other?
• To the best of my knowledge I don’t have sugar diabetes, but I am thirsty all the time and I find that I am urinating a lot, do I just have a bladder infection or is it something else?
• My Cat has Been Tested and he is Suffering from Diabetes is he Going to Die?
• Animal owners often ask if their cats can get diabetes, if so why do they get it, how can they tell if a cat has diabetes, what are the signs?