What’s the Difference Between Yeast Infection and Herpes?
Yeast infection and herpes are two entirely different infections. Yeast infection is caused by pathogenic Candida cells that reside in the vagina, while herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by herpes simplex virus.
In this article, I’ll tell you what are the symptoms of these infections, how you can test for them and how they’re treated. Read on!
What are the Symptoms of Herpes?
It’s a viral infection spread by genital or oral sex. The herpes simplex virus may not give any symptoms or mild symptoms, however sometimes herpes infection may produce:
- small blisters on the genitals that burst and turn into ulcers
- flu-like symptoms
Herpes Simplex Virus
These symptoms usually occur around 4 days after exposure to the virus and may last up to four weeks. This infection is incurable, so you may experience further onsets of genital blisters from time to time, but they should be milder than the first time.
This virus is very common and affects 15% of the population. In order to prevent it, it’s best to abstain from sex completely, use condoms or only have sex with someone who is not infected. Remember that this virus may produce no symptoms, that’s why it’s very important to get tested to know if you or your partner is a herpes carrier.
One of the most convenient ways to get tested is to use an online STD testing service. With My LabBox, you can order a herpes test online. You´ll receive a test kit so you can take your swabs and send them back in the attached prepaid envelope.
Your lab-certified results will usually arrive within 48 hours and you can see them online once they’re available. The service is very reliable, discreet and affordable, so go ahead and order your herpes test today!
How to Treat Herpes?
Herpes infection is still incurable but there are medications that can suppress the virus and make the onsets of ulcers less painful. Your doctor may prescribe the following:
- Acyclovir: This antiviral drug is sold in capsules, suspension, injection or ointment. It makes ulcers appear less frequently, they become less painful and they heal easier. It also helps to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
- Valacyclovir and Famciclovir: They’re also antiviral drugs, but their effect lasts longer than that of acyclovir. They’re only available in tablets.
What are the Signs of Vaginal Yeast Infection?
Vaginal yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted disease. You may develop it when the pH levels in your vagina are disturbed because of The most common signs of a yeast infection include:
- Itchy vagina and vulva, which may be reddened and swollen
- The discharge may be white and thick but sometimes it’s transparent and watery
- Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse and urination
- Sometimes the skin around the vagina and vulva can crack
In order to know for sure if you’ve got a yeast infection, you have to get tested. you can either go to see your doctors and have your vaginal swabs taken and analyzed in a laboratory or you can order a home test.
MyLabBox offers vaginal yeast infection test kits which you can order online. The kit will be sent in a discreet package and comes with easy to follow instructions. 48 hours after you send it back in a prepaid envelope, you’ll be able to check your results online.
Order Your Vaginal Health Test Today
How to Treat a Vaginal Yeast Infection?
Vaginal yeast infection is usually easy to treat with over-the-counter medication. The treatment should take at least 7 days to make sure all yeast cells that caused your infection are killed.
The most popular over-the-counter treatment for yeast infection is Monistat 7. It comes with seven applicators filled with cream that contains Miconazole, a potent antifungal compound.
Although you can also buy Monistat 1 (one-day treatment) and Monistat 3 (three-day treatment) Monistat 7 is the most effective.
Check my article about vaginal yeast infection treatments to learn about other over-the-counter remedies for yeast infection.
Conclusion
The symptoms of herpes and vaginal yeast infection are very easy to distinguish. While the first one may not give any symptoms at all, you’ll definitely know when you’ve got a yeast infection because the itching and discharge may be extremely uncomfortable.
Thankfully, there’s a solution to both infections. Vaginal yeast infection can be treated with proper medication and herpes can be managed, so that the symptoms are less severe. If you’re in doubt as to what kind of infection you’ve got:
You may also want to read my article about other online STD testing services.
Have you ever suffered from herpes or a yeast infection? What were your symptoms and how did you treat it? Please share your experiences and questions in the comment section below.