Vaginal Yeast Infection: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

One of the most common infections diagnosed among women in every nook and corner of the world is a vaginal yeast infection. Commonly termed vulvovaginal candidiasis, this condition is, however, an infection caused by a fungus known as Candida. 

These infections take place due to the overgrowth of the normally occurring yeast called Candida in the vagina, which causes itching, irritation, or thick white discharge. 

The cause behind the infections is an alteration in the normal balance of a patient caused by hormonal changes, stress, or antibiotic use, among others, which becomes a conducive environment for the multiplication and infection caused by Candida. 

Knowing what causes vaginal yeast infections, what its symptoms look like, and even what successful treatment looks like is a way of managing and preventing this all too common though rather uncomfortable condition. 

Understand Vaginal Yeast Infection

A vaginal yeast infection occurs when the normally benign fungus Candida albicans, which lives as a regular resident in the vagina, mouth, and gastrointestinal tract, becomes too prolific. 

Although tiny amounts of Candida are harmless, high counts make the vaginal microbiome unbalanced and cause the symptoms of infection. 

A very important note: although yeast infections are not technically STIs, sexual activity sometimes contributes to the development of the problem.

Prevalence and Impact

About 75% of women will have at least one yeast infection at some time in their lifetime and nearly 5% have recurrent infections that are four or more episodes per year. 

Apart from pain, recurrent infections can be as psychologically crushing to a woman and her sexuality with a sexual partner. High prevalence presents the cause for attention and proper treatment options. 

Common Causes of Vaginal Yeast Infections 

The best way of stopping and treating yeast infections is through knowledge of the common causes of vaginal yeast infections. 

There are several causes which may lead to a disturbance in the bacteria and yeast in the vagina hence predisposing a woman to infection.

1. Antibiotic Use

Another reason that the infection can happen is antibiotics. The bad bacteria get killed off, but so do all of the good bacteria that keep the vaginal region acidic containing Lactobacillus. Without these protective barriers, Candida can quickly become sort of an infection. 

2. Hormonal Changes

A hormonal change that will elevate estrogen levels will increase the chance of infection by yeast. 

Other such factors include pregnancy, menopause, menstruation, or even birth control usage that might provide a different type of hormonal balance and allow the yeast to thrive. 

3. Immunocompromised

It controls body flora; some of the flora is yeast. A compromised immune system; is through disease, stress, or medication such as steroids, so infections will easily outcompete the body since its defenses have been compromised.

4. High Blood Sugar Levels

High blood sugars activate the yeast, especially in diabetic patients. The excess glucose feeds Candida, which gives more nutrition to grow and multiply in greater numbers and also adds to the risk of infection. 

5. Diet and Lifestyle Factors

A diet rich in sugars and refined carbohydrates increases one’s vulnerability to infection by yeast, as Candida feeds on sugars. 

Lifestyle factors, such as wearing tight or nonbreathable clothing, can trap moisture and heat, setting an environment perfect for the growth of yeast.

6. Sexual Activity

Although not technically a sexually transmitted infection, sexual contact upsets the normal flora of the vagina and leads to infection at times. 

Sexual intercourse or the introduction of a new sex partner and virtually all vaginal lubricants upset the very sensitive vaginal ecology and turn any overgrowth more prone to occur.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Vaginal Yeast Infection

Early detection symptoms of which include from mild to severe that interfere with day-to-day life activities. Some of the key areas for early detection of a symptom of vaginal yeast infection, hence early treatment to prevent complications. 

1. Itching and Irritation

Itching is believed to be among the commonest symptoms, very inconvenient for women infected. Prolonged itching would confuse and downplay concentration by a woman in accomplishing her tasks. 

2. Thick, White Discharge

Although it is odorless, there is a heavy whitish cottage cheese-like discharge character of a candida infection, and many patients might feel uneasiness or irritation due to this discharge. 

3. Redness and Swelling

Usually, patients suffering from yeast infections experience tenderness and swelling around the vagina and vulva. The two components of redness and swelling are tender and hypersensitive to the touch. 

4. Pain During Sex

There is the case of candidiasis which leads to pain during sexual performances and affects love lives. Therefore, it adds much stress in relationships due to emotional stress. 

5. Sensation of Burning

The most prevalent symptom presented by the greatest number of women is burning in the genital area especially when urinating. 

It has sometimes been confused with a urinary infection; however, it is absolutely different from all the other symptoms of a yeast infection.

Diagnosis of a Vaginal Yeast Infection

The diagnosis of a Vaginal Yeast Infection should be proper since the infection can present similarly to other infections that are treated in another form except for the drug, such as bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis. 

1. Physical Examination

For the diagnosis of a Vaginal Yeast Infection, a pelvic exam might be required wherein the health care provider will examine the vaginal region for redness, swelling, and typical yeast infection discharge. 

2. Laboratory Tests

A sample of the vaginal discharge can be sent for analysis to rule in or out if Candida is present. Then it tells you which type of yeast causes it and excludes any infections that have similar symptoms.

3. Home Test Kits

Available, but not always reliable, OTC test kits exist. Kits of this sort are useful to a woman who has learned what to look for; it always pays to self-diagnose with extreme caution, though.

Treatment for Vaginal Yeast Infection 

There are many treatments for Vaginal Yeast Infection; these depend on the severity of the infection. Some of the most popular of these are described below: 

1. Over The Counter-antifungal therapy

It can be self-medicated through drugs in the case of mild cases of Vaginal Yeast Infection. Antifungal drugs can be bought from the pharmacy in the form of pills or creams. 

It will be prudent to go and see a doctor with as much speed because the symptoms usually linger for more than just one day. More severe forms can be treated with creams, ointment, or suppositories available by chemists. 

The latter shall heal a weaker form of yeast infection for a few days. Clotrimazole and miconazole are some such active ingredients and one is to be applied directly to the affected area for 3 to 7 days according to the instructions. 

2. Prescription Medications

In severe or chronic infection, the physician would prescribe oral antifungal medication that should be in the form of fluconazole. 

Generally, fluconazole is administered through the use of a single dose of medication but can be applied by the physician to be used in more aggressive forms of infections. 

Topical creams also are part of this treatment and have to be prescription strength.

3. Probiotics

Probiotics, like those containing lactobacillus, may help restore normal flora to the vagina. 

These can be purchased at drugstores as oral supplements but can also come in suppository forms and are often very helpful for women who suffer from recurring infections. 

4. Natural Remedies

Women whose symptoms are less severe sometimes use some of the following natural remedies. These include:

• Coconut Oil: It is antimicrobial, and can be applied topically for relief to the affected area.
• Tea Tree Oil: Pure essential oil itself is already a very strong antifungal medicine but must be used carefully to avoid irritating the vagina.
• Yogurt: Simply eat plain, unsweetened yogurt having live cultures. All the above should only be done after consulting a healthcare provider’s view.

A great hygiene habit also employs cotton underwear and absolutely does not allow wearing tight clothes which is another symptom of trying to avoid Candida infection. 

Douching and perfumed feminine products prevent the vaginal pH from its normal state. 

Prevention of Vaginal Candidiasis Infections 

Some of the precautionary measures that could be undertaken to ensure the incidence of a yeast infection does not emerge are;

1. Wear Breathable Fabrics

Cotton: Worn allows for some form of ventilation thus moisture is not locked inside the vagina, this, in turn, ensures no warm place is created for yeast fungi to multiply. 

2. Healthy Balanced Diet

Low-sugar diets and high-probiotic foods, like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, balance the good bacteria in your vagina.

3. Avoid Antibiotic Overuse

It should be prescribed by a doctor because excessive use leads to interference with the normal body production of microbes.

4. Control Blood Sugar

Effective management of diabetic women’s blood sugar because the high blood sugar level tends to favor the multiplication of yeast.  

Role of Diet in Preventing Vaginal Yeast Infections

A diet too has a great involvement with the matter of vaginal health and it stops the overgrowth of yeast. How diet helps is given below:

Avoid sugary foods: 

High sugary food habit feeds Candida because the high levels of sugar in the person would increase the sugar levels in the body, which in return would increase the multiplication of Candida.

Probiotics Foods: 

Probiotics Foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, and kefir help balance good flora and usually inhibit the excessive overgrowth of yeast in most cases.

Garlic and Coconut Oil: 

Garlic and coconut oil have antifungal properties that if taken in a diet, prevent such conditions from arising.

Cases You Need to See a Doctor

Even if some forms of yeast infection are treated over the counter by medication, the patient should see a health care provider for;

• The symptoms persist and worsen even after using the medication.
• Recurring infections come.
• Diseases that can lead to recurring infections, such as diabetes, are diagnosed.
• This means that there exists a likelihood of developing more health disorders that cause recurring infections.

Other Complementary Therapies

For some women, regular treatments may not really provide sufficient relief from repeated attacks or could cause side effects. 

Some turn to complementary therapies that might help. Again, such alternatives should be adopted in conjunction with guidance from the doctors.

1. Herbal Remedies

Another herbal remedy that is attributed to some natural antifungal activities is calendula and garlic. 

Calendula is applied to the skin to reduce inflammation and irritate the skin, while sometimes garlic supplements are prescribed because of their potential for antifungal activity. 

Garlic contains allicin, which has been implicated in the inhibition of Candida. However, it should be prescribed by a physician due to its potential to cause irritations. 

2. Boric Acid Suppositories

The second drug is boric acid, an antifungal potent over yeast infections and resistant strains. 

It is more often sold in suppository form for an application time of one to two weeks, depending on the seriousness of the infection. 

This must always be done under a doctor’s care and must not at any time be swallowed, since improper use can cause negative reactions to occur. 

3. Acupuncture and Stress-Reducing Techniques

Acupuncture and other stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, and deep-breathing exercises reduce the tension that might lead to yeast infections. 

Since stress may impair the immune system, these treatments may come in handy to ensure that one’s defense mechanisms are improved against infections. 

Repetitive exercise for stress management may turn out useful for women who are prone to frequent infections. 

These synergistic modalities offer more arms to treat and prevent yeast infections, especially for women seeking alternatives to conventional medicine. 

Final Thoughts:

Vaginal Yeast Infection is common yet manageable. Only with the proper knowledge of the causes of Vaginal Yeast Infection, recognition of the symptoms, and understanding of the options for treatments are those possible causes dealt with proactively preventing yeast infection in the vagina.