Vaginal yeast Infection which can also be called Vaginal candidiasis is a certain type of yeast infection that is caused by the fungus, candida. Normally, this fungus is always in the body but our immune system keeps them at bay. Ordinarily, yeast infection can happen on any internal part of the body which includes the tongue, mouth, fingers, etc. But we are majorly looking at the vaginal yeast infection: symptoms, treatment, & prevention. The vagina has some normal yeast and bacteria cells but when there is an imbalance between these two, the yeast cells can multiply which ultimately causes some symptoms which are diagnosed as symptoms of vaginal yeast infection.
SYMPTOMS OF VAGINAL YEAST INFECTION
These are some of the symptoms that are characterized by this infection. However, some of these symptoms can also be symptoms of another type of vaginal infection which is why it is important to carry out a laboratory diagnosis before treatment. The symptoms include:
1. Vaginal itching
This is a very uncomfortable symptom of vaginal yeast infection. Sometimes, it can be even painful especially, during urination or sexual intercourse. Although the itching can be reduced by smearing some antifungal cream on the affected area, it is also best to perform a full medication on the infection itself. It is also best to ignore the itching as continuous scratching can injure the vagina or cause severe tears.
2. Swelling around the Vulva
The flesh around the vagina which is Called the Vulva can swell and become puffy, it can also be very reddish and sore, especially after several scratching attempts.
3. Burning sensation
This sensation is induced by the itchiness or swelling around the vulva.
4. Friable skin occurs
Friable skin can occur around the affected area which can cause cracks or small cuts.
5. “Cheese-like” vaginal discharge
A healthy vagina secretes milky, sticky discharge which is odorless but due to the imbalance, vagina discharge can become whitish and cheese-like, almost like having crumbs.
CAUSES OF VAGINAL YEAST INFECTION
The imbalance that occurs when candida increases or multiplies in the body can be caused by the following;
Excess use of Antibiotics: Antibiotics are good and are used to treat some other types of infections including vaginal yeast infection but when taken excessively, they can kill the good bacteria in the body hence, increasing the growth of yeast. The good bacteria are also called lactobacillus.
Hormonal change: During pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopause, the hormones can change and alter the chemical balance in the vagina, taking birth control pills too is a factor that can cause vagina yeast infection.
Diabetes: As a Diabetic person, when diabetes is not put in check properly, the mucus membranes which are like linings in the vagina can act as a harboring place for yeast to grow.
Douches and Vaginal sprays: Douching is said to be the rinsing of the vagina which is usually done with water and vinegar. This practice can be somewhat unhygienic and can cause vaginal candidiasis. The use of vaginal sprays is also a causative.
Weak Immune system: The immune system is empowered with the ability to fight diseases and keep off disease-causative pathogens from the body. When it is weak probably due to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), yeast accumulation will become uncontrollable.
Sex: It should be noted that vaginal yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted disease however, it can be passed from one person to the other through contact.
HOW TO PREVENT VAGINAL YEAST INFECTION
Prevention, they say is better than cure and this is also the case when it comes to infections that have to do with sensitive parts of the body like the vagina for instance. These infections can occur frequently after the first time hence, it is best to avoid that first time from happening. Here is the list of things to do to prevent vagina yeast infection;
1. Avoid excess intake of antibiotics, following the right prescription is also advised.
2. Stay away from douching and other vagina sprays. If you must wash the vagina, it is best to do so with only water. Some of the soaps for baths contain chemicals that can cause hormonal imbalance which in turn increases the chances of vagina candidiasis.
3. Avoid sharing toilets and toiletries with people and if you must share a toilet, the use of antiseptic is advised.
4. Wear a cotton type of underwear that can allow the vagina to breathe and not hold onto heat.
5. Try to stay away from hot tubs and extra-soaked hot baths as heat gives yeast the chance to accumulate.
6. After a swim or rain drench, get the wet or damp clothes off and dry them with a towel. Yeast growth increases when there is moisture.
7. While or after using the toilet, always wipe from front to back. Doing otherwise will spread bacteria from the back to the vagina opening.
8. During menstruation, changing tampons or sanitary pads/cups should be done in time. Panty liners should also be changed frequently.
9. Diabetic patients should keep their diabetes in check and always watch their blood sugar and keep it under control.
10. When it comes to dieting, eating yogurts that contain active cultures can increase the good bacteria that help the body control the accumulation of the other yeast.
TREATMENT OF VAGINAL YEAST INFECTION
1. Get a Doctor’s prescription
The Doctor can prescribe drugs like fluconazole which can treat most yeast infections with just one dose although, symptoms may linger for a few days before they completely disappear. If you are unable to take pills or may be pregnant, the doctor can suggest a 3 to 7 days treatment of Terconazole, an antifungal cream that works very well.
2. Self-treatment with Antifungal cream
For some people who would rather choose to try antifungal self-treatment, Miconazole topical cream can be given a trial. It is often faster in bringing relief even more than the prescribed drugs. There are some home remedies that can facilitate the ease of vagina yeast infection, they are;
3. Apple cider vinegar
This is an antifungal ointment that aids in the restoration of the pH balance of the vagina. It also boosts the production of healthy bacteria that help reduce yeast growth. Apple cider vinegar can also be ingested by adding one tablespoon of it to a glass of water.
4. Coconut Oil
This is a most common ointment which is used for different purposes. In the case of treating this frustrating infection, it emanates a soothing effect on irritated and inflamed skin and also has the ability to fight the infection that causes yeast. This is applied directly to the affected area.
5. Probiotic plain yogurt
This yogurt contains lactobacillus which fights & the “bad” yeast. This yogurt should be eaten plainly without sugars as a part of the daily diet, its efficacy cannot be overemphasized.
6. Aloe vera
This powerful plant possesses so many beneficial properties that help cure vagina Candidiasis. Pure aloe vera gel has antifungal properties while eating it, can increase white blood cells which boosts the general immune system to fight yeast and other diseases. It can be eaten or added to a fresh fruit blend, after which it can be taken on consecutive days.
7. Green tea
This tea is very rich in producing antioxidants, which help the body fight off infection. Constant intake of this tea can cure this infection for good. Taking a used green tea bag and refrigerating it can also be placed over the infected area to soothe the puffy skin. Green tea can be added to the bath for similar results.
SOME CONCEPTIONS ABOUT VAGINA YEAST INFECTION
Some people think vagina yeast infection can only be transmitted through contact during sex which is not the case, constantly sharing an infected toilet can put one in danger of contracting this infection. Vaginal Yeast Infection is common among women. It is estimated that almost 70% of the women population experience this infection at varied levels. Having this infection does not make you any less of a woman, do not be embarrassed to seek medical attention when necessary. Men can also have a yeast infection on their genitals and can transmit a vagina yeast infection to a woman during sex, it is not only transmitted by a woman. It can be treated and even cured when diagnosed properly with the right level of medications.
CONCLUSION
After all, that has been said about vaginal yeast infection: symptoms, treatment, & prevention, it is not a death sentence. In fact, it can be said that it is pretty normal to experience itching from time to time. However, when any of the above symptoms are noticed, it is advised to go see a doctor as self-medication may not always be right. The female genitalia is an open sensitive medium that should be continuously checked at least every three months or less if there is continuous sex.
More so, wearing condoms like panties and tight-fitting under wears can increase the heat and moisture inside the vagina, causing the chemical imbalance we earlier talked about. Do not be ashamed or embarrassed to talk to someone you can trust and who has an idea about stuff like this. Most emphasized is the fact that prevention is way easier than cure. I hope you got all you need to know about Vaginal Yeast Infection: symptoms, treatment, & prevention?
Thanks for sharing this.