Vaginal Yeast Infection: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention

Overview

Vagina yeast infection also called candidal vaginities is not considered a sexually transmitted disease because it is not contacted by sexual intercourse; over 90% of the infection is caused by a specific type of fungus called Candida albicans. The infection will approximately affect about 75% of women once in their lifetime and will affect about 45% of women two or more times. 

The infection caused by Fundus Candida is as a result of the overgrowth of the fungus triggered by several reasons such poor diet, lack of sleep, illness such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS. The vagina naturally contains some yeast including candida and some bacteria in a balanced fashion, a type of bacteria called lactobacillus help the vagina to control and prevent yeast overgrowth by producing acids that regulate the process.

The infection cause some discomfort like itching, swelling and irritation of the vulva and most time result into thick white discharge from the vagina. Vagina yeast infection is not a life threatening disease as it is easy to treat.

Symptoms of vagina yeast infection

Vagina yeast infection is easy to detect as it comes with some quick to notice signs, the symptoms of the infection shares some similarities with some STIs which includes:

• ·  Pain during sexual intercourse

• ·  Itching of the vagina

• ·  Sore in the vagina

• · Burring during urination

• · Swelling around the vagina

• ·  Watery vaginal discharge

• ·  Irritation of the vagina

• ·  Redness and rash in the vagina

• ·  Cottage-cheese-like thick, white vagina discharge

This signs are common to vagina yeast infection and when you notice any of this signs visit your health care provider. Vagina yeast infection when left untreated may become serious.

Causes of vagina yeast infection

Vagina yeast infection affect women of all ages however it is rare to have the infection before puberty and after menopause. The action of the causal organism ‘Candida’ is favourable in moist area which makes vaginal a suitable place for its growth; however imbalance in the action of the regulatory bacteria lactobacillus that secrets acid to control the growth of the yeast most time gave the infection a ground to grow. Here are some of the causes of vagina yeast infection:

·         Douching and using vaginal spray

·         Poor nutrition

·         Weak immune system

·         Uncontrolled Diabetes and HIV/AIDS

·         Stress/lack of sleep

·         Pregnancy also increase the risk of yeast infection

·         Using of antibiotics – they reduce the number of Lactobacillus the good bacteria in the vagina

·         Hormonal imbalance – during menstrual cycle

·         Some types of medication – like oral contraceptive

Also read Bacteria Vaginosis
Diagnosis of vaginal yeast infection

The signs and symptoms of vagina yeast infection make it easy to diagnose, your doctor or health care personnel will ask about your medical history. Although signs like itching, discharge, redness of the vagina may point to yeast infection some of this symptoms can also be caused by other condition like Trichomonas infection and bacteria vaginosis. Pelvic, vagina walls and cervix can be examined, accurate vagina yeast infection is assured in the laboratory as a sample of the vagina discharge or content is taken and examine under the microscope or culture to identify the specific infection.

Treatment of vagina yeast infection 
Treatment of vaginal yeast infection can be done by self or through simple home remedies if it is just minimal, but serious or complicated cases should be treated by healthcare professional.
Treatment for simple vagina yeast infection - Simple vagina yeast infection can be treated with some simple prescription usually a 3 to 7 days schedule where antifungal creams, medications and ointment will be used.
Some common medication for vagina yeast infection:

·         Terazol

·         Diflucan

·         Monistat

Treatment for complicated vagina yeast infection – Simple treatment may not work for some type of Candida yeast infection, caused by several factors like uncontrolled diabetes, infection occurring multiple times within a year, HIV/AIDS and during pregnancy.

Dealing with complicated yeast infection requires a better and strong treatment plan, your doctor or health care professional may recommend these treatments for you:

·         2 weeks antifungal cream treatment, tablets or suppository

·         2 or 3 doses of Diflucan can be prescribed

·         Fluconazole (Diflucan) treatment may be prescribe up to 6 months with long term use of a tropical antifungal medication

In case of recurrent yeast infection you and your partner may advised to use protection during sex and possible treatment of your partner to avoid recurrent infection.

Natural and Home remedies for yeast infection

Vagina yeast infection can also be treated with home and natural remedies; uncomplicated yeast infection can be managed without having to visit your doctor.

·         Coconut oil possess antifungal functions and it helps in treating yeast infection

·         Garlic is also effective in treating yeast infection

·         Boric acid has a good antiseptic function, it is helpful in treating vagina yeast infection

·         Vitamin C helps the body when it comes to fighting infection as it help boost the immune system

·         Drink a lot of yogurt or inserted into your vagina, it is a probiotic, it contains good bacterial like Lactobacillus acidophilus that help maintain the vagina and treat infection.

·         Tea tree oil cream helps to eliminate both fungus and yeast and it is very effective.

·         Apple cider vinegar is important home remedy that help balance the PH of the vagina

    

How can a yeast infection be treated if I am pregnant?

Pregnancy is a risk factor in having vagina yeast infection. When you are pregnant and you have vaginal yeast infection, it is important not to self-medicate due to your condition.

It is important you see your health care provider so you can be given a suitable medication that is safe for your pregnancy. It is not advisable to take antifungal medication such as fluconazole because it may cause birth defect, however vagina creams or suppositories that contains miconazole is safe for treatment.

How can vagina yeast infection be prevented?

Prevention they say is better than cure; there are few things that you need to do to keep the chances of you having vagina yeast infection minimal.

·         Bath and shower regularly is the best way to keep your vagina clean, avoid douching as this removes the good bacteria from your vagina and increases your chances of vagina yeast infection

·         Avoid chemical irritants like tampons, douches and spray

·         It is important to use antibiotic when necessary

·         Change pant and pad lining often and remove wet cloth as soon as possible after workout

·         Reduce sugar intake as candida growth is favoured by high blood sugar level this makes people with diabetes become more susceptible to yeast infection

·         When taking your bath avoid hot baths and tubs as well as cloths that increase the body temperature

It is important to take care of your body especially your vagina, keep your hand clean all the time by developing a habit of hand washing and it is also advisable that you and your partner abstain from sexual intercourse during the period of vagina yeast infection or use protection. It is also advisable your partner is protected during this period to avoid possible reinfection.

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