Ever felt itching, irritation or discomfort in your private parts? You may have vaginal yeast infections. No woman really talks about it. But, many women tend to experience the particular issue several times in their life. Are you one of them? Do not feel embarrassed. More than 75% of women around the world face the problem. Some may even have multiple cases. So, it is the most common infection to affect your private parts. But, do not worry. It is easy to overcome the problem easily.
Women can suffer from the vaginal yeast infections at any point in their life. It has no specific age limit. Some things can fuel the chances of getting the infection. But, you need to acquire more information about it to handle it effectively. So, let delve deep into the topic to know more about the vaginal yeast infections.
Know More About Vaginal Yeast Infections
Your vagina maintains its health by balancing the presence of yeast and bacteria. Your vagina has to protect itself from harmful organisms. So, the produce produces estrogen hormone that facilitates the growth of lactobacilli. Lactobacilli is responsible for fighting the harmful organisms that attack the vagina. When the balance gets disrupted, it results in the growth of fungus. Therefore, it can result in infection.
The overgrowth of candida albicans (fungus) causes the yeast infection. It results in severe discomfort like inflammation, itching, irritation, etc. in the private parts. You must never keep the discomfort to yourself. Therefore, you need to identify the problem and take necessary action.
Symptoms Of Vaginal Yeast Infections
How can you detect you have the vaginal yeast infections? The infection has a set of common symptoms that will help you identify it with ease. So, check out for the following:
- Itching in the private parts
- Swelling around the vagina
- Painful Sex
- Burning sensation during urination
- Soreness in the vaginal region
- Redness, Rash or Irritation
- Watery Vaginal Discharge
- Clumpy, whitish-grey vaginal discharge (resembling cottage cheese)
If you see the symptoms, then you need to contact your doctor immediately. The untreated infection can lead to severe complication. Therefore, you need to take action to avoid the severity of the problem.
What Are The Causes Of Vaginal Yeast Infections?
The fungus responsible for yeast infection grows is present naturally in your vagina. Lactobacillus bacteria control the fungus growth in your vagina. An imbalance in your hormones can cause issues with the working of lactobacillus bacteria. So, it results in the overgrowth of the fungus. It leads to getting the yeast infection. Some major factors influence the working of the bacteria. So, the main causes of the problem are:
- The use of antibiotics that can reduce the number of good bacteria in your vagina.
- Pregnancy hormone causing an imbalance in the body resulting in less estrogen production.
- Severe diabetes leading to high glucose levels in the blood.
- A weak immune system leading to other diseases.
- Lack of relaxation to the body or getting less sleep.
- Stress causing havoc in your body.
- Including a lot of sugary food in the diet or bad diet.
- Hormonal imbalance due to your monthly menstrual cycle.
Diagnosis Of Vaginal Yeast Infections
Your doctor can diagnose the vaginal yeast infections with ease. So, you just need to make an appointment. Never feel embarrassed to seek medical opinion for your condition. Subsequently, your doctor may perform the following:
Medical History
Your doctor may ask you some question to know your medical history. You need to let the doctor know about the number of times you have had the infection. Inform about any prior sexually transmitted disease to your doctor. You need to convey all the information truthfully. Therefore, the doctor will make a correct observation.
Physical Exam
The next step your doctor may perform is a detailed pelvic exam to check the condition of the vaginal walls and cervix. The doctor may also check the surrounding areas to detect infection. So, the external signs appearing on the pelvic region will give an idea about the vaginal yeast infections.
Lab Testing
Your doctor may refer for lab testing to detect the seriousness of the infection. So, your doctor will collect sample cells from the vagina. It goes to the lab for testing to determine the vaginal infection or any other infection.
Vaginal Yeast Infections Treatment
Your doctor may see the lab results and determine the severity of the infection. Depending on the severity of the infection, your doctor will suggest a treatment. So, you can undergo the following treatment plans.
Treatment For Simple infections
If your infection is mild, then your doctor will suggest an anti-fungal medication. You need to apply or take the medication three times a day to overcome the infection with ease. The medication is available in the following forms:
- Creams
- Ointment
- Suppository
- Tablet
You can get the medication in the pharmacy or get a prescription from your doctor. Therefore, the common medication suggested by your doctor includes:
- Clotrimazole
- Butoconazole
- Miconazole
- Fluconazole
- Terconazole
You need to get a follow-up check-up to ensure the infection gets flushed out from your system. So, it will give your peace of mind as you can pluck it away by its roots. The follow-up checks will ensure the infection does not return in two months.
Complicated infections
Sometimes, your lab test may show severe complications. In such cases, you need treatment for a long duration. So, the symptoms associated with severe complications include:
- Severe redness in the vaginal region
- You have swelling and/or itching leading to tears or sores in the vaginal tissue
- The frequency of getting the yeast infection is high (more than four infections in a year)
- Pregnancy
- You have any other infection caused by the same fungus Candida
- Taking medications for any other issue like uncontrolled diabetes
- Weak immune systems
- Other infections like HIV
For the complicated yeast infection, your doctor may prescribe the following treatment. So, it will eliminate the infection from your body. The treatment plan includes:
- Application of tablet, cream, ointment, the suppository to the vagina
- Take fluconazole medication (2 to 3 doses)
- Your doctor will prescribe long-term use of topical antifungal medication or suggest taking fluconazole medication every week (for six week period). Sexually active people need to take caution to avoid the problems. So, you need to adopt safe sex practice by using the condom to avoid frequent infection.
When you get the infection for the first time, you may get confused or become uncertain about the symptoms. So, you need to consult your gynecologist to confirm the vaginal yeast infections. It will help you get the right treatment to overcome the issue.
Recurring vaginal yeast infections means more caution. Therefore, you need to take the prescription to treat the infection. You also need to opt for some other alternatives at home to cure the infection.
House Hold Vaginal Yeast Infections Remedies
The household remedies are easy to incorporate in daily life. The products suggested for the cure is available easily in grocery stores. So, the use of the items to prevent the infection is easier. It may take a few days to get relief from the infection. Check for the symptoms to determine it is the vaginal yeast infections. Therefore, confirm the signs before using the remedies. You need to seek medical help if the irritation persists.
Greek Yogurt
Plain Greek yogurt is one of the natural remedies to treat vaginal yeast infections. The yogurt free of sugar can create a healthy balance in the vaginal region. Therefore, it will promote the growth of good bacteria that can overcome the fungus. Yogurt contains live bacteria and is probiotic in nature.
Boric Acid
Applying a boric acid directly on your vulva or vagina after mixing it with water can avoid the infection. Boric acid has antiseptic properties that help you overcome the vaginal yeast infections. Never take it orally or apply it on direct skin. So, using the mixture can eliminate the infection from your body.
Oregano Essential Oil
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Wild oregano has anti-fungal properties that are useful in treating vaginal yeast infections. You can inhale it as a part of aromatherapy. The oregano oil is very strong, so you need to mix it with other oils. Carrier oils like sweet almond oil and olive oil can dilute the strength of oregano oil. So, inhaling it or massaging on the skin can offer good results. Never apply it directly on your vagina directly.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has anti-fungal properties. Therefore, applying it directly to the vaginal area can treat the infection with ease. Using the organic coconut oil helps overcome the infections without having any side effects.
Tea Tree Oil
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Tea Tree Oil has properties that can kill bacteria, virus, and fungi. It is also very powerful oil. So, you can dilute it with other carrier oils. Mix tea tree oil and coconut or jojoba oil to use as a vaginal suppository. Therefore, it will overcome the infection and maintains the balance in the vagina.
Garlic
Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties to help prevent infection from the body. Adding garlic to the diet will eliminate the fungus growth that causes infection. But, avoid applying it directly to the private parts. It causes pain and a burning sensation.
Hydrogen Peroxide
The antiseptic properties of hydrogen peroxide can kill the yeast. So, it can cure the infection in women with ease. Diluting the hydrogen peroxide and using it on the vagina can overcome the infection.
Vitamin C
Taking Vitamin C in your diet can strengthen your immune system. It can maintain the balance in the body and prevent infections. It also has anti-microbial properties. So, it can kill the fungus growth in your body. You can increase the intake of Vitamin C to encourage a strong immune system.
Apple Cider Vinegar
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Taking bath in water mixed with apple cider vinegar is highly beneficial. The vinegar has acidic properties that can cure fungal infections. So, you can take bath in lukewarm mixed with half cup apple cider vinegar. It will help you overcome the effects of harmful organisms in your home.
Probiotic Suppositories
Probiotics are effective in restoring the bacteria-yeast balance in your body. So, it can treat different types of infections including vaginosis. Researches have shown the effectiveness of the probiotic suppositories in treating various infections.
All the remedies suggested are available at your home. So, you need not waste your time searching for it. But, the effectiveness varies depending on the severity of the infection.
How To Prevent Vaginal Yeast Infections?
You may wonder the same thing after experiencing the severe discomfort. Therefore, you can follow the steps to successfully prevent the problem.
Healthy Diet
Your diet plays an important role in keeping the infection at bay. The food you eat has a direct association with the diseases and infections you can catch. So, a well-balanced diet will maintain the balance in the body. Limit the amount of processed food and sugar in your diet. Yeast survives and grows on sugar. Therefore, take less sugary foods.
Taking Supplements
You need to eat food that can encourage the growth of lactobacillus. So, add more yogurt to your diet. Taking lactobacillus supplement also helps the lactobacillus growth. Therefore, the good bacteria can avoid infections.
Underwear
You may think what your underwear has to do with the infection? Everything. Washing underwear in hot water is not good for your private parts. You need to keep the intimate area dry to prevent the fungus growth. So, wear loose-fitting clothes that causes no irritation. Try to use natural fiber clothes like cotton, silk or linen. Never spend more time in bathing suits or wet clothes. The yeast grows in the moist and warm environment. Therefore, maintain the hygiene in your private area and keep it dry.
Medicines
Using some medicines like the antibiotics can cause an imbalance in your hormones. So, try to avoid using antibiotics as much as possible. The antibiotics can deplete the estrogen levels resulting in infection. Therefore, take antibiotics only if necessary.
Douches
The vagina maintains a PH level that keeps the fungus at bay. Using douche without the advice of the doctor, vaginal deodorants or sprays, and scented vaginal lotions can cause an imbalance in the good bacteria and yeast levels in the vagina. So, it leads to vaginal yeast infections. Try to replace your feminine products frequently to avoid infections.
Conclusion
Vaginal yeast infections can make you miserable. You may feel severe discomfort. But, many women never talk about it. Don’t worry! You are not alone as it is a common infection. So, you need to take action immediately to avoid complications.
With the right treatment, the infection is easy to clear. Therefore, you can lead a happy and healthy life. Take the necessary precaution to kick the infection from your life.