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Definition:
This is a vaginal infection caused most commonly by the fungal organism Candida albicans.
Alternative Names
Yeast infection – vagina; Vaginal candidiasis; Monilial vaginitis
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Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Anything that disturbs the normal balance of yeast and bacteria or the pH (acid/base) level in the vagina can create ideal conditions for yeast to grow uncontrolled. The normal vaginal environment can be upset by something as simple as the wearing of tight jeans or nylon underwear. The risk of yeast infections is also increased by hormonal changes during pregnancy, by the use of birth control pills or spermicides, or by diabetes
Candida albicans is a widespread organism with worldwide distribution. It is normally found in small amounts in the vagina, the mouth, the digestive tract, and on the skin without causing disease or symptoms (approximately 25% of women without disease symptoms have this organism present).
Symptoms appear when the balance between the normal microorganisms of the vagina is lost, and the Candida albicans population becomes larger in relation to the other microorganism populations.
This happens when the environment (the vagina) has certain favorable conditions that allow growth and nourishment of Candida albicans. An environment that makes it difficult for the other microorganisms to survive may also cause an imbalance and lead to a yeast infection.
Yeast infection may follow a course of antibiotics (particularly tetracycline) that were prescribed for another purpose. The antibiotics change the normal balance between organisms in the vagina by suppressing the growth of protective bacteria that normally have an antifungal effect.
Infection is common among women who use estrogen-containing birth control pills and among women who are pregnant. This is due to the increased level of estrogen in the body. The increased hormone level causes changes in the vaginal environment that make it perfect for fungal growth and nourishment.
Yeast infections may also occur in association with diabetes or problems that affect the immune system (such as AIDS or HIV).
Vaginal candidiasis is not considered a sexually transmitted disease. However, 12% to 15% of men will develop symptoms such as itching and penile rash following sexual contact with an infected partner.
Close attention should be paid to episodes of vaginal candidiasis. Repeat infections that occur immediately following therapy, or a persistent yeast infection that does not respond to therapy, may be the first or, at least, an early sign that an individual is infected with HIV.
Both males and females with HIV infection who have developed AIDS may be subject to disseminated infection with candida, including oral candidiasis (in the mouth), esophageal candidiasis (in the esophagus), and cutaneous candidiasis (on the skin).
Symptoms:
Abnormal vaginal discharge
Ranges from a slightly watery, white discharge to a thick, white, chunky discharge (like cottage cheese)
Vaginal and labial itching, burning
Redness of the vulvar skin
Inflammation of the vulvar skin
Pain with intercourse
Urination, painful
Signs and tests:
A pelvic examination will be performed. It may show inflammation of the skin of the vulva, within the vagina, and on the cervix. The examining physician may find dry, white plaques on the vaginal wall.
A wet prep (microscopic evaluation of vaginal discharge) shows Candida.
Treatment:
Generally, the first incidence of yeast infection should be treated by your health care provider. After the first infection, if a second infection occurs and is unquestionably a yeast infection, self-treatment may be initiated with over-the-counter vaginal creams such as miconazole or clotrimazole. Persistent symptoms should be evaluated by your gynecologist or primary health care provider.
Cranberry juice and yogurt are two foods that may help prevent the occurrence of yeast infections and aid in their treatment.
Medications for vaginal yeast infections are available in either vaginal cream/suppositories or oral preparations. The use oral preparation should be avoided during pregnancy.
Expectations (prognosis):
The symptoms usually disappear completely with adequate treatment.
Complications:
Chronic or recurrent infections may occur. This may be from inadequate treatment or self-reinfection.
Secondary infection may occur. Intense or prolonged scratching may cause the skin of the vulva to become cracked and raw, making it more susceptible to infection.
When to Call Your Doctor :
Call your health care provider if symptoms are unresponsive to self-treatment with recommended vaginal creams, or if other symptoms are present.
If you experience any of above symptoms for the first time.
If vaginal discharge has a strong, foul-smelling odor, or is tinged with blood.
If symptoms don’t disappear in five days despite treatment.
If the yeast infection returns within two months.
Reminder: If you have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before taking supplements or alternative medication.
Herbal Remedy:
YOU can fight yeast infection with symptoms that include a weakened immune system, constipation, diarrhea, headaches, bad breath, rectal itching, impotence, mood swings, memory loss, canker sores, heartburn, acne, night sweats, itching, stopped-up sinuses, burning tongue, white spots in the mouth, white spots on the tongue, vaginitis, kidney problems, bladder infections, mood swings, depression, fatigue, arthritis, adrenal exhaustion, hyperactivity, hypothyroidism, diabetes with these herbs from Mother Nature’s medicine chest:
Coral calcium with trace minerals, maitake mushroom, garlic extract, pau d’arco, una de gato extract, quercetin.
Prevention:
Avoid persistent and excessive moisture in the genital area by wearing underwear or pantyhose with cotton crotches, and loose fitting slacks. Avoid wearing wet bathing suits or exercise clothing for long periods of time, and wash them after each use.
Supplement Recommendations:
Vitamin C
Dosage: 1,000 mg 3 times a day.
Comments: Reduce dose if diarrhea develops.
Echinacea
Dosage: 200 mg 3 times a day.
Comments: Use in a cycle of 3 weeks on, 1 week off, for recurrent infections; standardized to contain at least 3.5% echinacosides.
Acidophilus
Dosage: 1 pill twice a day orally or as a suppository.
Comments: Get 1-2 billion live (viable) organisms per pill. Can insert oral pill into vagina; discontinue after 5 days.
Bifidus
Dosage: 1 pill twice a day.
Comments: Use a supplement that contains 1-2 billion live (viable) organisms per pill.
FOS
Dosage: 2,000 mg twice a day.
Comments: Use in combination with acidophilus and bifidus.
Tea Tree Oil
Dosage: Insert suppository into vagina every 12 hours for 5 days.
Comments: Available in health-food stores.
Vitamin A/Calendula
Dosage: Insert suppository into vagina every 12 hours for 5 days.
Comments: Available in health-food stores.
Click to learn more about Vaginitis
Natural Yeast Infection Remedies Are Perfect Yeast Fighters
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Vaginal yeast infection
Cure East Infection Holestically
Ayurvedic Treatment Of East Infection
Homeopathic Medicine for East Infection
MotherNature.com – Yeast Infection
Alternative remedies for Yeast Infection And Other Forms of VaginitisÂ
Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies.
Sources:
Your Guide to Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs,
www.healthline.com
http://www.herbnews.org/candidiasisdone.htm
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