Candidiasis is a fungus infection caused by candida or yeast (a type of fungus) called candida albicans.
Candida lives in the body or on the skin without any problem, but becomes an infection when it grows out of normal. Vaginal candidiasis occurs when candida multiply and causes an infection in the vagina, when the environment inside the vaginal changes in a way that encourage its growth. It is also called vulvovaginal CANDIDIASIS, or vaginal yeast infection.
SYMPTOMS
– Vaginal itching or sores
– Pain during sexual intercourse
– Pain or discomfort during urinating
– Abnormal vaginal discharge
– Redness, swelling and cracks in the wall of the vagina.
RISK AT GETTING VAGINAL CANDIDIASIS
– When pregnant
– Use of hormonal contraceptives
– Having a weakened immune system (having HIV infection or taking medication that weakens the Immune system such as steroid and chemotherapy
HOW TO PREVENT VAGINAL CANDIDIASIS
– Wearing of cotton underwear might help reduce the chances of getting the yeast infection
– Reduce the intake of drugs that reduce the immune system
– Taken antibiotics can lead to vaginal candidiasis so take the antibiotics only when prescribed
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
Healthcare providers usually diagnose the vaginal CANDIDIASIS by taken a small sample of vaginal discharge to be examined under a microscope or it is send to laboratory for a fungal culture. However, a positive fungal culture doesn’t always mean that cadida is causing the symptoms because woman have candida without having any symptoms
TREATMENT
Treatment of vaginal CANDIDIASIS is by taken antifungal Medicine
– Apply antifungal pessary inside the vaginal for 3 – 6 days depending on the strength and type of the drugs
– Use of oral antifungal drug of fluconazole 150mg as a single dose
– Use of clotrimazole cream to be applied on the vulva to stop itching and burning sensation
– For reoccurrence – use of 150mg of fluconazole every 72 hours for first 3 dose and take 150mg every week for 6 month
– Give an immune booster to increase the immune system and to hasten treatment
– Take cranberry multivitamin to increase nutrients and as an antioxidant to lower the risk of UTI and to boost the immune system.
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR VAGINAL CANDIDIASIS
Greek yogurt
Boric acid
Probiotics and supplements
Coconut oil
Tea tree oil
Apple cider vinegar
Garlic
Vitamin C
Here’s a list of the top 10 foods to avoid:
Gluten
Dairy
Sugar
Coffee/Black tea/White tea
Dried fruit with a high glycemic index
GMOs
Meats especially non-organic
Peanuts and pistachios (mold forming)
Alcohol
Ketchup/salad dressings/barbecue sauce (high sugar content with additives). Make your own instead.
Here’s a list of the top 10 foods to add:
Strawberries
Blueberries
Blackberries
Green apples
Lemon
Lime
Raspberries
Green leafy vegetables
Non-starchy vegetables, such as beets, sweet potatoes, yucca, green banana, plantain
Walnuts
SUMMARY:
Vaginal yeast infection, also called Candidal vulvovaginitis, is a common fungal infection very common in women. It causes inflammation, irritation, itching, and vaginal discharge.
The vagina normally contains a healthy balance of bacteria and yeast. The hormone estrogen helps bacteria called lactobacilli to grow.
These bacteria kill harmful organisms in the vagina and keep you healthy. But when something happens to tip that balance, a fungus called candida can grow out of control and cause a yeast infection.
Symptoms of vaginal yeast infection include:
Itching, burning, or irritation of the vagina or vulva, which is the tissue surrounding the vagina.
Pain or soreness in the vagina or the vaginal opening.
Vaginal burning with intercourse or urination.
A thick, white, odourless discharge that resembles cottage cheese, or a watery discharge.
Rash
Causes Of Vaginal Yeast Infection
There are many reasons you could get a yeast infection, including:
Hormones:
Changes during pregnancy, breast-feeding or menopause (or if you’re taking birth control pills) can change the balance in your vagina.
Diabetes:
If your diabetes is not well-controlled, the increase in sugar in the mucous membranes (moist linings) of your vagina can create a place for yeast to grow.
Antibiotics:
These drugs can kill off many of the good bacteria that live in your vagina.
Flavoured condoms:
Originally invented to better oral sex experience, they are not meant for vaginal sex. Flavoured condoms contain sugar in them which can create issues for your vagina. This sugar level in condoms can affect the pH level of the vagina and even lead to a yeast infection.
A weakened immune system:
If you are HIV-positive or have another immune system disorder, the yeast may also grow uncontrolled.
Sex:
Though a yeast infection is not considered a sexually transmitted infection however it can be passed from person to person through sexual contact.
Over-the-counter antifungal creams, ointments or suppositories (with miconazole or clotrimazole) are the most common ways to treat yeast infections. These can take from 1 to 7 days.
If you think you have a yeast infection, then see your doctor before treating yourself. The symptoms of yeast infections are similar to other, more serious conditions, including sexually transmitted infections.
