INTRODUCTION
More than 75 percent of women across the world experience vaginal yeast infection at one or the other point in their lives. Many of them suffer from recurrent infections that disrupt their confidence, comfort, and so much more. The right way to prevent and deal with problems is by creating awareness of them. This article provides you with all the basic details regarding yeast infection.
WHAT IS VAGINAL YEAST INFECTION? WHAT CAUSES YEAST INFECTION IN FEMALES?
Vaginal yeast infection is a kind of fungal infection that compromises the well-being and health of the vagina as well as the vulva. The other name for the problem is Candidiasis. Microorganisms are always present in our bodies. Infections like these result from the Rapid growth of the microorganisms on the skin. In mild to moderate cases, the infection is cured within a period of 10-14 days. However, in severe cases, the period of recovery may increase.
HOW DOES A YEAST INFECTION DEVELOP IN A FEMALE BODY?
There is always a healthy balance of both bacteria and yeast in the vagina. The one and only estrogen, a female body hormone, helps a bacteria called lactobacilli to fight harmful microorganisms in the vagina. This helps in maintaining the overall health of the female reproductive system. If, for some reason, the balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina is altered, for example, due to a change in the levels of estrogen or etc., a fungus called candida develops. This causes yeast infection in and around the vagina. Hormones are not the only factor that can give rise to yeast infection in the body; it is just one of the many.
1. Unhygienic sexual intercourse
2. Uncontrolled diabetes
3. Use of vaginal sprays
4. Consumption of antibiotics
5. Use of douches
6. Lack of personal hygiene
7. Weak immunity system
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF YEAST INFECTION?
As a female suffering from a vaginal yeast infection, you may experience a variety of symptoms. They, as well as intensity, vary from person to person depending upon the severity of the infection. In the case of this particular fungal infection, symptoms are mostly limited to the female reproductive system. They are as follows:
1. Unbearable itching in the private parts
2. Redness
3. Burning sensation during urination
4. Swelling of the vulva
5. Rashes
6. Soreness
7. Watery vaginal discharge
8. Pain during sex
9. Thick and odor free vaginal discharge
HOME REMEDIES FOR THE INFECTION
May sound a little skeptical, but home remedies have been proven useful in the treatment of the infection. These work marvelously in mild to moderate cases of vaginal yeast infection. These home remedies mostly involve common ingredients and items found in the household.
1. Massaging of coconut oil in the affected region
2. Eating and applying Greek yogurt
3. Applying diluted tea tree oil on the affected area
4. Consuming a vitamin C-rich diet
5. Take an apple cider vinegar bath
6. Consume garlic in meals
7. Applying diluted hydrogen peroxide
MEDICAL TREATMENT OF YEAST INFECTION
Medical treatment becomes a must if the infection gets severe. In such a situation, relying on home remedies is not sufficient for relieving the symptoms of yeast infection. The diagnosis of the problem is very easy. It involves inquiry about the current health conditions, some other personal details, etc. It is followed by a physical examination of the external region. Then comes the pelvic examination. Just like any other fungal infection treatment, treatment for vaginal yeast infection is also dependent on the diagnosis.
1. For mild to moderate yeast infections, a three-day medicine regimen is what is mostly suggested by doctors. The medicine may include ointments, tablets, or capsules. Miconazole and butoconazole are a few of the common medicines.
2. For severe cases of yeast infections, long treatments are suggested. They generally continue for up to 2 weeks. They may involve the application of ointments, oral medicines (tablets), or suppositories. The doctor may also prescribe fluconazole for the long term. The dosage may vary depending on the various criteria.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Is a vaginal yeast infection a sexually transmitted disease?
No! Vaginal yeast infection is not considered to be an STD. It may, however, spread
through sexual intercourse. This does not mean that women who aren’t sexually active cannot suffer from this infection.
2. Are intimate washes helpful in curing yeast infections?
They cannot cure yeast infection. However, they can help in maintaining hygiene, which is an important criterion for preventing further aggravation of the infection.
3. What is the color of vaginal discharge in a female suffering from a yeast infection?
In severe yeast infections, the color of vaginal discharge may change from being white to whitish-grey. Moreover, the discharge becomes thicker and clumpy.
4. What can be the reason for recurring yeast infections?
If you are sexually active, maybe it’s your partner who is the source of infection. If you are not, consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis of the problem.
CONCLUSION
Yeast infection is a common problem in women. While it may not be fatal, it can disrupt the smooth functioning of life, which is why one should opt for the right treatment to get rid of it as soon as possible. Also, yeast infections in and around the vagina can be a reason for hyperpigmentation in the region, which can create self-complexity. While it is still not that big of an issue, it is still better to prevent it if one can. Therefore, one must adopt such lifestyle practices that can potentially eliminate the cause of vaginal yeast infection.
