A vagina is a home to several bacteria and fungus. Yeast (a kind of fungus) also lives in the vagina in small numbers. Lactobacillus bacteria keeps a check on the growth of the yeast in the vagina. However, for various reasons the yeast outgrows the good bacteria, resulting in vaginal yeast infection. It is also termed as Candida Albicans. Other names for this infection are ‘vaginal candidiasis’ and ‘vulvovaginal candidiasis’.
It causes inflammation, intense itchiness and a thick, white discharge from the vagina. A mild infection can be cured within a few days by applying an antifungal cream or through an oral antifungal drug. Severe infection will require longer treatment.
Symptoms of a Vaginal Yeast Infection
The most common symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection, include:
- Itching
- Burning sensation in the vagina during urination or sex
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Soreness
- Rash
- Whitish thick vaginal discharge
A severe infection will show signs of redness, swelling around the vagina and cracks in the wall of the vagina.
Who is at a High Risk of Getting Vaginal Candidiasis?
The following women are more likely to get a vaginal yeast infection:
- Pregnant women
- Women using hormonal contraceptive (such as birth control pills)
- Women who have diabetes
- Women with a weakened immune system (for instance, women with HIV, women on chemotherapy or steroids)
- Consumption of antibiotics, which disturb the balance of good bacteria in the vagina
- Poor lifestyle, imbalanced diet, and sedentary lifestyle
- Including a lot of sugar in the daily diet
How to Diagnose a Vaginal Yeast Infection?
It is important to see a doctor for a pelvic examination. The symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection bear close resemblance to a urinary tract infection or sexually transmitted diseases. So, it gets imperative to see a doctor for correct diagnosis and treatment.
Mild Yeast Infection: A mild infection can be treated by a short antifungal treatment. It could be in the form of a cream, ointment, tablets, and suppository which is inserted into the vagina.
Luvena Vaginal Moisturizer and Lubricant contains prebiotic ingredients and enzymes. Its application helps restore the vagina’s pH level, thereby, treating a fungal infection.
Severe Yeast Infection: A severe infection calls for a longer treatment of a stronger oral or topical medication. Women with recurrent or persistent infection may require multiple oral doses.
Likewise, the Organyc Feminine Intimate Nature Wash can be used to clean the vaginal area. It has surface active agents derived from organic raw material which keep the skin protected and moisturized.
How to treat Yeast Infection through Home Remedies?
Home remedies can prove to be effective in treating a mild yeast infection.
- Probiotic (yogurt, supplements, and suppositories): The good bacteria in the vagina keeps a check on the disease-causing microbes such as Candida. By consuming probiotics in a daily diet, a good balance of the good bacteria can be maintained. Probiotic supplements can also be consumed. Probiotic suppositories are also known to maintain a healthy vaginal flora.
- Boric acid: Boric acid is a powerful antiseptic. Boric acid vaginal suppositories are effective against vaginal yeast infection. When applying directly to the vagina or vulva, it should be mixed with water. This is because of its toxic nature.
- Essential oils: The oil of oregano has antifungal properties. Essential Oils should be inhaled as a part of the aromatherapy. It is usually diluted in carrier oils, such as olive oil or sweet almond oil and inhaled through a diffuser.
- Coconut oil: With its antifungal properties, topical application of coconut oil on the vagina and vulva can fight against yeast infection.
- Tea tree oil: Because of its antifungal properties, suppositories containing tea tree oil can treat vaginal fungal infections. It is also known to maintain healthy levels of the vaginal good bacteria.
- Apple cider vinegar: Vinegar bath is highly recommended for treating vaginal fungal infections. This is because of its acidic nature. However, vinegar douching of the vagina should be avoided as it flushes out both good as well as bad bacteria.
- Garlic: Even though there is no scientific evidence, garlic cloves when placed in the vagina are known to cure yeast infections. Consuming more garlic in the diet is also beneficial in this regard.
- Hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide has antiseptic properties. Topical application on the vagina in a diluted form helps in treating yeast infections.
- Vitamin C: An essential immunity system booster, Vitamin C should be an integral part of the diet. A strong immune system, in turn, helps the body maintain a healthy balance of the good bacteria. Vitamin C also has antimicrobial properties. Hence, its vaginal suppositories can be used against yeast infections.
How to Prevent Vaginal Yeast Infections?
Certain key preventive measures, when adopted, will definitely keep a check on vaginal yeast infections.
- The vaginal area should be kept clean and dry. Use of unscented soap is recommended for cleaning it. It should be cleaned from front to back so as to avoid spreading of any infection from the anus to the vagina.
- Cotton underclothing should be used. It should be clean and dry and changed on a daily basis.
- Tight fitting bottoms should be avoided.
- Wet clothing, such as swimsuits, should be removed at the earliest possible.
- Menstrual hygiene should be observed. Sanitary pads or tampons should be changed often.
Thus, vaginal yeast infections can be avoided as well as treated at-home by following certain basic remedies. However, any prolonged symptom calls for attention and should be treated by a doctor.
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