Vaginal yeast infections are one of the most common ailments affecting millions of women all around the world. A vaginal yeast infection is nothing to be embarrassed about.
It is believed that most women are likely to experience a vaginal yeast infection at least once in their lifetime. It could indeed be an uncomfortable condition due to itchiness, redness, and swelling caused in the vaginal area. Moreover, you also have to struggle with yellowish, thick vaginal discharge throughout the course. Still, you should know that it is easy to diagnose and treat vaginal fungal infections. Let us help you understand all about the causes of vaginal yeast infection and vaginal fungal infection treatment.
What is Vaginal Yeast Infection?
As a woman, you might experience vaginal yeast infection or vaginal fungal infection several times throughout your life. While these infections are quite uncomfortable, they are fairly common. A vaginal yeast infection is characterized by redness, itching, burning, and a white or yellowish discharge from the vulva and vagina.
Yeast infections in the vagina are caused by an element already present in your body -a fungal family or yeast, also known as ‘candida.’ Yeast is a variant of fungus. On the other hand, candida is a type of yeast. Candida tends to be balanced with the entire ecosystem of your body at most times. Therefore, there is no problem with your vulva or vagina in such a case. However, as soon as the balance gets disrupted, the yeast starts growing rapidly. You can get a yeast infection this way.
Vaginal yeast or fungal infections are also referred to as vaginal candidiasis or vulvovaginal candidiasis. A vaginal fungal infection is regarded as a variant of vaginitis -a condition accompanied by vaginal swelling, pain, and abnormal discharge. There are different types of vaginitis. However, vaginal yeast infection is the most common one.
Vaginal Yeast Infection Symptoms
Our vagina usually contains a healthy balance of yeast and bacteria. The hormone ‘estrogen’ is responsible for helping grow a type of bacteria known as ‘lactobacilli.’ The bacteria help kill other harmful organisms within the vagina, keeping it healthy. However, when something tips off
the balance, a fungus named ‘candida’ starts developing uncontrollably -leading to a yeast infection in the vagina.
Some of the common symptoms of frequent yeast infections could be redness, itchiness, and swelling of the vulva or vagina. However, some women might experience additional symptoms as well, including:
- Burning or pain while peeing
- Redness, burning, swelling, and itchiness of the vulva and the
- Pain and discomfort during intercourse
- Discharge of a thick, white or yellowish discharge -just like cottage cheese
- Tiny cracks or small cuts in the vulva’s skin as the skin is too fragile in the region
- Soreness or rashes around the vulva and vagina
- Watery discharge from the vagina
If you feel that you have a vaginal fungal infection, you should consult a doctor before you opt for self-treatment. The symptoms associated with vaginal yeast infections are quite similar to other complicated conditions, especially bacterial vaginosis (overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina) and sexually-transmitted diseases. Therefore, a precise diagnosis of the condition and its symptoms can help you get the right vaginal infection treatment.
Yeast Infection Causes
The fungus named ‘candida albicans’ is the primary source of most vaginal yeast or fungal infections. Your vagina has a natural balance of yeast (including candida) and bacteria. Specific bacteria like ‘lactobacillus’ help in the prevention of overgrowth of yeast or candida in the vagina.
However, it is common for this balance to be disrupted due to several reasons. Penetration of the fungus or an overgrowth of candida within the deeper layers of the vaginal cells can lead to symptoms and signs associated with vaginal yeast infections or other common problems.
The overgrowth of candida can be due to the following reasons:
- Uncontrolled diabetes -when diabetes is not under control, the increase in sugar levels in the mucus membranes or moist linings of the vagina creates a place for promoting yeast overgrowth
- Pregnancy
- The use of antibiotics can cause imbalances
- A disturbed immune system -if you have HIV or other immune system-related problems, the yeast might start growing in an uncontrolled fashion
- Taking hormonal therapy or oral contraceptives -responsible for increasing estrogen levels
- Hormonal imbalance in the menstrual cycle
- Stress
- Vaginal sprays or douches -responsible for changing the balance in the vagina
- Intercourse -while vaginal yeast infection is not a sexually-transmitted disease, it can still be passed from one individual to another through physical contact
If you have frequent yeast infections or face issues while eliminating vaginal yeast infections with traditional treatment, the reason might be a different type of Candida. A lab-based test can help in identifying the type of Candida or yeast responsible for the condition.
How are Vaginal Yeast Infections Diagnosed?
It is simple to diagnose common yeast infections like vaginal fungal infections. When you visit the doctor, he or she might inquire about your medical history. You have to provide information on whether or not you have had vaginal yeast infections before. They might also inquire if you have any STI or Sexually-transmitted Disease.
The next step involves a professional pelvic examination. The doctor will go ahead with examining the cervix and vaginal walls. They will also inspect the surrounding areas of your vagina to diagnose any external signs of infection.
Based on what the doctors have observed, the next step might involve collecting cells from the vagina. These cells will go to the lab for more examination. Lab-based tests are usually for women experiencing frequent vaginal yeast infections or fungal infections that do not go away soon.
The combination of the symptoms and lab-based results on your samples will allow your healthcare provider to understand the type of yeast infection you currently have. This also enables the healthcare provider to offer insight into the best way to treat the infection.
Vaginal Yeast Infection Treatment
Yeast infections are different from each other. Therefore, depending on your symptoms and diagnosis, the doctor will come up with the best vaginal yeast infection treatment possible for your condition. Treatments are usually determined based on the overall severity of the symptoms.
Simple Infections
For common yeast infections, the doctor might prescribe a regimen of ointment, anti-fungal cream, suppository, or tablets for a duration of 1-6 days. The medications can be available OTC or through prescription.
You can take the medication as prescribed by the doctor and schedule a follow-up if symptoms persist after one month.
Complex Infections
The healthcare provider might opt for a different treatment option if your symptoms are more complicated or severe, including:
- Having more than four yeast infections within a year
- Severe swelling, redness, or itchiness leading to tears or sores in the vaginal tissues
- A weakened immune system or uncontrolled diabetes
If your infection keeps recurring, you should analyze whether or not your sexual partner has an infection. You can also think of utilizing barrier practices -like using condoms while having intercourse if you have any doubts.
How Does Medication Work?
In some cases, the doctors might prescribe OTC or prescription medication to help you with the condition. If you are in search of a safe, reliable, and effective medication for treating vaginal yeast infections, then you can try out Nutra Grace BC Caps Gelatin Capsules -the ultimate capsule for vaginal infection.
BC Caps feature a healthy blend of 500mg of Neem Oil in Gelatin capsules. It is a natural and safe alternative to other OTC yeast infection insert capsules available. This insertion medicine for yeast infection contains Neem Oil which serves the role of a natural vaginal disinfectant and helps treat chronic vaginal infections.
It has been clinically proven that the insertion of two BC Caps capsules in the vagina on a daily basis before going to bed can help treat multiple kinds of vaginal problems. With BC Caps, you can be assured of effective vaginal infection treatment without any side effects.
How Should I Use This Medication?
2 BC Caps capsules are to be inserted into the vagina before going to bed for around 15 days
-depending on the severity of your infection.
Conclusion
Yeast infections in the vagina are common occurrences. However, prompt and effective treatment can minimize the severity of uncomfortable symptoms in a few days. It is important to understand your risk factors to prevent future infections.