“Curing Female Yeast Infection”

A Candida infection or “yeast infection” of the vagina is the most common type of Female Candidiasis.  Because the vaginal environment is both warm and moist, it is optimal for the overgrowth of a yeast infection which is normally found in very small amounts inside the vagina.  Under normal conditions, the vaginal environment is dominated by Lactobacilli and other bacteria that make organic acids, such as lactic acid, which keep the environment acidic and suppress the growth of Candida.

Certain bodily conditions, however, can alter the vaginal environment and can precipitate the overgrowth of a female yeast infection in and around the vaginal area:

• Diabetes or pre-diabetes: (also known as glucose intolerance) can cause a sugary environment which provides nutrients for Candida to proliferate.  Research has shown that normal women with recurrent vaginal Candidiasis have a 25% greater glucose level in their blood and are heavier, on average, than those who don’t get recurring yeast infections.
  
  
• Antibiotics: they are also associated with the development of secondary Candida infections.  Recent research indicates that broad-spectrum antibiotics that kill off many different bacteria are the most likely to cause secondary vaginal Candidiasis.
  
  
• Steroid use: such as the use of prednisone for inflammatory disorders, affects the body’s immune response to Candida, thus promoting its growth.
  
  
• Hormonal Imbalance: Hormones can precipitate the growth of Candida and be a factor in developing vaginal Candidiasis.  The peak time for the occurrence of Candida vaginitis in women is during the week prior to the onset of menses.  Birth control pills can increase the risk of this type of infection.
  
  
• Tight, synthetic clothing: These dont allow the vaginal area to breathe, therefore increasing the incidence of localized sweating and the risk of developing Candida vaginitis. 
  
  
• Condoms: Condoms with nonoxynol-9 in the lubricant can affect the vaginal environment in such a way that Candida growth is promoted.
  
  
• Commercial douches: These can reduce the numbers of Lactobacilli by flushing the healthy bacteria out of the vaginal environment.  Perfumes in these products can disrupt the health of the vaginal lining, giving Candida a chance to grow.
  
  
• Intercourse: Sexual transmission of Candida not very common because male penile Candidiasis is unusual in normal men.  However, if a woman who is sexually active also develops vaginal Candidiasis repeatedly, treating the partner’s penis with local anti-fungal therapy is a wise decision.
  
  
• Diet: Diet can affect the development of vaginal Candidiasis, especially if the diet is very high in sugar.  Sugar, as mentioned, is a preferred nutritional source for Candida. 
  
  
• Compromised immune system: Immune deficiency due to AIDS, a congenital immune deficiency or other cause of immune failure can give Candida the edge it needs to proliferate in the vaginal tissues, resulting in infection.

The signs and symptoms of vaginal Candidiasis are generally so specific to the condition that special tests for Candida in the vagina are often unnecessary.  Women with this condition describe intense vaginal itching and a sensation of burning inside and around the vaginal area.  Examination of the area often reveals reddened, inflamed vaginal tissue and the presence of a thick, whitish discharge.  The infected vaginal area smells like yeast—the same smell that can be noticed by smelling bread or beer.

The treatment of vaginal Candidiasis can be either simple or complex.  An isolated case of vaginitis related to, for example, a single course of antibiotics, can be treated by using a one-time dose of an anti-fungal cream or vaginal suppository.  This can be done with or without the concomitant ingestion of Lactobacillus, a probiotic, which helps recolonize the entire body, including the vagina, with healthy replacement bacteria.

In complicated cases such as vaginal Candidiasis associated with pregnancy, diabetes or situations where the vaginitis is recurrent, the treatment can become more complex and prolonged.  For example, research shows that vaginal Candidiasis in pregnancy should be treated for at least seven days in order to affect sustained relief.

In diabetics, in those with an immune deficiency or in those with hormone-mediated vaginal Candidiasis, the emphasis must be on both the treatment of the current infection as well as on the prevention of recurrences, the rate of which is high in these kinds of people.

Again, the allopathic approach is of a longer course of local anti-fungal therapy and the taking of oral anti-fungal prescription medicine.

Recurrent vaginal Candidiasis involves changing the focus from treatment to preventing reoccurrences. The emphasis on prevention means eliminating risk factors such as wearing tight-fitting synthetic clothing, consuming a high sugar diet and avoiding, if possible, the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. 

If the vaginal infection is recurrent, the sexual partner needs to be treated as a possible source of re-infection and given anti-fungal therapy as well.  One recent research study found that a weekly dose of fluconazole (an anti-fungal medication) helped reduce the rate of recurrent vaginal Candidiasis.

Certainly, home remedies can be considered in those wanting inexpensive relief in uncomplicated cases.  Plain yoghurt containing live cultures of Lactobacillus acidophilus can be used as an intra-vaginal douche in an attempt to recolonize the vagina naturally.  Peeled garlic cloves inserted into the vagina have shown anti-fungal properties. 

Vaginal applications of tea tree oil, boric acid or potassium sorbate (soaked into a tampon) can provide relief.  Gentian violet swabbed in and around the vagina is helpful as an anti-fungal agent as well.  Finally, douching with diluted forms of hydrogen peroxide or vinegar can create an acidic environment in the vagina, one which does not favor Candida overgrowth.

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