Your vagina is an important part of your reproductive system. Naturally, it is composed of cells, healthy bacteria and yeast. Your vagina produces a discharge for cleansing itself from the inside out. The consistency, color and smell of the discharge may vary depending upon what stage of your menstrual cycle you are at. Normal discharge is usually a clear white liquid that does not have a strong odor.
This discharge is helpful for keeping away harmful bacteria and for maintaining the balance of the good bacteria and yeast in the canal as well. It also helps remove dead cells. All of this is necessary to keep your vagina healthy and clean. A vaginal infection, whether bacterial or fungal, is known to disrupt the natural balance of organisms inside the vagina, leading to changes in the vaginal discharge. This is usually the first detectable sign of infection. A sexologist in Lahore shared answers to some common questions that arise when vaginal yeast infections are concerned. Let us have a look at those:
What Is Vaginal Candidiasis?
A vaginal yeast infection, commonly referred to as vaginal candidiasis, is a fungal infection of the vagina, caused by a disbalance of the vaginal yeast and bacteria. This may cause moderate to severe itching and burning in the vagina and vulva. Changes in vaginal discharge are also associated with this fungal infection. These are very common in women, especially in menstruating women.
What Does A Vaginal Yeast Infection Look Like?
Some tell-tale signs of a vaginal yeast infection look like itching and burning sensations in vagina and vulval area. The vagina and vulva may swell, and redness can be observed. Urination may be associated with a burning sensation. The most prominent symptom would be the change of your vaginal discharge to a cottage-cheese like consistency. It may be thick and white in color. You may also feel vaginal pain, soreness and rash.
What Are Some Risk Factors Associated With This Infection?
If you are pregnant, have unmanaged diabetes, or a compromised immune system, you are at risk of developing a vaginal yeast infection. When you use a lot of antibiotics, steroids or if you are on birth control pills, your natural hormonal and microbe balance is disturbed which can lead to yeast infections as well.
Using scented feminine hygiene care products, inappropriate intimate hygiene habits and wearing wet clothes for longer periods of time that come into contact with your genitals are important risk factors associated with this. Yeast infections are most common in women with increased estrogen levels.
How Can This Infection Be Diagnosed?
Yeast infections are easier to diagnose. Your healthcare provider may ask some necessary questions such as your medical history, any previous infections you may have had, or if you are sexually active or not.
A thorough pelvic exam including taking a sample of your vaginal wall cells and discharge may be done. Testing may be done to see the cause and type of vaginal fungus to determine treatment options.
Are There Any Home Remedies For Treating This?
Home remedies are effective but not completely. Medical intervention is necessary to combat yeast infections. Some popular home remedies may include using coconut oil, tee tea oil and yogurt. You may increase your intake of garlic as it promotes the growth of good bacteria in the vaginal canal. Taking a bath with some epsom salt is known to alleviate symptoms of a yeast infection, reducing itching and soreness.
What Can You Do To Prevent Vaginal Yeast Infections?
Vaginal yeast infections may be avoided by modifications in your lifestyle. It is necessary not to douche while trying to clean your vagina. The vagina cleanses itself. Douching may actually kill bacteria that are working naturally to control the fungus. Using feminine hygiene products that are unscented will help in prevention as well.
Eating a well – balanced diet that is devoid of sugar, flour, yeast and cheese will help prevent recurrent vaginal infections, as these foods are known to cause candida overgrowth. Apart from a healthy diet, it is necessary to choose the right underwear. It is better to use a cotton one that keeps the genitals well-aired. Avoid wearing clothes that are wet or tight-fitting.
Do Probiotics Help?
As described above, there are good and bad bacteria in your body. Probiotics are important for restoring the correct balance of good bacteria in the body such as the digestive tract, mouth, and vaginal canal. Some women have shared that they are successfully able to prevent yeast infections when they consume some yogurt daily. Probiotics are available in the form of oral powders and ampoules in drug stores. Dietary sources of probiotics may include yogurt and fermented foods such as kimchi, pickles etc. You can also consume probiotic supplements as per your doctor’s recommendations. Read More
What Are Some Treatment Options?
Antifungal medications are available in the market that fight the overgrowth of yeast in the body. These may either be oral (to be taken by mouth) or topical. Over-the-counter antifungals are available but it is necessary not to self-medicate. Your course may differ depending on the severity of the infection. Car Removal Tasmania
Final Thoughts
Vaginal yeast infections are a common issue in women, especially menstruating and pregnant women. It is necessary to seek medical care in case you feel two or more of the above-mentioned symptoms. Self-medication must be avoided. Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial to avoid any serious complications.
