Yeast infection refers to an infection that is caused by the fungus ‘candida albicans’ and in most instances this term is reserved for the candida infection of the vagina. Although these organisms are free living in many women in the intestine and in the genital region without giving rise to any symptoms, it will precipitate as an infection at least once in their lifetime in about 75% of all women.
Apart from the vaginal infection, candida can also give rise to infections in the skin, mouth, rectum…etc although the commonest form of its presentation would be the vaginal infection.
How does it present?
Women who are suffering from this condition would complain of thick vaginal discharge, uncomfortable itching in the region, pain when engaged in sexual intercourse, burning sensation in the region as well as swelling.
How does ‘yeast infections’ develop?
At a particular acid level in the mucosa of the vagina, the candida would not be able to proliferate and give rise to symptoms whereas in events which alter the acid level can make the candida take the upper hand. Thus, in instances such as surgery, pregnancy, oral contraceptive treatment, steroid treatment, menstruation as well as in diabetes, the environment within the vagina would become favorable towards the organisms.
What treatments are available to cure a yeast infection?
In most instances, an over the counter candida treatment would be sufficient to treat the condition and these may include a vaginal pessary or a tablet or else taking of oral antifungal treatment under your physicians advice. In most instances, these agents would contain medicinal elements such as nystatin, micanozole…etc and as it may not serve the purpose of itching, a separate local application may need to be used.
Apart from the medicinal treatment, several home remedies can also be tried effectively to cure as well as relieve the symptoms associated with the disease.
Among these methods, sitting in a batch which contains a half a cup of vinegar, half a cup of salt and water for about 15 minutes would restore the acid level within the vagina and therefore will make the area not so conducive for the yeast to remain or continue to grow. This should be repeated several times a day during the active infection and can be repeated for a while after the symptoms are relieved.
Inserting garlic wrapped in sterile gauze in to the vagina is another method practiced by certain people and also work in the principles of restoring the acids as well as it may cause toxicity to the organism as well.
Apart from these, there are several other natural remedies which are available in pre-made packs to relieve symptoms of ‘yeast infection’ as well as for long term management of the same in pharmacies such as the ‘vinegar and water solution’.