Category Archives: Yeast Infection Causes

Yeast Infection Causes

Candida and the Leaky Gut Syndrome Connection

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Many people who have yeast infections, particularly those where it keeps recurring, take many years, sometimes never, to realize that their yeast infection is only one aspect of myriad health problems. This is because, for the most part, many of those symptoms seem so distinct from one another it is difficult to see how they can be symptoms of one particular illness.

Leaky gut syndrome is the more commonly used phrase for intestinal permeability. It is an illness which occurs when the wall or lining of the intestine is damaged and allows for toxins, bacteria and larger particles of food to pass through into the blood stream where they would normally be restricted.

Although you may be thinking, ‘what has this got to do which my yeast infection?’ the real answer is, quite a lot! This is because yeasts, and Candida albicans in particular, can both contribute to leaky gut syndrome and be an effect of it.

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Something which starts out as an apparently ‘simple’ matter of an overgrowth of Candida albicans which may be triggered by something as innocent as taking antibiotics, results in several effects: In addition to Candida causing possible external symptoms such as athlete’s foot or vaginal yeast infection, the organism also internally releases a compound known as acetaldehyde. Although in smaller quantities this is not a problem for the body, when amounts increase it can cause problems with the ‘seals’ of the intestinal wall which are known as the ‘tight junctions.’ These seals are in place precisely to prevent foreign bodies or toxins escaping into the blood stream because many problems can them be caused throughout the body. When the tight junctions fail then not only can foreign bodies move into the blood but so too can the Candida albicans and this means it can set up all kinds of reactions anywhere in the body.

One major problem relating to particles traveling through the intestinal wall is the reaction of the immune system. Because many of these particles are actually molecules of food which would, if they passed through normally when they were fully digested, be recognized as acceptable by the immune system, instead become ‘invaders’ of the blood stream. This means that the body starts to recognized certain food types as being damaging rather than necessary and food sensitivities are the end result.

The other reactions, as many people diagnosed with leaky gut syndrome will substantiate, are multiple. Not only does the immune system overreact resulting in multiple autoimmune conditions which are now becoming common, such as autoimmune arthritis, but also inflammatory bowel disease, various skin conditions including psoriasis and, as you might have guessed, systemic Candida overgrowth. In other words a Candida infection which is not limited to a certain area of the body, but one which may appear in any corner where it might wish to set up home. This makes it even more difficult to eradicate, and when treatment is effective, the dead cells release even more toxins and acetaldehyde when they decompose.

This then overloads the detoxifying organs of the body such as the liver and further problems and symptoms can result.

Now you can really see why Candida albicans can be both cause and effect when it comes to leaky gut syndrome and why it is doubly important to eradicate it not only effectively but also in a controlled manner.

When it comes to yeast overgrowth and leaky gut syndrome, as with many other illnesses, prevention is always preferable to cure. Remember that many, apparently innocent everyday practices can result in what is known as gut dysbiosis. This is where the microflora of the gut no longer work in harmony together but when one inhabitant becomes dominant and starts to cause problems. In the case of Candida albicans, although it normally inhabits not only the gut but many other areas of the body both internally and externally without causing any problems, when it becomes dominant the resulting effects can be devastating to the human body.

Antibiotics, NSAIDS, oral contraceptives and even many over-the-counter antacids, can contribute to triggering gut dysbiosis and Candida overgrowth. In turn this can result in not only digestive upset and fungal infections but ultimately leaky gut syndrome which causes systemic illness because the blood stream becomes a transport mechanism for many foreign particles throughout the body.

Where you can, avoid overusing both prescribed and over-the-counter medications. And, although I’m certain you have heard it many times before, preparing your own organic foods is infinitely more preferable to buying in commercially produced goods. Also remember that if you start to suffer digestive disturbances, which are often the first sign of dysbiosis, look into having it treated early rather than leaving it until the problems have become chronic.

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Male Yeast Infection Causes

Causes Of Male Yeast Infections

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Although it is usually the ladies who are accused of having a loving of chocolate, in my experience the gentlemen are equally as fond of the sweet stuff – and I don’t just mean chocolate. Many men are equally as fond of cookies, sweets, ice-cream, cakes and desserts. Tie that in with their taste for not only beer, but also other forms of alcohol, and you have a Candida problem in the making!

In fact in some cases the fact that many men are already driven by cravings for sweet stuff is a strong indication that they already have a Candida overgrowth. My father spent many years and an awful lot of money trying to find out the cause of his distressing digestive issues before he discovered the work of Dr William Crook who finally unveiled the mystery for him. Meanwhile it wasn’t just him who had to suffer from his offensive gas, stomach rumbling, constant belching and rather odorous feet – we all had to live with it!

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Yet despite the fact that many men do suffer from Candida it is often perceived as being a disease only women get. Usually this is related to the notoriety of vaginal thrush, rather than it being founded in any kind of fact, but it does mean that many men out there have health issues which simply are not being looked in to.

In reality men can be just as susceptible to Candida as women and there are many other reasons, in addition to the sweetie fest, why this might be so. For instance, just as many men use antibiotics as women and this particular drug is now renown for initiating yeast overgrowth. Men too often have sexual relations without going through an adequate personal hygiene regimen, tending only to think of, if anything, the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. They also might work in jobs which require wearing heavy, dirty overalls for long periods and are certainly more inclined to put themselves, and their bodies, through extremes of physical exercise without giving themselves enough recovery time.

Yet all these things can contribute to either initiating a Candida overgrowth or aggravating an existing one.

Exercise and Candida

One of the main areas of concern but which receives little attention when it comes to Candida is that of over-exertion or stress. When it comes to thinking about stress most people automatically consider the mental or emotional kind, but the body can also be subject to physical stresses which need to be resolved with just as much consideration as psychological stress.

For example, when we over exert our body, we lower our levels of immunity and increase the chance of fatigue of our adrenal glands. Because yeast infections, and particularly Candida albicans, is opportunistic then when our immunity is low this often leaves us open to overgrowth. Adrenal fatigue also runs hand in hand with low cortisol levels, which results in a cyclical effect, reducing the efficiency of the immune system and allowing the Candida to overgrow and cause even more problems.

Men, particularly those who participate in regular physical exertion, simply must appreciate that they need to give their bodies time to recover before moving on to the next gym session or marathon trek. Once you know you have reached burn-out point then you have gone too far and are leaving your body open to disease that it simply isn’t strong enough to fight.

Sweeties, Snacking and Junk Food

Most men raid the refrigerator because, like it or not, they are ‘snackers.’ Yet late night raids or out-in-the-open binges can lead to problems a lot more severe than simply increasing your waistline. Junk food and particularly that which has sat around overnight and then been quickly and inadequately heated in the microwave, carries loads of spores which simply transfer straight into your digestive system. And, although it isn’t just junk foods which are the problem, snacking foods tend to be loaded with sugars of all varieties, which junk foods obviously are. Molds and sugars are Candida favorites too, so the more you feed down to them the happy they are to grow and colonize your digestive system.

Have you noticed that although you always had a sweet tooth and snacking habits, the problem is getting worse? Could your urges now be described as cravings? If so it is more than likely that you already have a yeast infection which will soon, if it hasn’t already, present itself as uncomfortable digestive disturbances, or even externally as Athlete’s Foot or Jock Itch.

If you haven’t already cut back on the sweets, alcohol, snacks and junk food then start right now. One of the best ways to rid yourself of Candida and improve your health generally is to begin starving those yeasts into submission. Then make sure you wash and dry your genital region properly on a regular basis, particularly if your occupation entails you wearing coveralls for long periods. If you participate in sports, particularly those which utilize a lot of energy and push you to burn-out, then remember that burn-out is your body telling you that you’ve gone too far. Take time out to rest and recover and when you go back to your exercise regimen then make sure it is one designed to keep you healthy rather than make you ill. After all, that is generally speaking the whole point of exercising in the first place! Canxida Remove is recommended for those with moderate to severe cases.

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Male Yeast Infection Causes

Male Yeast Infections Can Involve The Prostate Gland

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Unfortunately many of the problems associated with yeast infections are somewhat cyclical and here I will identify two issues that cause many men problems, and which also at first glance, can result in a condition which appears distinct from yeast infection.

I have found that many men who suffer from prostate problems are subsequently identified as also suffering from a yeast infection. Although these may appear to be conditions which are entirely unrelated this is not in fact true. In men, any yeast which is collected by the penis can travel up the urethra and settle in the prostate which resides at the top. This may result in the man not developing significant symptoms of a yeast infection, but he can show signs of prostatitis. Obviously, if this condition is treated without the possibility of a yeast infection being investigated, then the prostatitis will recur. And, again obviously, this is a condition which is very worrying to a lot of men.

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Unfortunately the way in which a man can contract a yeast infection is if his partner has it. And, if the partner is not treated for a yeast infection, then the man will be reinfected when having sexual intercourse. Here we end up with a course of events which is cyclical because for the man it results in constant recurring prostatitis – and for which the true source of the problem, his partner’s infection – remains forever untreated.

Because the vagina is a perfect environment for yeast organisms, then if you are a man suffering from prostate problems, or indeed if you are a woman whose partner is suffering from prostate problems, then one avenue to investigate is the possibility that the female in the relationship may have a yeast infection. By clearing up this infection and also any which has been transferred to the male, the prostate problems may well also diminish.

The other issue which causes cyclical prostatitis relates to that of alcohol. In my experience when it comes to men, beer is the major causation. Often men who drink beer will find they suffer not only from recurring prostatitis but also from jock itch.

Although there has been much debate about the relationship between alcohol and yeast infections, over the years I have seen many cases of both yeast infections and prostatitis clear up once a patient has ceased, or at least substantially reduced, beer intake. Beer is more conducive to yeast infections because of the amount of yeast, sugar and alcohol left in the beverage compared to other drinks, although in women wine seems to be compatible to encouraging yeast overgrowth.

Despite the fact that some recent research studies conclude that alcohol intake and prostatitis are not linked, there have been substantial studies that indirectly lead to an alternative conclusion. This relates to the number of people who have a high alcohol intake suffering from gut dysbiosis (alteration of gut microflora) and leaky gut syndrome. Since gut dysbiosis often involves Candida overgrowth and this yeast infection can travel up the urethra to affect the prostate, then I think this certainly puts the no link research into question. Certainly though it would appear that there is a link between prostate cancer and alcohol intake, so, yet again, it seems that studies are not as conclusive as they may currently appear to be. Personally I believe the relationship between alcohol, dysbiosis, yeast infections and prostate problems in general is worthy of a lot more investigation. There are far too many contradictions and indirect links to simply confine this situation to a back drawer.

However the route to better health in this situation seems clear and certainly in my experience I have seen many patients experience significant improvements in prostate problems if this course of action is taken and it is certainly better than consistently treating yeast and/or prostate problems which will only recur if the source, alcohol, is still ingested:

If you or your partner have a substantial alcohol intake and either suffers from symptoms of yeast overgrowth or prostatitis, then both should look at following this plan:

Cut down on the alcohol and, if possible, cut it out completely. Then both should get either checked out for a yeast infection or simply assume this could be the cause and move on to remedying the problem naturally. This is basically achieved by making amendments to diet and lifestyle. If the health of both improve, and, of course this should happen because even taking the issue of alcohol consumption in isolation many negatives will be resolved, then often the prostatitis issues will also be remedied.

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Male Yeast Infection Causes

Yeast Infections Are Common In Beer Drinkers

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There is now a lot of emerging research linking alcohol consumption not only to many digestive dysfunctions including various forms of dysbiosis, but also to Candida directly.

Fermented Yeasts

One of the major issues which we are currently aware of when it comes to Candida infections is that of the amount of live yeasts in beer. Although most alcoholic drinks are fermented products, meaning most of the yeast is converted to alcohol, the case is not the same with beer. Both wines and spirits have most of the yeast brewed out of them and some are distilled so any remaining live yeasts are killed, but often with beer much of the live yeast remains. This means that every time you have a drink of beer live yeasts are being added to your digestive tract which already brimming with them – in short, you are adding fuel to the fire.

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Acetaldehyde

So, when it comes to alcohol in general and beer in particular there are several problems. One of the biggest relates to alcohol being broken down in the liver by a specific enzyme which converts it into something called acetaldehyde. This is then broken down further by another enzyme into acetate and this is then used to fuel cells. Sounds good, yes? The problem arises though when too much alcohol is introduced to the liver and there are not enough enzymes to convert it. Then you have surplus acetaldehyde knocking around, which is definitely not a good thing. This is because excess acetaldehyde actually contributes to damaging the tight junctions of the intestinal wall – the situation which results in leaky gut syndrome – and there are plenty of studies around to prove it like this one here https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2614138/.

There is also evidence that Candida too produces acetaldehyde. So now you have a double whammy when it comes to this compound alone because not only does the liver have to deal with the excess produced by Candida overgrowth but also from the alcohol which has been introduced.

So, when it comes to alcohol and beer in general, you have several problems, that of yeasts, acetaldehyde and Candida acetaldehyde if you are unlucky enough to have an accompanying overgrowth. But when it comes to beer the problem is even worse. As I explained above beer is full of live yeasts, and, unless it has been pasteurized, there are no beers free of yeasts and this contributes to the excess already in the gut. But beer is also full of sugars, which feeds the yeasts.

You got it. Beer is a fun-fest for Candida! It’s basically an open invitation to the overgrowth to start dominating your digestive tract.

Prostate Problems?

Yet many men suffer from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP) or prostititis, which, when alcohol consumption and beer in particular is stopped, then reverses. Of course is it always necessary to establish why your prostate is causing you discomfort, but in many cases of BHP test results will come back negative for any findings even when the patient is still suffering symptoms.

In this case it is often best to restrict alcohol and beer consumption, to zero if possible, and simply assess the situation for yourself.

Although often you will see conflicting advice regarding beer consumption and prostate function, there can be little doubt now that alcohol in general results in gut dysbiosis (most alcoholics have this condition in research studies) and we know that it can cause leaky gut. We also know that live yeasts are prevalent in many alcoholic drinks and most certainly in beers and in larger quantities and the effects can be more damaging, when it comes to dysbiosis, than other types of alcohol.

If you are a beer drinker and are suffering prostate problems and these are also appearing in combination with the more general indicators of Candida overgrowth such as bloating, indigestion, excessive gas and flatulence, then there is an obvious decision to be made. Will cutting out the beer improve your symptoms?

Women and Beer

Of course women too can be beer drinkers, and, although the prostate problem is gender specific, if you are a female drinker and are suffering any symptoms of Candida overgrowth, the outline above gives you a very good indication of how much damage you are initially causing to your digestive tract. Of course, these problems extend outside of the intestine but if leaky gut develops then your problems could clearly become systemic.

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No matter how much or how little you drink, there is one strong indicator that your body is unable to cope with the amount of acetaldehyde you are producing – a hangover. If you suffer from hangovers, either as a regular or casual drinker, then make a mental note that a hangover is the metabolic response to excess acetaldehyde and already your digestive tract could be damaged. Although it might not be written in stone anywhere, a hangover can be a very good reminder that you are injuring your body, and not simply for the duration of the hangover symptoms, but quite possibly permanently.

Female Yeast infection Causes

3 Main Causes Of Vaginal Inflammation

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In this article I will cover the three main causes of vaginal inflammation, something I have seen people get wrong all the time. There is also a lot of bogus information on the topic on other blogs. I hope this article will answer all your questions; vaginal inflammation causes, symptoms & treatment.

What is vaginal inflammation (vaginitis)?

Vaginitis is, by definition, inflammation impacting the vagina. Inflammation in this sensitive area can cause additional symptoms, including itching, discharge, soreness, and pain during urination, pain during intercourse, or minor instances of bleeding or spotting. It can affect women of all ages. Apart from these physical issues, vaginitis can result in loss of days from school or work, issues with sexual functioning and with self-image.

Vaginitis is a quite common. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynacologists, almost one third of all women will have vaginitis sometime in their life. As reported in 1991 by Kent from USA, more than 10 million visits to the physician and 10% of the total outpatient visits in the USA annually are due to vaginitis.

While a yeast infection is a type of vaginal inflammation, there are several different types of vaginitis. A lot of women who have discharge and feel itchy automatically assume they have a yeast infection, but that’s not always the case. A 2002 study by Ferris and colleagues from USA showed that 50% of women who self-diagnose and use OTC anti-fungal product for treatment do not have yeast infection. It’s therefore important to identify what type of condition you are actually suffering from so that you can get the correct treatment right away.

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What are the causes?

There are three main types of vaginitis – Atrophic vaginitis, Irritant vaginitis, and Infectious vaginitis. While atrophic and irritant vaginitis both are physiological and non-infectious types of vaginitis, infectious vaginitis involves infection by a microorganism. Let us look at the three major causes in a bit more detail.

1. Atrophic vaginitis: This is caused by a decrease in estrogen. Estrogen keeps the tissues of vagina well lubricated and healthy – it stimulates the lining of vagina to produce a clear, lubricating fluid. If there is a reduction in levels of estrogen, the vaginal tissue shrinks and becomes thinner and there is vaginal dryness. This can make the vagina more prone to inflammation and also more prone to other infections including yeast infections.

Low estrogen levels are common in postmenopausal women or women who have undergone hysterectomy (surgical removal of uterus) or oophorectomy (surgical removal of ovaries). Medicines or hormones used in treatment of endometriosis, breast cancer, fibroids or infertility can also lead to a drop in levels of estrogen. Other reasons for low estrogen levels can be radiation treatment to pelvic area, chemotherapy and severe stress, depression or intense exercise.

Symptoms of atrophic vaginitis include vaginal dryness, vaginal itch or burning sensation, painful sexual intercourse and light bleeding after sexual intercourse.

Based on your age, symptoms and medical history, your doctor may suspect atrophic vaginitis and will perform a pelvic examination to check for thinning of vaginal lining and signs of redness. Other biochemical tests may also be performed on the vaginal discharge to rule out other types of vaginitis.

Atrophic vaginitis can be prevented by using a water soluble vaginal lubricant – this will prevent painful sexual intercourse and inflammation from occurring. Regular sexual activity can also help prevent the symptoms as it improves blood circulation to the vagina which maintains the health of vaginal tissue.

Conventional treatment will generally include a vaginal estrogen cream which will be prescribed and monitored by your doctor. Go and see your naturopath or herbalist if you want a more natural (and side-effect free) option here. You do not necessarily need to take synthetic hormones to get a good result with atrophic vaginitis.

2. Irritant vaginitis: Irritant vaginitis is often caused by just that – some sort of irritant. You may be sensitive to a chemical you are using or you may be having an allergic reaction to something you’ve come into contact with. This can be caused by a number of chemicals or physical agents, including your tampons, the chemicals in scented feminine hygiene products, the type of personal lubricant you’re using, or even the harshness of the chemicals in the detergent you’re using to wash your undergarments. Majerovich, Canty and Miedema from Canada published a case study in 2010, where they found the patient with chronic vulvar irritation was sensitive to bleached toilet paper.

Symptoms of irritant vaginitis include red, painful or itching vulva, and increased vaginal discharge. As it often affects the vulva as well, it is often mistaken for yeast infections.

If both, atrophic and infectious vaginitis, are ruled out in your case, think about the personal hygiene products that you use. Try to find the culprit by changing to a different product. This type of vaginitis can usually be resolved with a few lifestyle changes. Some women find it helpful to wash their underwear separately from other clothing, with a special detergent with fewer chemicals (for example, those for sensitive skin or allergies). Others use natural oils instead of chemical lubricants. Many switch to cloth pads and organic tampons. You should talk to your physician or naturopath about the changes that might be best for your situation.

3. Infectious vaginitis: Infectious vaginitis is any type of vaginitis that comes from some sort of infection – fungal, bacterial, or otherwise. These include gardenerella (a bacterial infection), any type of virus, STDs (like chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis), and vaginal yeast infections. More than 90% of infectious vaginitis cases are related to bacterial vaginosis (BV), fungal infections (candidiasis) and parasitic infections (trichomoniasis). Of these three, BV is the most common cause.

Normal vaginal ecosystem is important for vaginal health and a disruption in this ecosystem changes the microbes that normally live in the vagina, changes the vaginal pH and makes one prone to infectious vaginitis.

The cases of infectious vaginitis I see are often trickiest. This is where most women end up assuming they have a yeast infection instead of going to a doctor to be checked out. This is why it is important to know the difference between infectious vaginitis to be able to make an educated guess about what kind of infection you might be having before you go and buy OTC products for self-medication.

a) Bacterial vaginosis (BV) related vaginitis: This is caused when the normal lactobacilli in the vagina are replaced by bacteria like Prevotella, Mobiluncus, Gardernella, Ureaplasma, Mycoplasma etc. According to Centers for Disease Control (CDC), BV is the most common vaginal infection in women between the age of 15 and 44. CDC mentions that having a new sex partner or multiple sex partners and douching can upset the bacterial balance in the vagina and increase the risk of getting BV. BV is not considered an STD but having BV can surely increase the chances of getting STDs.

If you have BV and have symptoms (BV sometimes is asymptomatic), your symptoms may include thin discharge, odor, pain, itching or burning in or outside the vagina. You may experience a strong fish-like odour especially after sexual intercourse and burning when urinating.

For diagnosis, your doctor/healthcare provider will examine the vagina for signs of BV and perform diagnostic tests on the vaginal fluid to check if it indeed is BV that you are suffering from. They will check for the tell-tale signs of BV that include homogenous, thin white discharge; epithelial cells of the vagina studded with bacteria (clue cells) seen under the microscope; increased pH of vaginal fluid; and fishy odour of the discharge before or after adding 10% KOH (whiff test)

BV sometimes goes away on its own without any treatment, if you have continued symptoms, it is important that the condition is treated especially if you are pregnant or the symptoms are particularly bothersome. Treatment is especially recommended for pregnant women as they have increased risk of preterm birth if BV is not treated. CDC does not recommend treatment of non-pregnant women with BV unless the symptoms are severe and bothersome. This is because treatment for BV with antibiotics can increase the risk of vaginal candida infections.

If needed, following the guidelines of CDC, you may be prescribed a course of the antibiotic metronidazole for oral or superficial application or clindamycin cream for application. You must remember that the infection may recur even after the treatment.

There are no OTC products that you can use for treating BV by yourself apart from lactobacillus and cranberry suppositories that have been found to be useful in treating BV. Using OTC antifungal agents can actually make the BV worse according to Cleveland Clinic.

According to Cleveland Clinic, best ways to prevent BV are not yet known. However, it is recommended that you do not smoke or use alcohol or drugs; practice safe sex and limit the number of sexual partners; and clean and maintain hygiene of any sex toys. It is also recommended to maintain an overall good health by having a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and managing stress levels. A recent 2015 study by Modarres and colleagues from Iran found in their placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial that treatment of vitamin D deficiency can be an effective method for eliminating asymptomatic BV. Thus vitamin D deficiency does seem to play a role in BV by impacting the immune system. It may therefore be important to find out your vitamin D levels and if low, increase your exposure to sun or take an oral dose.

b) Trichomonas vaginitis: This is caused by the parasite trichomonas that can infect the vagina. This is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) and can be transmitted by a man to a woman or by a woman to a woman through sexual intercourse. Infected people even without symptoms can pass on the infection to their sexual partner. According to CDC this is a very common but easily curable disease. Older women are more likely to be infected with trichomonas as compared to younger women.

Almost 15-20% of all vaginitis is trichomonas vaginitis, however, it is underdiagnosed due to lack of confirmatory testing. Nearly 70% people infected with trichomonas do not have any symptoms. Others may have symptoms that develop 5-28 days after infection while some others may take even longer (up to 6 months) to show any symptoms. Symptoms of trichomonas vaginitis include itching, burning, redness or soreness of vagina, burning during urination, thin discharge that can be clear, white, yellowish or greenish and may have an unusual smell. It can also cause painful sexual intercourse.

Your healthcare provider will need to run some laboratory tests to diagnose trichomonas vaginitis because of a couple of reasons as described by Petrin and colleagues from Canada in 1998:

  • all the classic symptoms are not always observed
  • the symptoms may be similar to symptoms in other STDs

Trichomonas vaginitis can be treated with a single dose of the antibiotic metronidazole and thus is rather easy to cure if diagnosed correctly. While I do not recommend antibiotics there are cases when a small dose can get rid of the issue, just make sure to take probiotics. I recommend CanXida Restore for at least 3 months.

Untreated tricomonas vaginitis increases the risk of getting other STDs including BV as was described in 2002 by Moodley and colleagues from South Africa. Cotch and colleagues from USA showed in 1997 that this infection in pregnant women increases the risk of preterm delivery and the babies are likely to have low birth weight.

As this is an STD, it can be prevented by taking safe sex precautions like using condoms – however, CDC mentions that as condoms do not cover everything, it is possible to get this infection even with condom use. So, avoiding sex entirely or talking to a new sexual partner about STDs and making informed choices about the risk you take are the only other options.

c) Candida vulvovaginitis: As the name suggests, this type of vaginal inflammation is caused by an infection with the yeast, candida. Almost 20-25% of all vaginitis is candida vulvovaginitis which is not considered as an STD.

Candida lives normally on the skin, mouth, gut and vagina without causing any problems. When the normal ecology of the vagina is somehow disrupted or there are issues with your immunity or hormones, you get prone to vaginal yeast infection where there is an excessive growth of candida. It occurs more frequently and in a more severe form in people who have a weakened immune system. Being pregnant, having diabetes, using antibiotics over long term and use of corticosteroid medicines puts you at higher risk for this condition.

When you have four or more episodes of candida vaginitis in a year, it is known as recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) or chronic candida infection. There are a number of factors which can make you susceptible to RVVC which includes behavioural factors apart from infection with resistant types of candida (for example, Candida glabrata), inadequate treatment, diabetes, lower glucose tolerance, recent antibiotic use, estrogen use, and immunosuppressive therapy. Behavioural factors include practice of douching, contraceptive practices like use of diaphragm, spermicides, or intrauterine devices. However in many cases there may not be an obvious reason.

Itching of the vulva is the most common symptom of candida vulvovaginitis. You may have a thick, white, curd-like vaginal discharge. There usually is redness, irritation and you may have painful urination and sexual intercourse. In severe cases, there may be swelling and fissure formation. As the symptoms may be very similar to other genital infections, it is important to get a proper diagnosis in order to get the correct treatment.

Physical examination and symptom study alone are not sufficient to diagnose this condition due to similarity with other genital infections. Microscopic examination of the discharge which reveals abnormally large numbers of yeast cells and filaments is diagnostic of candida vulvovaginitis. A negative KOH whiff test will make sure that the infection is not bacterial.

You can prevent this condition by doing the following:

  • Maintain good hygiene (of course without douching as douching is not good for the natural ecosystem of the vagina)
  • Wear cotton underpants – always. This will ensure proper aeration of the genital area and not let sweat accumulate in the area. Candida is a fungus and likes to grow in moist, warm areas and you want to avoid this
  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet and include enough sunshine in your daily routine. This will help boost your immune system in general and reduce your risk of developing these infections
  • If you are prone to RVVC, CDC suggests that taking oral or intra-vaginal probiotics may help prevent frequent infections.

The most commonly prescribed treatment for candida vulvovaginitis is antifungal antibiotics. However there are a few issues with this:

  • Some types of candida are increasingly becoming resistant to antifungal agents like fluconazole and echinocandins as is showed by data collected by CDC
  • Long term usage of antifungal creams may also make candida resistant to their effect
  • There is evidence from a large study in 1999 by Spanish and Dutch scientists – Rodriguez and colleagues – that azole drugs like fluconazole when taken orally can cause acute liver injury. So, apart from causing side-effects like nausea diarrhoea etc., these drugs can actually harm you.

What then are your options then, if not the pharmaceutical antifungal agents? The best would be to use natural antifungal agents. Mondello and colleagues from Italy showed in 2006 that a component of tea-tree oil is effective even against candida that was resistant to azole antifungal agents. A tea-tree oil based cream will be effective against candida without causing the problem of resistance. Coconut oil has antifungal properties, so including it in your diet as well as its use in external application can be useful. You can read more about the antifungal effects of coconut oil here. You can also use various natural baths to help ease the itching and pain. You can read more in details on these baths here. Canxida is a good oral alternative as it provides many benefits against candida without any serious side-effects. For best results canxida should be combined with a good well-balanced candida diet and lifestyle changes.

If left untreated, symptoms which can cause significant discomfort can persist. There is also a risk of passing the infection to your sexual partner.

Finally, here is a table that provides you an overview of the different types of vaginitis, the symptoms and diagnosis as compared to normal.

Normal Candida vulvovaginitis Bacterial vaginosis Trichomonas vaginitis Atrophic vaginitis Irritant vaginitis
Discharge None or mild; clear to white Thick; white; curd-like Thin; milky white; adhering to vaginal walls; foul smelling (fishy) Frothy; grey or yellow-green; foul smelling
(70% non-symptomatic)		 None; vaginal dryness instead Increased discharge
Vaginal pH 4.0-4.5 4.0-4.5 Higher than 4.5 5.0-6.0 Higher than 6.0 4.0-4.5
Vaginal Itching No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Vulval itching No Yes No No No Yes
Painful urination No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Painful sexual intercourse No Yes No Yes Yes Maybe
Redness No Yes Sometimes Yes Yes Maybe
KOH Whiff test Negative Negative Positive Often Positive Negative Negative

Some frequently asked questions I get over youtube, skype consultations and through email regarding inflammation.

How do you know for sure you have vaginitis?

Many people live with vaginitis without knowing that they have vaginitis as they have no bothersome symptoms. When you do have symptoms that bother you like the ones described above, you know that you have vaginitis of some type. You can only confirm what kind of vaginitis it is by visiting your health care provider and getting some tests done.

What is the difference between vaginitis vs vaginosis?

Vaginosis is an infection of the vagina by an organism whereas vaginitis is the inflammation caused by an infection of the vagina or due to other reasons like allergy, irritation due to chemicals or dryness of vagina due to ageing and decrease in estrogen levels.

Inflammation is the body’s response to an injury or infection in order to remove the cause. It is a protective response that our body produces and it generally leads to redness, itching, swelling and pain. If the inflammation continues for a long time (which means that our body is failing at removing the threat that started the inflammation in the first place), it starts harming our own cells. Thus, although inflammation is a protective mechanism, prolonged inflammation is harmful to our body.

What OTC options are available?

There are three types of OTC options available. Pharmaceutical azole antifungal creams, anti-itch products and other alternative therapies. The azole creams are meant only for treating candida infection and should never be used for other infections. We have already discussed the disadvantages of using these products in the article.

Anti-itch products contain benzocaine which is a local anesthetics, or external pain-killers like resorcinol, or corticosteroids that reduce itching. These products only relieve minor itching and cannot remove the infection. These creams may sometimes acts as an irritant in some women and worsen their condition.

Corticosteroid creams only suppress the inflammation for a short while after which usually the symptoms return with a vengeance. Long-term use of these is also harmful and use in sensitive areas such as genitals will have higher risk of unwanted side-effects.

As described in the article, other creams with natural contents like tea-tree oil may be useful for candida infections. Suppositories with cranberry extract can be useful against BV. Suppositories and oral tablets with lactobacilli can help against both BV and candida vaginitis as described by Van Kessel and colleagues from USA in 2003 in a literature review. A 2013 study by the Egyptian scientist Ibrahim found comparable effects of metronidazole and commercially available garlic tablets against trichomonas infections and thus found garlic to be a viable alternative to the pharmaceutical antibiotic.

What supplements are good?

You can try Canxida range of products for your viginitis. Canxida products help you fight microbial and parasitic infections and also provide you nutritive support and support for your immune system and thus act in a more holistic manner. Canxida cream is natural cream with antifungal agents which can be used for vaginal yeast infections. Additionally, if you find out that you are deficient in Vitamin D, it will be useful to include Vitamin D supplements as this will improve your immunity and may even help treat the vaginitis.

Can you experience it or have it during pregnancy? (vaginitis during pregnancy)

Yes, vaginitis can occur especially during pregnancy. This is because during pregnancy there are many hormonal changes which can affect your microbial ecosystem in the vagina and make you more susceptible to vaginal infections. Also, during pregnancy your body is undergoing a lot of stress and the immune system does not perform the best leading to higher susceptibility to infections.

What are some good home remedies?

First of all it is important to have a good well-balanced diet that also provides you all the micronutrients that we need for good overall health. The start of any treatment should always be combined with proper nutrition and giving up unhealthy lifestyle. Good nutrition and exercise helps boost the immune system and ensures proper functioning of all systems of our body.

Apart from this, you can try some home remedies for easing the itch and burning sensation that vaginitis/vulvovaginitis may give you. These include good baths with natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar, Aveeno oatmeal, lemon etc.– refer to our comprehensive article on baths here. You may also use a teaspoon of turmeric dissolved in a glass of milk as turmeric is a good antimicrobial agent. Ginger and turmeric both have anti-inflammatory properties and may be useful to consume these to ease your itching and burning.

Can you get it after having sex?

Yes, you can get different kinds of vaginitis after having sex if your partner is infected. This is especially true for bacterial and trichomonas vaginitis and other STDs that cause vaginitis. Rarely, you may also get candida vaginitis from an infected sexual partner.

Is genital warts inflammation same or different?

Genital warts are caused by Human papilloma Virus (HPV) and could be the reason of vaginitis. These are small, skin coloured or pink growths on the labia, at vaginal opening or in and around anus. These are generally asymptomatic, but rarely there may be itching or burning or tenderness in the genital area. If your inflammation is HPV related, you will need to be treated differently.

Related articles:

Is candidal vulvovaginitis a yeast infection?

Yes, it is.

Is vulvovaginitis STD?

No, candida vulvovaginitis is not considered STD although it can sometimes (rarely) be transmitted through sexual intercourse. Rarely, one can transmit candida to one’s sexual partner and they can transmit it to another person they have sexual intercourse with. Similarly, rarely an infected woman can cause vulvovaginitis in her same-sex partner.

Is vulvovaginitis serious?

It depends how bad is your case. It is always a good idea to consult with your doctor.

Is vulvovaginitis contagious?

No, it is not and cannot be spread just by contact.