Category Archives: Yeast Infections and Women

Candida Yeast Infections Affect Women In Many Ways. They Can Have Vaginal Yeast Infections, Digestive Disorders, Skin Infections And Much More.

Female Yeast Infection Diagnosis, Vaginal Yeast Infections

Do I Have A Vaginal Yeast Infection Or Is It Something Else?

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I’ve seen many women over the years who complain of itching, thrush and discharge. Many are uncertain when it comes to understanding exactly what it is they have, and for those women they will find this a useful post. Vaginal thrush infections are caused by yeast infections, Candida vaginal yeast infections are the most common cause of vaginitis and are a cause of huge irritation and inconvenience for many women. Symptoms are itching in the groin area and in and around the vagina especially. Increased discharge is not necessarily present in this condition.

Remember, you are most likely at risk of developing candida fungal vaginal infections (thrush) increases if you:

  • Have diabetes.
  • Are pregnant.
  • Habitually use an antibiotic.
  • Take the oral contraceptive pill.
  • Have a defective immune system.

These are some of the most likely causes, and they may lead you straight into a diagnosis of a vaginal yeast infection. A vaginal yeast infection is almost always caused by a change in the vagina’s acid balance, which leads to an increase in yeast and an over growth. Yeast infections are often seen after a person takes antibiotics. Sometimes however, there may not be an obvious reason as to why a woman has developed a thrush infection. Diagnosis is straightforward however and can be confirmed by taking a swab from the vagina. Conventional treatment is either with pessaries (tablets in the vagina) or tablets by mouth. However could it be vaginal yeast infection or perhaps is it another thing? In just a moment we will look at a chart I put together which outlines the different kinds of vaginal problems you are most likely to experience, and their typical signs and symptoms.

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Suppressive Treatments Don’t Cure Vaginal Yeast Infections

Your doctor may prescribe topical therapies, and the first application may cause burning as you place a cream or vaginal suppository into your vagina. This mode of treatment is very effective and using these conventional methods cures seventy to ninety percent of thrush. But is it really cured, or has this form of treatment just suppressed the yeast because the cause was never addressed?

My belief is that this form of treatment is very suppressive indeed, i.e.; the condition is driven back into the body and because the causes remain untreated and thrush may recur at anytime. I tend to find that many women with endometriosis (and many other chronic “women’s problems”) can relate to having treated their vaginal yeast infection many years ago just like this, with local vaginal treatment and antibiotics, and believe they have “cured” it, only to discover in time that they are diagnosed with endometriosis or some other chronic women’s problem.

The Whole Person Needs Treatment And Not Just Their Vagina

I’ve found from experience that an imbalance in the vaginal micro flora is most always indicative of a similar imbalance in a woman’s digestive tract and further afield. Therefore, when a patient presents to my clinic with a recurrent vaginal yeast infection I always recommend that she follow the entire Candida Crusher Program. If the vaginal is acute and not a recurrent problem however, an isolated instance can effectively be treated locally as I describe below without having to resort to systemic (diet and lifestyle) treatment. But if the problem resurfaces or is chronic, then the Candida Crusher Program is best followed for a complete resolution thrush of the thrush.

But What If It Is Not Vaginal Thrush, What Then?

Here are five other presentations besides vaginal thrush, and it is important that you know what you are dealing with before you commence treatment. As usual, it is always best to seek the help of your doctor when it comes to diagnosis, once a firm diagnosis is made and you know what you are dealing with you will be able to know how to treat it.

1 – Trichomoniasis

Sometimes called “trich”, trichomoniasis is different from the other complaints in that a small organism called a flagellate causes it. It is common to experience an abundant greenish-yellow discharge, an itching which can range from mild to extremely intense and even a strong burning sensation or pain in the vagina. Diagnosis is performed by analyzing a swab of the discharge. Treatment is generally a short course of (strong) antibiotics, after which I recommend to take a powerful probiotic product for four to six weeks thereafter.

2 – Bacterial vaginosis (BV)

This condition is known as gardnerella vaginalis, and is caused by the growth of bacteria that causes the acidity of the vagina to become much more alkaline. Contributing factors are poor hygiene, poor health in general, birth-control IUD use, and in particular the transferring of E.coli bacteria from the rectal area to the vagina due to poor hygiene or sex.

The abundant alkalinity with this condition causes a fishy or brine-like smell and a grey foamy discharge. Diagnosis is carried out once again by analyzing a swab from the discharge, and the treatment is once again a short course of antibiotics.

Bacterial vaginosis is one of three common types of vaginitis (BV, vaginal yeast infection and trichomoniasis), and possibly the most common vaginal infection. Maybe you thought that vaginal yeast infections are the most common vaginal infection, well they are not, because BV is in fact the most common. A link between BV and low levels of vitamin D was discovered in June 2009 and reported by The Journal of Nutrition in The New York Times. My advice is to have a blood test for vitamin D and see what your levels are, you may be quite surprised to know that most of the population are borderline to low in the crucial immune boosting fat-soluble vitamin. Ensure good hygiene with sex, because many cases come from not enough care taken during sex.

3 – Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is an STD (sexually transmitted disease) that is caused by the gonococcus bacteria. You can have gonorrhea without experiencing any symptoms, but some people experience burning pain when urinating. However, gonorrhea is rarely seen these days. Diagnosis is confirmed by analyzing a swab from the cervix, urethra (entrance to the bladder) or back passage. Treatment is with very powerful antibiotics. Sexual partners also need to be traced, screened for gonorrhea and in addition diagnosed accordingly.

4 – Chlamydia

Chlamydia is likewise a sexually transmitted disease and is an unusual cause of vaginitis, because infection often does not produce symptoms unless pelvic inflammatory disease is present. Diagnosis is made by analyzing a sample taken from the cervix or the urethra. Treatment is with antibiotics. Sexual partners should be traced, tested and treated.

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5 – Genital Herpes

Genital herpes (Herpes type 2) is caused by the herpes simplex virus and is almost in all cases a sexually transmitted disease. It is possible to infect the genital area with the virus via contact with a cold sore (herpes type 1, part of the same family). Herpes is seen at the entrance to the vagina as small blisters. The first time a person has herpes, it is common for them to develop a fever, and night sweats may occur, swollen lymph nodes in the groin on the affected side, general discomfort is experienced, urination is painful, and the lips and entrance to the vagina may become swollen and red.

Eventually the herpes infection settles down, and the person experiences flare-ups ranging from very occasionally to very rarely. The skin in the affected area will become more sensitive and signal an imminent case of herpes.

A tingling sensation can be felt and then the blisters may appear which can itch intensely, and may even create a burning sensation if ruptured. It is in the herpes sufferer’s best interests to discover how to improve their health to the point where they rarely experience these flare-ups. In conventional medicine, a diagnosis is made by a doctor based on the appearance and with special swabs sent for analysis. Antiviral treatment is often recommended, but you will find in this case that natural medicine has a lot to offer this patient. In case you have herpes virus, particularly if it’s acute, I personally recommend a course of natural medication solution for at a minimum six to twelve months, simply because, doctors view herpes infections as “incurable” disease requiring a lifetime of drugs in order to suppress the symptoms.

Constant Itching, Vaginal Yeast Infections, Yeast Infections and Women

How To Get Rid Of Persistent Female Itch

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Vaginal Yeast InfectionDo you have a constant itch that is driving you CRAZY?

In certain cases an itch in the private area can be so irritating, and considerably more humiliating to scratch. But if you have ever had a persistent and constant itch of the vaginal region, the urge to scratch it can be overwhelming to say the least!

In many cases, the cause will be found to be a Candida yeast infection. The vaginal area is a key area of a woman’s body to be affected to a yeast infection, and one of the most common symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection is persistent and uncomfortable itching.

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Why An Itch Down There?

It is important to remember that your body is home to many hundreds of different kinds of bacteria, and there are several species of fungi that live in and on the body as well, so it is normal for your body to contain a certain number of Candida albicans yeast micro-organisms. This tiny yeast favours warmth, moisture and darkness to enable it to thrive and multiply, and if the conditions are right, it can and will grow and multiply rapidly and become a real nuisance and embarrassment!

Fungal organisms like Candida typically favor the warmer and more moist areas of the body, especially the genital area, but can also thrive on the feet and under the toenails, under your arms and breasts and even in your ear canals and sinus regions. Candida can thrive particularly well in different parts of your digestive system, and if you have experienced persistent and chronic vaginal itching over a prolonged period of time, it’s likely that you may have a more systemic form of candidiasis that will need a more persistent and prolonged form of treatment to fully eradicate it permanently.

Vaginal Discharge

Many women experience not only persistent vaginal itching, but also experience a white discharge ranging from thin and liquid right through to thick, white and curd-like. An itch along with a discharge of this nature is almost certain to be a vaginal yeast infection. There are many statistics that now show that the majority of women, up to three-quarters, will experience a vaginal yeast infection at some point in their lives, and many will have several recurring episodes.

Vaginal Thrush Causes

But how did this happen, you ask? Why did I get this annoying itch that just won’t seem to go away? It happened for a reason, and will often occur because your immune system became compromised in some way. There will have been stress, lack of sufficient sleep, illness, poor nutrition/poor diet or any one of several causes. Being pregnant or having taken a course (or several) of antibiotics may increase your chances of getting an annoying vaginal yeast infection as well, and there are certain medical conditions like diabetes which will make u=you more prone to a yeast infection as well.

Your Partner May Need Treatment

A women’s yeast infection is not considered to be an STD (sexually transmitted disease), although it can be passed from female to male and back again. A partner can certainly experience redness and itching after having had sexual contact with a woman who has a yeast infection, and for this reason, both partners are best to have treatment if they have have had intimate contact, and one is experiencing a genital yeast infection.

Preventing A Vaginal Yeast infection

To prevent a vaginal yeast infection from occurring, and to prevent it spreading by way of intimate contact, it is best that you follow these points:

1. Reduce or better still, stop antibiotic use. Try to avoid these drugs at ALL costs; they are in my opinion possibly the biggest cause behind many chronic and recurring vaginal yeast infections. If you must take an antibiotic, be sure to remain on a probiotic for several weeks after you have finished with this drug, and consume a natural probiotic rich yogurt regularly.
2. Treat Fungal Infections Promptly. If you know or have been diagnosed with a vaginal yeast infection, then treat it promptly! Don’t let it become chronic and recurrent like so many cases I’ve seen over the years. An acute problem treated NOW has a much better chance of becoming a chronic and most annoying problem that can literally wreck your life
3. Always wipe from front to back. Many cases of vaginal thrush and bacterial vaginosis (even more common than a vaginal yeast infection) can and regularly occur in women who don’t pay heed to wiping carefully after they have been to the bathroom.
4. Avoid perfumed powders or bathroom products. The vaginal area is particularly sensitive to many different kinds of irritants like colognes, sprays and other such artificial products. You should be careful with toilet tissue as well, as some brands contain various chemicals and deodorants.
5. Wear cotton undergarments. Avoid nylon or nylon/cotton blends when it comes to panties or undergarments. Cotton will “breathe”, unlike nylon which can encourage heat and moisture to remain in the vaginal area, encouraging the proliferation of a yeast infection.
6. Keep the area clean and dry. Be sure to shower and thoroughly dry your vaginal area after sports or exertion, and use a hair dryer to keep the area dry. Dryness discourages Candida.

Other Causes Of Constant Itching

There are potentially many other reasons why your vaginal area is itching, you may be irritated by tight clothing or have very sensitive skin. It is also a possibility that you may be having an allergic reaction to soaps, spermicide products or laundry detergents. Vaginal dryness, a common occurrence with peri-menopause or menopause, and this will naturally be more common in women who are in their late forties to mid fifties. A visit to your doctor may determine if “the change” is responsible for this kind of vaginal inflammation. A diagnosis is important if your condition won’t go away, or is chronic, and it therefore makes a lot of sense to have a swab taken to determine if what you are suffering from is in fact a vaginal yeast infection, and not bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, or genital herpes.

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If you can relate to and recognize the signs and symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection, you can certainly treat yourself in the comfort of your own home. But if you are uncertain, or want to know for sure what you are dealing with, then I encourage you to see your doctor for an exam and diagnosis.  You will find Candida Crusher to contain a chapter specifically about chronic vaginal yeast infections, and many women buy this book for this information alone. For more information, please go to the website candidacrusher.com