Candidiasis

June 2, 2021Articles4

Candidiasis is a common vaginal yeast infection.

A healthy vagina contain bacteria and some yeast cells.As the balance of bacteria and yeast changes, the yeast cells can multiply which causes intense itching, swelling and irritation of vagina and the vulva.

Vaginal candidiasis affects upto 3 out of 4 women at some point in their lifetimes. Women experience atleast 2 episodes of this infection to occur.
A vaginal yeast infection isn’t considered a sexually transmitted infection still there’s an increased risk of vaginal yeast Infection at the time of first regular sexual activity. The infections may be linked to mouth to genital contact (Oral-genital sex).
Symptoms –

1• Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva
2• burning sensation, especially during intercourse urinating
3• Redness and swelling of the vulva
4• Vaginal rash
5• Vaginal pain and soreness
6• Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance
7• Watery vaginal discharge
Causes –

A specific kind of yeast called Candida albicans causes most yeast infections. The fungus Candida is a naturally occuring microorganism in the vaginal area.

Lactobacillus bacteria keeps its growth in check.
But if there’s an imbalance in your system, these bacteria won’t work effectively.This leads overgrowth of yeast, which causes the symptoms of candidiasis
Risk factors –

Several factors can raises the risk of a yeast infection, including –
1• antibiotics, which decrease the amount of good bacteria Lactobacillus in the vagina
2• pregnancy
3• uncontrolled diabetes
4• poor eating habits, including a lot of sugary foods
5• weak Immune system
6• hormonal imbalance near your menstrual cycle
7• stress

7• lack of sleep
Prevention-

Vaginal candidiasis can be prevented by avoiding following –
1• Tight fitting panty
2• Douching, which removes some of the good protective bacteria from vagina
3• Scented feminine products, like bubble bath,pads and tampoons
4• Hot tubs and very hot baths
5• Unnecessary antibiotic use
6• Staying in wet clothes, Such as swimsuits and workout attire, for longperiods of time.

Diagnosis –
To diagnose a yeast infection, your doctor may-
1• Ask questions about your medical history
2• Perform a pelvic exam
3• Test vaginal secretions
Treatment-
Over the counter antifungal creams, ointments as suppositories (with mi- conazle or clotrimazole ) are the most common ways to treat simple yeast infections.These can take from 1-7 days.

Doctor may also prescribe a single-dose pill with fluconazole for you to take.
If you’re pregnant, it is safe to use creams or suppositories, but avoid the fluconazole you take by mouth.
Possible treatment for severe or complicated yeast infections include-
1• 14 day cream, ointment, tablet or suppository vaginal treatment
2• two or three doses of fluconazole
3• long term prescription of fluconazole taken once a week for 6 weeks or long term use of a topical antifungal medication
If your infection is recurring, you may also want to see if your sexual partner has a yeast infection. Remember to use barrier methods, such as condoms, when having sex if you suspect either of you has a yeast infection.
Ayurvedic Perspective-
Candida toxins affect all there doshas – Vata, Pitta & Kapha.Ayurvedic treatment for candidiasis-vaginal yeast infection is a 5 step process –
1• Restoration of Agnimandhya
2• Rebuild Ojas
3• Destroy the infection
4• Detoxification
5• Promoting immunity
Beneficial herbs-
1• Garlic –

2• Turmeric –

3• Neem-

4• Guduchi –

5• Ashwagandha–

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