The most common symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection is itching in the vaginal and/or vulvar area. This can include the clitoris and the perineum (the area between the vagina and the rectum). In some women the entire pubic region may be itchy. There may be redness and swelling of the vulvar area. Additionally there may be a vaginal discharge, which is usually whitish and can have a cottage cheese like appearance. However, you may have a yeast infection even without a noticeable discharge. If the infection is severe there may be burning and pain, especially with intercourse.

 

It is very important to have a proper diagnosis of your condition. Some other infections of the vagina, especially Chlamydia and gonorrhea, as well as strep infections may cause identical or similar symptoms. You need to be treated professionally if you have these infections as they can cause severe complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease. PID may cause obstruction and scarring of the fallopian tubes and subsequent infertility. So make sure to get a check-up before you treat.

 

 

Vaginal yeast infections are caused by a fungal organism called Candida albicans. It is a common organism that can live on virtually all of the mucus membranes in the body, including the vagina and the intestinal tract. A candida infection of the mouth is known as thrush and not uncommon in infants as well as in people with severely compromised immune systems, such as AIDS patients. Candida can also live on the skin in moist dark places, such as under the breasts or on the buttock in infants wearing diapers.

 

Candida is present in virtually everyone, not causing symptoms at low levels, but it can overgrow under certain circumstances. The most common reason for overgrowth is antibiotic use. The antibiotic, perhaps taken for a cold or a bladder infection, not only kills the bacteria causing the infection but also the friendly bacteria in your body, known as probiotics and including such organisms as lactobacillus acidophilus and lactobacillus bifidus. Antibiotics do not kill yeast organisms though, who normally live in a state of competition with the friendly bacteria. If the friendly bacteria are wiped out by the antibiotic the yeast organisms have a lot more room to grow, and grow they will.

 

 

Candida yeast lives on simple carbohydrates, meaning sugars, and anything that tastes sweet to you will also be loved by those little critters. Being that most North American consume an average of 150 pounds of white sugar a year as well as a lot of other sweets such as juice, fruit, honey etc, it is not surprising that 75% of women have had yeast infections.

 

Candida infections are also partially controlled by the immune system. Anything that weakens immune system function, including other infections, especially HIV, poor lifestyle, chronic stress, the use of cortocosteroids, low thyroid function and others, may increase your risk of developing yeast infections. If you have chronic recurring yeast infections those factors need to be ruled out. I have often seen women with low thyroid function have chronic yeast infections which would not respond to any anti-yeast medications until the thyroid was treated. Pregnancy and the use of oral contraceptives can also increase your risk of yeast infection as the hormonal changes alter the vaginal environment.

 

 

Once you are properly diagnosed and other factors are ruled out here are a few things you can do to help yourself. First of all, the yeast needs to be treated systemically as well as locally. If you only treat the vagina and not the rest of the body, it will always come back.

 

Please read about the natural treatment of vaginal yeast infections in our next newsletter.

 

Dr. Anke Zimmermann, ND