Vaginal yeast infection: causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention

 Vaginal yeast infection: causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention

What is candidiasis or candidal vulvovaginitis?
The candidiasis , also known as candidiasis vulvovaginitis is an infection caused by different types of candida fungus, the most frequent Candida albicans. It is a fungus commonly present in the intestinal and vaginal flora of women that causes infection when it reproduces in an accelerated way.

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It is very common in women of reproductive age and the most common symptoms are genital itching and burning, vulvar redness, discomfort when urinating, pain or discomfort during intercourse, and whitish-looking vaginal discharge (something similar to yogurt).

Vaginal yeast infection: a very common infection

What are your causes?
The causes that can cause vaginal yeast infection to proliferate uncontrollably are:

• Changes in vaginal pH (making it less acidic)
• Hormonal changes (pregnancy, use of hormonal contraceptives, menopause)
• Changes in bacterial flora (recent use of antibiotics)
• Decreased immune system (people with HIV, cancer, diabetes, obesity)

What symptoms of candidiasis can alert us?
The most frequent symptoms are:

• Itching (itching) and genital burning
• Vulvar redness
• Discomfort when urinating
• Pain or discomfort during intercourse
• Lumpy whitish-looking vaginal discharge (similar to yogurt)

 How is it transmitted?
It is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, since it can be suffered without having had sexual intercourse, although when a woman has a yeast infection she can transmit it to a man through oral and / or vaginal sex. In this case, the infected man may, in turn, transmit the infection to another person through oral / vaginal sex.

What tests are done to detect yeast infections?
Symptoms and a gynecological examination are sufficient for diagnosis most of the time , although if a confirmatory diagnosis is desired, vaginal discharge samples can be examined directly under the microscope or a sample taken with subsequent culture in the appropriate medium.

How is this vaginal infection treated?
Treatment is generally topical through the use of vaginal ovules and antifungal creams. Oral treatment is also possible, although it is more aimed at recurrent infections that need long-term treatment.

Is the cure final?
It is possible that the infection reoccurs so it is essential to regain the balance of the vaginal flora as soon as possible through the use of drugs called probiotics, and to maintain it.

What steps can we take to prevent candida infection?

• Fundamentally,
• Eat a healthy diet
• Avoid underwear that is not cotton as well as excessive humidity in the area (not tight underwear, do not stay in a wet bathing suit)
• Special care with intimate hygiene when cleaning after urination and intercourse (cleaning from front to back)
• Do not use non-specific intimate soaps or douches (the usual vaginal flora is eliminated, favoring the proliferation of candida)