Vaginal Candida: the Causes

Vaginal candida arises when the defense mechanisms responsible for controlling the proliferation of Candida albicans in the female genitals are lacking.

Remember that Candida albicans is harmless to the human body, as long as the immune system of the latter is able to control its proliferation.

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Factors Favoring Vaginal Candidiasis
Several factors can compromise the efficiency of the defense mechanisms responsible for controlling the proliferation of Candida albicans in the female genitals and contribute to the development of vaginal candida; among these factors, the most important are:

• Misuse of antibiotics . The abuse of antibiotics implies the depletion of that part of bacterial flora responsible for regulating the proliferation of microorganisms such as Candida albicans ;
• Bad personal hygiene . The rough drying of the vagina after a shower or a bath creates a humid and warm habitat, ideal for the proliferation of the Candida albicans fungus ;
• Use of poor quality intimate cleansers . Poor quality soaps and shower gels can irritate the vagina and promote fungal multiplication;
• Suffering from immunosuppression . Those suffering from immunosuppression have an inefficient immune system and are therefore predisposed to infections.
• Generally, immunosuppression is a typical problem of: people with diseases such as AIDS (which undermine the integrity of the immune system), those who take  immunosuppressive drugs  (i.e. drugs that lower the  immune defenses ) and the  elderly  (for reasons physiological);
• Suffering from diabetes mellitus . In diabetic individuals , the high quantity of glucose in the blood (high glycaemia) favors the multiplication of the fungus Candida albicans , as it represents, for the latter, an almost inexhaustible source of nourishment;
• Pregnancy . The characteristic increase in estrogen seen during pregnancy predisposes pregnant women to Candida albicans infection .
• Sexual intercourse with an infected person . A woman who has sexual intercourse with a man with candida can develop the same infection, as she is exposed to a large colony of Candida albicans ;
• Sharing the use of towels , underwear or soaps with an infected person ( mixed use of infected objects ). In these circumstances, what is reported on the occasion of sexual intercourse with people with candida is repeated.

 What is Candida and the role of Candida Albicans: a brief review

The candida (or candidiasis ) is a fungal infection (or mycosis ) caused by the fungus Candida albicans . This fungus is naturally present in the human body ; in particular, it loves to live in humid and warm environments, such as the mouth, the throat, the esophagus, the gastrointestinal tract and the genitals (vagina, in women, and glans , in men ).

How Candida Albicans causes Candida
Candida albicans is, in reality, a fungus that is generally harmless to humans, as the so-called " good bacteria " constituting the bacterial flora and the immune system prevent its pathological proliferation.

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However, when these two control systems fail, Candida albicans begins to multiply intensively, giving rise to the condition known as candida or candidiasis.

Mushrooms that behave like Candida albicans - that is, that take advantage of a hostile situation of difficulty - are called opportunistic mushrooms .

 What's this : Definition of Vaginal Candida

The vaginal candida is the fungal infection typically feminine, that results from the uncontrolled proliferation, at the level of the vagina, of the fungus Candida albicans .
In most clinical cases, vaginal candida is not a serious and dangerous health condition for the affected woman.

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Vaginal candida is also known as vulvovaginal candida and vaginal candidiasis .

 Generality:  candida vaginal

The candida vaginal is l ' fungal infection typically feminine, which results from the growth out of control, at the level of the vagina, of the fungus Candida albicans .

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Woman with Vaginal Candida

• Favored by conditions such as the misuse of antibiotics, pregnancy, immunosuppression , diabetes and poor intimate hygiene , vaginal candida is typically responsible for pain and itching in the vulva , pain during sexual intercourse and pain or burning. during urination .
• A physical examination and anamnesis are generally sufficient for the diagnosis of vaginal candida; However, in some circumstances, also we need more extensive diagnostic tests, such as the vaginal swab , the analysis of the blood or the ' urinalysis .
• Thetreatment of vaginal candida revolves around the use of antifungal drugs available in cream or in the form of tablets for oral or vaginal use.

 Causes of recurrent yeast infections

Some women are more susceptible to yeast infections than others and will have recurring yeast infections or chronic yeast infections. There are a few possible reasons someone may face recurring yeast infections:

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• Sexual activity . Although yeast infections are not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it is possible for partners to pass candida to each other. To avoid this, use condoms or dental dams and practice good hygiene after intercourse, such as showering. Avoid having sex when either partner has a yeast infection.
• The original yeast infection was not fully treated or the yeast infection is caused by a drug resistant strain . Symptoms may go away before the infection is fully treated. When that happens, the yeast infection will come back. There are also more drug-resistant strains of yeast, which makes it harder to get rid of others.
• It is not a yeast infection. There are other infections, such as bacterial vaginosis or STIs, which can have similar symptoms. This is one of the most important reasons to visit a doctor, such as a gynecologist or primary care physician, when a yeast infection does not clear up.
• Those with certain conditions, such as compromised immune systems , pregnancy , or uncontrolled diabetes , are more susceptible to yeast infections.
• While they can help, home remedies for yeast infections are not regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration. The results vary. If your symptoms don't go away within a few days, be sure to see a doctor.

 How to prevent yeast infections

There are several ways to prevent a yeast infection.

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Avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics. Antibiotics can kill healthy bacteria in the vagina, causing yeast overgrowth, thus leading to a yeast infection.

Wear cotton underwear. Tight-fitting cotton underwear is more conducive to a healthy microbiome. Avoid tight, non-breathable clothing, such as leggings. These clothes can create a moist, humid area which is the perfect environment for candida overgrowth. For this reason, it is also important to quickly change wet or sweaty clothes, such as workout clothes or swimwear.

Avoid hot tubs and boiling hot baths, which promote the growth of candida, due to the hot, humid environments.

Take probiotics or eat yogurt with probiotics as they help balance the vaginal microflora. In addition to treating yeast infections, probiotics are useful in preventing yeast infections. The best probiotic to take will be with those containing the Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 bacteria .
Avoid behaviors that can lead to yeast infections, such as poor hygiene. When performing personal hygiene practices, avoid douches, scented vaginal washes or scented lotions, as well as scented health products near the genitals, which can cause the vaginal microflora to lose balance.

Avoid sugary and processed foods . Yeast grows from sugar, so this can cause yeast to overgrow.

 Home remedies for yeast infections

There are natural ways to treat yeast infections. These home remedies for yeast infections are convenient for those who want to take a more natural and discreet path.

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1. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been found to inhibit the growth of candida albicans, the strain of fungi that typically causes yeast infections.

To use this natural remedy, take a bath and add half a glass of apple cider vinegar and soak in the tub for at least 20 minutes.



Never use apple cider vinegar at full strength. Due to apple cider's ability to kill bacteria and fungi, it could also kill healthy bacteria in the body. Dilute apple cider vinegar before using it.

2. Boric acid
Boric acid vaginal suppositories remedy yeast infections due to the antiseptic properties of boric acid. While you research the use of these suppositories, he concludes that this should only be used for recurrent and difficult to treat yeast infections. Since boric acid is so powerful, you need to use more gentle treatments first.



3. Coconut oil
Coconut oil, made from the pulp of coconuts, has natural antifungal properties. A scientific study has found that coconut oil can help inhibit the candida bacteria that cause yeast infections. To use this treatment, simply apply coconut oil to the affected area.

4. Cranberry juice or pills
Cranberry juice has been found to help with urinary tract infections by preventing the formation of candida albicans (the fungus that causes yeast infections). Although studies have not shown its ability to help cure candida albicans in the vagina, some women claim to have results. Cranberry juice and pills are also very rich in vitamin C, which can also help prevent infections.



5. Douching
Over-the-counter showers can fight yeast infections and relieve inflammation and irritation. However, most studies show negative effects of irrigation and few studies give positive results. According to the Office of Women's Health , doctors recommend that women not shower because they can cause problems getting pregnant, vaginal infections, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

6. Garlic
Garlic and garlic oil are known antifungal agents. Studies have also found that it has antifungal activity against candida albicans. While more traditional approaches may recommend inserting the garlic clove directly into the vagina, a less invasive approach is to simply add more fresh garlic to food and incorporate it into multiple meals.

7. Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a strong antiseptic that has been found to kill yeast. It has not been specifically studied on vaginal yeast infection strains. Before applying to the vagina, be sure to dilute the hydrogen peroxide first.

8. Oil of oregano
Oregano oil, or oregano oil has been shown to inhibit the growth of candida albicans. To use oregano oil, use a couple of drops in a carrier agent, such as coconut oil or olive oil, and apply to the affected area.

9. Probiotics
Probiotics contain live bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria , which helps promote a healthy balance of bacteria in the vagina. They can treat or prevent bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections in addition to yeast infections.

Buy probiotic supplements online or in stores. These oral supplements can take up to 10 days to show results. To reduce the duration of the results, some women have used probiotics as vaginal suppositories. Eating yogurt (with live, active cultures) is another good way to increase your probiotic intake.

However, like many natural remedies, there is a lack of evidence that probiotics cure yeast infections. Researchers are still studying probiotics for yeast infections, but many doctors recommend taking one whenever an antibiotic is prescribed, as yeast infections are a possible side effect of antibiotics .

10. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil with antifungal properties, which some people claim to cure yeast infections. It works by killing the cell walls and membranes of the yeast. Although more studies are currently needed, a 2015 study found that vaginal suppositories containing tea tree oil were able to function as a fungicidal agent thus killing candida albicans.

As with all essential oils, use a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil when using it on the body. Women can buy vaginal suppositories with tea tree oil online.

11. Vitamin C
Vitamin C (Vitamin C Coupon | What is Vitamin C?) Boosts the body's immunity, and with a strengthened immune system, the body is better able to fight a yeast infection. Add more vitamin C by taking a supplement or by eating vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables such as oranges and broccoli.

12. Yogurt
Yogurt (with live and active cultures) is a good way to treat yeast infections due to its high concentration of probiotics. As previously mentioned, probiotics can help fight candida albicans. A recent studies found that ingesting probiotic-containing yogurt with Lactobacillus acidophilus helps suppress yeast growth. While eating probiotic yogurt can improve yeast infections, some women even find relief by dipping a tampon in yogurt and vaginally inserting it, remembering to change it often. With this technique, use only plain, unsweetened yogurt or unsweetened Greek yogurt. Sugar-containing yogurt would help candida grow and thrive.