Why does Vaginal Yeast Infection happen? Know its Causes, Symptoms and Home remedies

2022-03-17 11:05:58

It is normal to have a little yeast in the vagina, but sometimes this balance is disturbed and the amount of yeast increases in the vagina. This infection can occur due to changes in hormones, vaginal douching, uncontrolled diabetes, excessive antibiotics, weakened immune system and wearing tight, wet clothes. Yeast infection in the vagina is caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. This condition causes itching and burning in the vagina.

Yeast infections are common in pregnant women because hormones during pregnancy affect the balance of naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina. Candida occurs naturally in the vagina which usually doesn't cause a problem because other natural bacteria control it. During pregnancy, an element called glycogen increases in the vagina. It promotes the rapid growth of Candida, which leads to yeast infection. Yeast infection during pregnancy does not cause any problems for the baby but if it is left untreated, the infection can reach the baby while passing through the genital tract during natural delivery. Vaginal yeast infection is more common in women than in men. 3 out of 4 women will experience a yeast infection once in their lifetime.

Symptoms of Vaginal Yeast Infection

• Itching, burning or discomfort in the vagina.
• Pain in the vagina or vaginal tract.
• Burning sensation during sexual intercourse or urination.
• White and thick vaginal discharge.
• Red rash.
• Sometimes the infection becomes so complicated that it causes sores in the skin.

Causes of Vaginal Yeast Infection

Pregnancy:

The increased level of estrogen causes yeast infection in women during pregnancy.

Menstruation:

Changes in hormone levels during a normal menstrual cycle affect the health of the vagina which sometimes leads to yeast infections. It can also be due to not changing the pads or not keeping cleanliness for a long time during menstruation.

Increased level of estrogen:

Women who take birth control pills have higher than normal levels of estrogen which increases the chances of yeast infection.

Sugar:

Having any type of diabetes increases the chances of getting a yeast infection.

Antibiotics:

Consumption of antibiotics (drugs) in excessive amounts destroys the bacteria that maintain health, Lactobacillus acidophilus due to which an increase in the yeast leads to infection.

Weak immune system:

Women whose immune system is weakened due to corticosteroid therapy or HIV infection. Yeast infection spreads rapidly in them too.

Prevention methods of Vaginal Yeast Infection

• Avoid douching-This is a method of rinsing the vagina, usually with a mixture of water and vinegar. It comes in a bottle or bag and is sprayed through a tube for vaginal cleansing.
• Avoid using deodorant or deodorant pads in the vagina.
• Use cotton undergarments.
• Wear loose-fitting pants or skirts.
• Wash the undergarments with warm water.
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet.
• Change wet clothes (swimming suit) immediately.
• Avoid taking a bath in the bathtub.
• Vaginal yeast infection treatment.

Less complicated yeast infection

It is treated in two ways. First, vaginal therapy and secondly through the use of medicines. Follow both these methods only on the advice of the doctor, that is, before taking any kind of medicine, you must consult a doctor because these drugs can also react which can have dire consequences.

Complicated yeast infection

Complicated yeast infections are also treated with vaginal therapy and oral medications. In this, vaginal therapy is given for a long time. (approximately 7 to 14 days) which involves the use of vaginal creams and regular use of medicines.

Home remedies for Vaginal yeast infection

Coconut oil

Coconut oil has antifungal properties which provide relief in vaginal infection. It is beneficial to apply good organic coconut oil on the private part both externally and internally. It stops the infection from progressing by giving relief in itching and pain.

Garlic

Eating garlic provides relief in yeast infection because garlic has antifungal and antibiotic properties which work to relieve any kind of infection on the skin. Not only this, garlic is present in many vaginal creams which gives relief in redness and pain.

Curd

Good bacteria (probiotics) are found in curd which prevents the spread of yeast or bad bacteria in the body that is why it is beneficial to eat curd to get relief in yeast infection and it can also be applied on the outer layer of the vagina. Just keep in mind that the curd should be plain, without any flavor and sugar of any kind.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is the most popular remedy to get rid of yeast infection. It is better to drink it instead of applying it directly around the vagina. To get relief from yeast infection, drink two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar twice or thrice a day.

Tea tree oil

The antifungal properties present in this oil kills the yeast from the root. This has also been proved in many types of research but instead of applying it directly, mix it in vegetable oil or coconut oil and apply it. If applying it causes itching or burning, then avoid it.

When to go to the doctor?

Not all women feel the symptoms of a yeast infection because the symptoms are also very subtle when the infection is working but if you experience any of the following symptoms, go to the doctor immediately-

• Feeling of itching and pain in or around the vagina.
• When the area around the vagina turns red.
• Having trouble during intercourse.
• Feeling of prickling sensation while passing urine.
• Having a foul-smelling discharge.