A vaginal yeast infection is a kind of fungal infection causing discharge, irritation, and itchiness in the vagina and the vulva (area surrounding the vagina’s opening). As per the Spanish Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (Sego), 75% of women suffer from vaginal infection at least once in their lifetime. We all know that a balance of bacteria and few yeast cells are present in a healthy vagina. And candida is a kind of fungus yeast in the body. An overgrowth of the fungus candida can disrupt the healthy balance leading to vaginal yeast infection.
This infection causes the skin around the vagina to itch and may alter the consistency of your vaginal yeast infection discharge. If the balance of bacteria and yeast is disturbed, the yeast cells might multiply. Subsequently, it leads to intense irritation, itching, and swelling in the vagina. With this overview of what is vaginal yeast infection, let’s understand how it occurs, its symptoms, and remedies.
How Does Vaginal Yeast Infection Occur?
In simple terms, this infection is resultant due to an imbalance of the bacteria and yeast in your vagina, leading to the multiplication of fungus Candida. The reasons leading to this condition are:
- One of the most prominent vaginal yeast infection causes is taking antibiotics. The consumption of antibiotics that treat infections in the body destroys the good bacteria present in your vagina. Good bacteria control the yeast, but their absence creates an imbalance leading to this infection.
- Hormonal changes in the body can deteriorate the balance of fungus Candida in the vagina. Such hormonal changes are due to using birth control pills, being pregnant, or normal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle.
- High blood sugar levels affect the bacteria in urine as well as the vagina.
- If you are diagnosed with a disease like AIDS or HIV, then your medications can severely affect your immune system. Radiation treatment and chemotherapy for cancer can also destroy your immune system, leading to this infection.
Symptoms of Vaginal Yeast Infection
Identifying the symptoms of this infection is important for early detection and proper treatment. The vaginal yeast infection symptoms are:
- Itchy sensation during sexual intercourse or when urinating
- Vaginal pain
- Redness and swelling of the vulva
- Itching or irritation in the vulva and the vagina
- White, thick, odour-free watery discharge from the vagina
In the following cases, you may encounter a more severe vaginal yeast infection:
- Pregnancy
- Struggling with poorly managed diabetes
- Severe redness, itching, and swelling
- Compromised immune system due to HIV infection
3 Home Remedies for Vaginal Yeast Infection
For people looking for natural methods to cure discomfort, several home remedies exist to treat symptoms of this infection. You can try the following home remedies to manage this condition:
Essential Oil of Oregano
This common vaginal yeast infection treatment involves applying the essential oil of oregano to your skin. To ease this infection, you can mix 3-5 drops of this oil per ounce of carrier oil. The carrier oil can be sweet almond oil or olive oil. Now, you need to apply this mixture to your skin by massaging. Alternatively, you can inhale it with the help of a diffuser. Remember to not apply this essential oil near and inside your vagina.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil provides several health benefits, including antifungal properties. If you aim to tackle this fungal infection with coconut oil, make sure to use organic, pure coconut oil. You can directly apply the oil to the affected part of the vagina.
Tea Tree Oil
This essential oil is used to kill fungi. Being exceptionally powerful, you need to dilute it with a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba oil) if it touches your skin. Undiluted tea tree oil must never touch your skin. Remember that essential oils should never be applied inside the vagina. People with sensitive skin can avoid tea tree oil. If you feel irritation or discomfort after using it, then discontinue using it.
Lifestyle Changes That Can Help Manage Vaginal Yeast Infection
You can manage this condition with some lifestyle changes. If you are clueless on how to prevent vaginal yeast infections at home, then the following points can help.
- Avoid douching because it can destroy bacteria that control fungus
- Avoid using scented tampons or pads
- Avoid using feminine deodorants
- Try changing wet clothing (like bath suits, gym clothes) as soon as you could
- Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes for most of the day
- Use water-based sexual lubricant
- Diabetes patients must keep their blood sugar levels in a normal range
Conclusion
Vaginal yeast infection occurs due to the imbalance in the amount of bacteria and fungus in the vagina. The common cause of this condition is the fungus candida, which leads to intense itchiness, redness, swelling, and discharge from the vagina. It is recommended to consult with a doctor when you encounter the symptoms and get the treatment as soon as possible. Visiting your doctor will help you get a prescription for antifungal drugs, depending on the severity of the infections. They will recommend suitable medication that helps you stay clear of all confusion on how to get rid of vaginal yeast infection.
