WHAT’S UP WITH RECURRING VAGINAL YEAST INFECTIONS?

Itchy down there? Burning sensation? Irritating white thick discharge? Unpleasant odor?

You don’t have to put up with any of it.

What you should know is that all of these are indicative of vaginal yeast infection.

Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a bacteria called Candida albicans. Vagina naturally has a healthy balance of ‘good’ bacteria and yeast. When this balance is altered, the yeast may overgrow and cause symptoms.

Though it is not a big deal and can often be treated by over-the-counter yeast infection treatments and natural remedies, it becomes problematic if the infection becomes recurring. The unfortunate reality is that those who get it once, will most likely get it again. And if not cared for properly, they will decrease your quality of life.

Therefore, it is just as important to understand what may be causing it as it is to know how to treat it. Here we will explore the root problems that cause yeast infections.

SYMPTOMS OF YEAST INFECTION

Some of the common symptoms of yeast infection include one or more of the following:

• White discharge, similar to cottage cheese, with a yeast like smell
• Discharges may be greenish or yellow, also of cottage cheese consistency
• Abnormally heavy discharge (heavier than your normal average)
• Redness, itching, or irritation on the lips of the vagina
• Burning sensation during urination and/or intercourse.

Just because you are experiencing these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have yeast infection. You need to get a swab test done by your physician in order to confirm.

WHAT CAUSES YEAST INFECTIONS

These are some of the reasons women can develop yeast infections.

PREGNANCY

Yeast infections are more common during pregnancy than any other time in a woman’s life, usually during the second trimester. Remember, yeast infections are caused by an imbalance of yeast and bacteria. When estrogen levels rise due to pregnancy, the yeast may grow and cause vaginal infection. You may notice an increase in the amount of white odd-smelling discharge; though these are common during the second trimester of pregnancy but if you feel itch and a burning sensation, don’t take it lightly. Yeast infections are not harmful to pregnancy, but they can cause significant discomfort therefore don’t delay seeking treatment.

BIRTH CONTROL PILLS

Birth control pills change the balance of hormones in the body, especially the balance between estrogen and progesterone. Higher estrogen levels can cause yeast infections.

HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy)

Research shows that hormone replacement therapy or an increased use of the hormones estrogen or progesterone can upset the body’s natural balance of bacteria which keep the vagina healthy. Once this balance is disrupted, a yeast infection can get started.

ANTIBIOTICS

Antibiotics can alter the balance of your vagina by destroying some of the ‘good bacteria’ which keep yeast growth under control. Once this delicate balance is altered, yeast can overgrow and cause infections.

INADEQUATE PROGESTERONE PRODUCTION

Progesterone is a hormone that is produced in larger amounts between ovulation and start of the menstruation cycle in women, and also during pregnancy. Scientific studies have found that progesterone reduced the infective capacity of yeast. Therefore, inadequate production of progesterone removes all obstacles from the path of yeast to grow and multiply.

DIABETES / INADEQUATE GLUCOSE METABOLISM

Women with poorly controlled diabetes have compromised ability to fight off any infection—bacterial or fungal. Also, once they develop a yeast infection it may be very difficult to get rid of it from the system. That is why women with diabetes should maintain their blood sugar levels carefully to avoid recurrent infections.

WEAKENED IMMUNE SYSTEM

There is a very close connection between your immune system and yeast infections. It is an inverse relationship in which one variable increases and the other decreases. If the immune system increases, yeast infections decrease; if the immune system decreases, the infections will recur.

Your immune system is your first line of defense against the infection. So the best way to prevent recurring infections is to strengthen your immune system so it can keep all troublesome bacteria in check.

VAGINAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS

Vaginal hygiene products such as douches, sprays, vaginal moisturizers etc. cause imbalance between the natural bacteria which maintain the health of the vagina. These products can cause an overgrowth of harmful bacteria which leads to yeast infections.

IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA

Pathogens such as Candida need free iron’s help to invade human cells. A protein called lactoferrin, which is found in saliva, tears, and vagina, binds to the free iron and thereby prevents yeast from getting a free ride, thereby preventing yeast infections. Women with iron deficiency anemia have low levels of lactoferrin and are therefore more susceptible to candida infections.

ANTI-FUNGAL SOAPS OR BODY WASHES

Vagina is a sensitive area with a delicate balance of bacteria. Most soaps strip the skin from its natural protective oils and are too harsh for the delicate female anatomy. Anti-fungal soaps are washes pose another risk. They kill the ‘good’ bacteria as well as the harmful one in the vagina, thereby leaving it susceptible to infections.

These are some of the most common reasons of recurring yeast infections though there may be other reasons behind it. A naturopathic physician can help balance hormones, strengthen immune system, correct iron deficiency, and restore healthy vaginal and digestive flora for lasting improvement from recurring yeast infections.

A WORD OF CAUTION

Although most women believe they can tell if they have a yeast infection, this isn’t always true. Many women often misdiagnose themselves and buy over-the-counter yeast infection treatments that are ineffective and counterproductive for their problem. This is dangerous because the real problem persists without getting properly treated. If you have never had an yeast infection before and feel you may have develop one, let your physician do a swab test to accurately determine your condition.

Tags: Female health, sexual health, pregnancy, Vagina health