What Is Vaginal Yeast Infection, Causes, Symptoms And Cure

Vaginal yeast infection, or candidiasis is an overgrowth of the fungus, Candida albicans. One of the known causes is due to an imbalance of the normal flora of the body, which results in symptoms of vaginal yeast infection. The good news is there is a cure that will reduce symptoms and eradicate the infection.

What causes a vaginal yeast infection?

Vaginal yeast infection is caused by the fungus Candida albicans. Candida is a yeast that can be found all over the human body in warm moist areas, such as the vagina, skin folds under the breasts and under the arms, as well as in the intestinal tract. There is good bacteria that acts to prevent the overgrowth of the fungus that causes symptoms of vaginal yeast infection. However, when illness or injury strikes, it causes the symptoms of yeast infection. The cure for yeast is as close as your nearest pharmacy.

Causes of vaginal yeast infection:

• Certain medications, such as antibiotics and steroids


• Chronic disease such as diabetes


• Compromised immune system, such as in HIV/AIDS


• Anti-rejection drugs after organ transplant


• Douching


• Internal injury to the vaginal wall, such as scratches


• Stress


• Undergarments that are too tight


• Changes in hormone levels


• Birth control pills

what are the symptoms of vaginal yeast infection?

Symptoms of vaginal yeast infection may vary from one person to the next, and not all people will show all symptoms. In fact, there are instances where a person may show no symptoms at all, such as an uncircumcised man with yeast hiding in the folds of the foreskin.

Symptoms of vaginal yeast infection may include:

• Itching and inflamed vagina including the vulva, or the surrounding area


• Thick, white discharge, looking similar to cottage cheese


• Burning urination and painful sexual intercourse

Under normal circumstances, vaginal yeast infection is not serious. In light of this, it is important to understand that without timely treatment the condition can lead to complications if it should enter the blood stream and become systemic.

Cure for vaginal yeast infection and symptoms:

Most all vaginal yeat infections can be cured with over the counter anti fungal medications, particularly if the woman has had symptoms before. The cure comes in several forms, such as vaginal suppositories, topical creams and ointments. Another cure for vaginal yeast infections is a one-dose tablet known as Diflucan. This helps to cure the yeast infection from the inside of the body where yeast normally lives.

If you are having symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection, knowing the causes and the cure will help to prevent a recurrence of this fungal infection. Notify your health care provider if you are not sure or you have never had a yeast infection in the past.

by Barb Hicks, RN