Vaginal Yeast Infection: An Overview 

Also known as candidiasis, vaginal yeast infection is a very common condition in females. The yeast infections are in general caused by the fungus named candida, which is linked with extreme itching, swelling, as well as irritation.

As per medical experts around the globe, this condition affects every three women out of four at one point in life. Moreover, if you have got it once, there are chances of a reoccur. Though vaginal yeast infections are likely to be spread by sexual contact but they are not labeled as sexually transmitted infection. 

What Leads to Vaginal Yeast Infections?

As said, it is caused by a fungus named Candida, a genus of yeast which happens to be a naturally occurring microorganism in the female vaginal area. The growth of this fungus is kept in check by lactobacillus bacteria. Any imbalance in your body system won't let these bacteria to work effectively.   As a result, there is an overgrowth of yeast, which further causes symptoms of vaginal yeast infections.

Factors that lead to this imbalance allowing overgrowth of yeast are:

• antibiotics (they cut down the amount of lactobacillus, or the good bacteria, in vagina)
• pregnancy
• uncontrolled diabetes
• a weak immune system
• douching
• unhealthy eating habits
• eating lot of sugary foods
• hormonal imbalance at the time of menstrual cycle
• stress
• lack of sleep

Symptoms of Vaginal Yeast Infections

The general and most frequent of vaginal yeast infection symptoms happen to be:

• itching
• burning
• vaginal discharge, whitish gray and thick (it can even be watery)
• pain during sex
• soreness
• rash

How to detect Vaginal Yeast Infection? 

They are very simple to detect. The examination generally begins with acquiring the patients medical history and knowing if or not she had the infection earlier. It is then followed by a pelvic exam. Lab tests only take place in the cases where yeast infections happen to occur on regular basis or the ones that don't go away easily. 

Treating a Vaginal Yeast Infection

It is treated based upon the severity and complications. The doctor will recommend the medicines depending on the fact whether the infection is a simple one or complicated. For simple infections, you are prescribed some tablets or ointments. The complicated ones are treated a bit differently and it takes some time.  

Natural Ways to Treat Vaginal Yeast Infections

Vaginal yeast infections can be treated with some natural remedies as well if you wish to avoid taking any medication. The popular natural remedies are:

• vinegar douches
• tea tree oil cream
• vaginal suppositories of garlic or boric acid 
• taking yogurt, either orally or inserting in the vagina

How to Prevent Vaginal Yeast Infections? 

Here check out some common ways to prevent the bacteria growth near vagina:

• Abstain from wearing tight pants, tights, pantyhose or leggings
• Don't use feminine deodorant or the deodorant tampons/pads
• Avoid sitting in wet clothing
• Go for a healthy and balanced diet
• Eat plenty of yogurt or you can even take supplements with lactobacillus
• Stick to natural fibers such as cotton, or linen
• Abstain from sitting in hot the tubs or taking periodic hot-tub baths
• Wash the underwear in hot water
• Avoid douching
• Change feminine products on a regular basis 

A little precaution and care is all what you need to keep vaginal infection at bay so that there arises no health complications for future!