What is a vaginal fungus? What are the symptoms and treatment methods?
Vaginal yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, is a common health problem in women. Normally, some bacteria and fungal cells are found in the vaginal flora. However, when the balance of bacteria and fungi changes, yeast species called candida fungal cells can multiply. In this case, vaginal yeast infection, called candidiasis, which develops with severe itching, swelling, discharge and irritation. Symptoms usually relieve in a few days with medication. For more serious infections, complaints may take up to two weeks. Once a vaginal yeast infection has occurred, the likelihood of recurrence is increased.
What is a vaginal fungus?
Vaginal fungus is a common infection that causes irritation, discharge and excessive itching in the tissues called vagina and its surrounding vulva. This condition, also called vaginal candidiasis, affects 75% of women in the community at least once. Vaginal fungal infections are not considered sexually transmitted infections because they are more common in sexually inactive women, although they may spread sexually. However, regular sexual activity increases the risk of vaginal yeast infection.
Causes Vaginal Fungus?
Candida, which causes vaginal yeast infection, is a naturally occurring microorganism in the vaginal region. Lactobacillus bacteria in the vaginal flora control the number of candida. However, if there is an imbalance in the body that reduces the number of these beneficial bacteria or prevents them from functioning effectively, the number of candida can increase and cause infection. The use of antibiotics decreases the number of beneficial bacteria, Lactobacillus, which are naturally present in the vagina, and paves the way for the development of fungal infection. Other factors that may cause vaginal yeast infection may include:
Pregnancy
Diabetes
Weak immune system
Unhealthy eating habits including excessive consumption of sugary foods
Hormonal imbalance seen before menstrual cycle
Use of birth control pills or hormone therapies that increase estrogen levels
Stress
Insomnia
Vaginal yeast infections are most commonly caused by a yeast strain called Candida albicans. The infections caused by this yeast are easy to treat. In recurrent or treatment-resistant fungal infections, the agent may be a different version of candida. Candida species causing infection can be identified with a laboratory test.
What are the Symptoms of Vaginal Fungus?
Vaginal yeast infections can cause a series of signs and complaints as follows:
Vaginal itching
Itching in the tissue around the vagina called Vulva
Swelling around the vagina, pain, redness, rash
Whitish-gray and lumpy vaginal discharge can be seen. Some women say this stream looks like cottage cheese. Sometimes a watery discharge can also be seen.
Burning during urination or during intercourse
Pain during intercourse
Sometimes the symptoms go away without treatment, even after a certain time. This time is directly related to the severity of signs and symptoms.
Protection from vaginal fungus
To reduce the risk of vaginal fungus, cotton and tight underwear should be preferred. In addition, avoiding the following can also help reduce the risk of yeast infection:
Pants, tights and jeans
Perfumed products such as foam bath, pad and pad
Bathrooms with jacuzzi or hot water
Unnecessary antibiotic use in viral infections such as colds
Wet clothes such as swimwear and sportswear should not be removed for a long time.
How is vaginal fungus diagnosed?
Diagnosis of vaginal yeast infections is easy. The doctor first questions the patient's medical history. In addition to listening to the patient's complaints, she also asks whether she has had a vaginal yeast infection before. The next step is a gynecological examination, including examination of the cervix, vaginal wall and external genital areas. Depending on the examination findings, in the next step, some cells are collected from the vagina and sent to the laboratory. Laboratory tests are often ordered for women with recurrent or treatment-resistant fungal infections.
How is vaginal fungus treated?
Each fungal infection is different. Therefore, the doctor recommends the most appropriate treatment option for the patient according to the severity of the symptoms. For simple fungal infections, they usually prescribe antifungal creams, ointments, tablets or suppositories. Symptoms may be reversed within two months of treatment in women with a simple fungal infection. In this case, it is useful to consult a doctor again. The treatment of complicated infections is different. Complicated signs of infection include:
Complaints of severe redness, swelling and itching that cause wounds, cracks or tears in the vaginal tissue
Four or more fungal infections in one year
Infection caused by a different species of candida other than Candida albicans
In addition, treatment is planned differently in the presence of the following conditions:
Pregnancy
Uncontrolled diabetes
Having a weak immune system caused by the drugs used
HIV positive patients
Possible treatments for serious or complex yeast infections include:
14-day cream, ointment, tablet or vaginal suppository treatment
Two or three doses of oral medication
Oral or long-term local antifungal medication once a week for six weeks
In the presence of recurrent infections, sexual partner should also be investigated for fungal infection. Condoms should be used during sexual intercourse if any of the spouses is suspected of having a yeast infection. Consult a doctor if:
Symptoms of yeast infection
Lack of symptoms despite treatment
Adding new symptoms that do not already exist
Herbal treatment options for vaginal fungus
In many cases, yeast infections can be treated easily and successfully at home. Some herbal treatments that may be preferred in the treatment of vaginal fungus include:
Tea tree oil: Antifungal properties of tea tree oil have long been known. Studies have confirmed the ability of this essential oil to kill fungi. In most studies, tea tree oil has been tested on candida albicans, one of the most common yeasts in vaginal infections. Vaginal suppositories containing tea tree oil have been shown to treat vaginal yeast infections. Some women have reported that their infections have passed when they put a tampon soaked in diluted tea tree oil into the vagina and spend the night. However, care must be taken as tea tree oil can irritate the skin and the vaginal walls are particularly sensitive. Tea tree oil is an essential oil and must therefore be mixed with a carrier oil. When moistening the buffer, 30 grams of warm coconut oil and 3-5 drops of tea tree oil can be used together. It is important that the buffer used is changed regularly. Before using oil, drop 1 drop into the forearm and wait for 12-24 hours.
Wild thyme oil. Studies have shown that it is possible to stop the growth of Candida albicans by using wild thyme oil. For this purpose, capsules containing thyme oil can be inserted into the vagina at night. Alternatively, they may be applied to a buffer prior to insertion. Essential oils should be mixed with carrier oils before use and should not be applied directly to the skin. 30 grams of sweet almond oil, warm coconut oil or olive oil can be mixed with 3-5 drops of essential thyme oil.
Probiotic supplements. Some probiotic supplements may offer a natural remedy for yeast infection. Vaginal suppository forms may be preferred for fungal infections.
Natural yogurt. Natural, sugar-free, unsweetened yogurt contains beneficial bacteria called probiotics. These beneficial bacteria help to improve the yeast balance in the body.
For women who think they may have contracted vaginal yeast infection, the right decision is to contact a health facility immediately.
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