What Causes Vaginal Yeast Infection

by Sharon Hopkins


Yeast infection is very common in women. The infection is caused due to a proliferation of yeast that is already present in the body. This yeast is most predominant in the vagina and vaginal yeast infection is the most common kind of yeast infection women experience. The yeast Candida albicans causes yeast infection in women. This yeast is always present and it only poses a threat when its numbers drastically increase. Sometimes factors like birth control being used, pH changes in the body, other infections including parasitic infections, immune-compromising conditions like diabetes, excess consumption of sugar or alcohol can lead to an increase of natural yeast, leading to yeast infections.

Some of the symptoms of vaginal yeast infection include a thick white discharge and a discomfort while urinating. Genital itching is also another symptom. If this infection is not tackled, it could spread through the body, affecting other areas like sinuses and throat. Sore mouth and throat could also be symptoms. Other symptoms that are generic in nature include bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and heartburn, skin rash, along with flare up of allergies, and difficulty concentrating and dizziness. Vaginal yeast infection has various treatments. There are antibiotics you can get prescribed or choose different over-the-counter medications. Every 1 in 4 women gets this infection and there are constant innovations in treatments. Since vaginal yeast infections, like urinary tract infections, can recur often, lifestyle management and home remedies are also very popular.

Some of the more common home remedies for vaginal yeast infection are made from ingredients you will find in your house. Soak a tampon in yogurt and insert that into your body. You can do this twice a day till the symptoms reduce. The bacteria in the yoghurt rectify the imbalance in your body. Increase the consumption of garlic. Garlic has high anti inflammatory and anti bacterial properties which can help reduce irritation of vaginal yeast infections. Some home remedies suggest eating raw garlic pods, even up to twice a day. Don't use an unfamiliar home remedy and use your discretion before attempting these remedies. Make sure that you discuss these remedies with your doctor before.

Wear loose, cotton underclothes and keep your genitals clean. Avoid using tampons or other feminine hygiene products till your irritation fades. Include more yogurt in your diet even after the yeast infection has cleared. The bacteria in the yogurt will keep the balance level in your body.

Reference:

  1. http://www.umm.edu/ency/article/001511.htm
  2. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001511.htm

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.


Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
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