Vaginitis, Yeast Vaginitis
Description Candida albicans, the yeast typically responsible for yeast infections, is naturally present in your body. As a result, it is likely that women will have a yeast infection at some time in life. This yeast resides in the intestines, genital tract, mouth, esophagus, and throat and is normally kept in check with other bacteria and yeast in the body.
Symptoms and Signs: Symptoms include local irritation, intense itching and burning. There is typically a large amount of white, cheesy discharge, with an odour of yeast. The labia become red, swollen, and burn if mucous membranes become inflamed. Cuts and cracks can appear in severe cases.
Causes: The vagina is normally too acidic and rich with beneficial bacteria to become infected. However, a number of conditions can cause Candida albicans fungal overgrowth, leading to a yeast infection. This yeast (fungus) occurs naturally in the body, but can flourish under a number of conditions, listed below. It is also the same fungus that causes thrush in the mouth. Antibiotic use can also lead to infection, as these medications destroy both harmful and beneficial bacteria. Harmful bacteria typically thrive in this situation, if other conditions prove favourable for growth. Foods high in refined sugars and yeast act as food for Candida. High intakes of sugary foods, refined carbohydrates (cookies, cakes, muffins, white bread, chips, crackers, et cetera), and yeast-rich foods (pizza, white bread, bagels, donuts, and other baked goods) can promote growth if a bacterial imbalance exists. Oral contraceptives and pregnancy itself can often cause a yeast infection, when acidity and the sugar content of vaginal secretions change. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) can decrease normal vaginal secretions, creating a more favourable environment for yeast growth. Air circulation can be limited by tampons, daily panty liner use, and tight jeans, promoting infection. Yeast infections can also be transmitted through sexual intercourse. This may be one reason why some women experience recurring infection. Allergies, lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and stress can all weaken the body, making infection more likely. Other causes of infection include anemia, diabetes, poor hygiene, and commercial feminine sprays and douches.
What to Expect: A yeast infection will continue if not dealt with. It is important to reduce candida levels, restore a vaginal bacterial balance, and ensure a healthy immune system through proper care and nutrition. As previously mentioned, Candida albicans is part of the normal flora of your body. As a result, infection may occur in the future. Proper nutrition and preventative measures can be taken to reduce recurrence of infection. If the immune system is weakened due to other situations, resistance to infection and the likelihood of recurrence increase. Sexual intercourse can cause further irritation if inflammation exists. A stinging sensation during urination occurs if the urethra becomes irritated.
Remedies
Foods To curb yeast/fungal growth, add 2 drops of oregano oil to juice or food daily. It is also available in capsule form. Take 1-2 capsules twice a day. Grapefruit seed extract can also be used for this purpose. Use either liquid or capsule form. Mix the liquid into juice or food. Dosage is 500mg equivalent, twice daily. Eat yogurt that contains acidophilus and/or bifidus bacteria to restore normal vaginal bacterial balance. Some women use the yogurt in their vaginal tract directly to accomplish the restoration of normal flora even faster. You can also eat kefir to accomplish the same goal.
Food Supplements Acidophilus and Bifidus supplementation will restore beneficial bacteria counts in the digestive tract and help keep harmful bacteria at bay. It is essential that these bacteria be restored to the body, particularly after the use of antibiotics. Look for a dairy-free formulation with at least 2.5 billion viable cultures per capsule and keep refrigerated. Take 2 or 3 capsules daily on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning or right before bed. Supplements with Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) provide a beneficial "bed" and initial food source for the bacteria. If dairy allergies have been ruled out, you can also eat yogurt that has had either bacterial culture added. You can also purchase Acidophilus capsules for vaginal use. Follow directions on bottle. Usage is typically once a day before bedtime for ten days. One controversial treatment involves douching with one part vinegar, three parts water before applying the Acidophilus capsules. It is thought that this method creates a bacterial imbalance in the vaginal area. Consult with your gynecologist, naturopath, or other health practitioner as to the appropriateness of this method.
Herbs Aloe vera is useful for infections, relieves itching, and facilitates healing. Apply topically as needed. Drink aloe vera juice or use as a douche. Calendula can be used in douche form. Make a strong tea and douche twice daily for one week. To prepare, add 3 to 4 teaspoons dried herb or 2 tablespoons fresh petal to 1 cup boiling water. Steep for 15 to 20 minutes. Echinacea has anti-fungal properties and promotes proper immune system functioning. If supplementing, take one or two capsules daily. If using a tincture, take 20 to 30 drops twice daily. You can also prepare the tincture as a douche. Do not use echinacea for more than two weeks at a time. Garlic's anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and general anti-biotic properties make for an effective long term remedy in the prevention and elimination of recurring yeast infections. This versatile herb also helps lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels and has antioxidant properties, too. Add it to your favourite meal and enjoy the numerous benefits. If you prefer to go "sans aroma", you may also take odourless garlic capsules. If eating whole cloves, take 2 to 4 daily. If using capsules, take 600 to 1,200mg once or twice daily with meals. If using a tincture, take 2 to 4mL three times daily. Goldenseal has strong antibacterial properties. NOTE: This delicate, wild herb is becoming increasingly rare as its popularity grows. Use only after you have exhausted other possible courses of antibacterial treatment. To prepare a tea, use 1/2 to 1 tsp. powdered root per cup of boiling water. Let steep for 10 minutes. Drink up to 2 cups daily. Add honey or lemon to reduce the bitter flavour. If using a tincture, take 10 to 40 drops two times daily. If using capsules, take 250 to 500mg of powdered extract. Do not take for more than one week at a time and avoid completely if you are pregnant or have high blood pressure. Pau D'Arco has anti-bacterial properties. Take in tea or capsule form. It can also be used as a douche.
Homeopathy Certain remedies can be used in acute situations if your symptoms fit the symptom picture of the remedy. For dosages, see the dedicated section on Homeopathy. Consult your homeopath or naturopath to determine your constitutional remedy: the remedy that best fits you as a whole person. Your homeopath or naturopath will take a complete case history considering all of your mental and physical ailments and match these symptoms with the symptom picture of the remedy. Calcarea Carbonica: Milky discharge. Burning and itching before menses. Graphites: Thin, white, burning discharge accompanied with weakness. Mercurius Vivus: "Vaginitis of Mercurius Vivus" occurs with itching and burning made worse after urination. Symptoms improve with washing with cold water. Discharge is greenish and could be bloody. Pulsatilla: Whit, creamy, possibly irritating discharge. Pulsatilla is appropriate for vaginitis in pregnant women. Sepia: Also for vaginitis in pregnant women. Yellow, greenish discharge with intense itching.
Lifestyle Avoid foods high in refined sugars and yeast, as these ingredients act as food for Candida. Allow for proper air circulation around the vaginal area. Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting, cotton clothing. Avoid tight pants, panty hose, or tampons. Keep the vaginal area clean and dry. When finished bathing, hold a blow dryer (set on cool) 6 to 8 inches from the vaginal area and use until completely dry.
Miscellaneous Tea tree oil has powerful antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. It is not taken internally, but can be used as a douche. Alternatively, add 10 drops to a warm bath and enjoy for twenty minutes.
Vitamins Biotin inhibits yeast growth. Take 300mcg three times daily. Vitamin A promotes healthy mucous membranes. Take 10,000 IU or more daily. Vitamin C has antibacterial properties and supports proper immune system function. Take 1,000 to 3,000 daily. Increase up to bowel tolerance. Vitamin E promotes healthy mucous membranes and proper hormonal balance. Take 400 IU daily.
Actions and Remedy Listings
See also Candidiasis
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