Vaginal Yeast Infection

Candida albicans is a naturally occurring yeast/microorganism that lives in the vagina. On the other hand, Lactobacillus is the bacteria in the vagina that ensures the yeast doesn’t take over. If there is an imbalance in your system, the bacteria cannot work properly, and the yeast then takes over, leading to vaginal thrush.  On the other hand an overgrowth of normal vaginal bacteria leads to Bacterial Vaginosis.  Sexually transmitted infections are due to the introduction of organisms not normally found in the vagina.

There are several risk factors that can lead to vaginal thrush:

• Pregnancy
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Antibiotics (they decrease bacteria in the system)
• Weak immune system
• Hormonal balance (which changes through the menstrual cycle)
• Stress

To avoid the discomfort of vaginal thrush, the following steps can be undertaken:

• eating a well-balanced diet
• eating yoghurt or taking supplements with lactobacillus
• wearing natural fibres such as cotton, linen, or silk, underwear.
• washing underwear in hot water
• replacing feminine products frequently

The daily intake of scientifically selected probiotics provides a natural, safe and effective means to stabilise the fluctuating vaginal flora, thereby lowering the risk of infections in healthy women and those prone to urogenital disease.

The recurrent symptoms of vaginal infections remain an ongoing challenge for women, as it negatively impacts their quality of life. In fact, studies have found that the following four themes recur in women who suffer from repeat vaginal infections: frustration, mood disorders, intimacy changes in the relationship and anxiety.

The symptoms of vaginal thrush include the following:

• vaginal itching
• swelling around the vagina
• burning during urination or sex
• pain during sex
• soreness
• redness
• rash
• vaginal discharge (often cottage cheese-like)

Your doctor will assess your medical history, including if you have had a sexually transmitted infection before. They will then examine your vagina, the walls and cervix and check for any other infections. Additionally, depending on the doctor’s findings, they may collect cells from your vagina (a swab) and send them to the lab.

Several over the counter (OTC) medications can assist in treating a vaginal yeast infection. These include butoconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole, terconazole and fluconazole. Your doctor will recommend the right one for you.
In addition, in order to restore the ‘good bacteria’ in the vagina, daily supplementation with oral probiotics has been found to re-establish bacterial / yeast balance.