Chronic Yeast Infections

Yeast infection is caused by a type of fungus called candida albicans. Also known as candidiasis, the infection spreads in parts of the body that are warm and moist (such as the mouth). In this article, we will discuss chronic yeast infections that take place in the vagina, called vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Causes
A small quantity of yeast cells exist within a healthy vagina, along with other 'good' bacteria. Lactobacillus acidophilus, a commonly occurring bacteria in the human body is among the 'good' bacteria and helps control the growth of other existent organisms, such as yeast. When the balance of organisms in the vagina is disturbed, causing the bacteria that controls yeast growth to become suppressed, the yeast multiply excessively, which leads to the condition. The different causes for this condition include recent antibiotic use, hormone replacement therapy, pregnancy, diabetes, and HIV infection, which can lead to the imbalance. The way in which antibiotics lead to the imbalance is that along with the bad bacteria, they wipe out the "good" bacteria that check the growth of candida in the vagina.

The reason why some women are more susceptible to yeast infections could be due to other underlying conditions such as diabetes. The existence of any other conditions which compromise the immune system, such as leukemia or AIDS, could be other risk factors. The consumption of birth control pills were also thought to put one at a higher risk of developing yeast infections, however, contemporary pills contain much lower hormone doses, which makes them less likely to cause yeast infections. A common complaint is yeast infections that occur prior to a woman's period. This happens as an outcome of the hormonal changes the body goes through. Other factors that could lead to yeast infections are douching, using scented sanitary products, stress, tight clothing or nylon underwear.

While a yeast infection isn't a sex related illness, they can be spread from one sexual partner to the other. However, this is a rare occurrence, which is why the sexual partner of someone who has a yeast infection does not automatically have to be treated.

Symptoms
The symptoms of a yeast infection are itching or soreness in the vagina. For some, additional pain or burning is experienced while urinating or during sexual intercourse. Many women also have clumps of thick white discharge from the vagina that is odorless and has a likeness to cottage cheese.

Treatment
While some women suffer all the symptoms upon getting the infection, others may experience only one or two. For this reason, self treatment (unless you are a doctor) is discouraged, and one is advised to visit a health care provider to get an accurate diagnosis and consequent treatment. Your doctor is likely to examine the vagina and also view a little vaginal discharge under a microscope. For identifying the infections, underlying cause needs to be detected and addressed. In some cases, a vaginal culture may be required to verify whether the infection is caused by an unusual type of yeast that may be resistant to some antifungal medications. Treatment, which is usually in the form of oral or vaginal antifungal medications, may continue for an extended period of time in the case of chronic infections. Another treatment that may be administered is the painting of the vagina and vulva with a purple medication called gentian violet, or the use of suppositories on a nightly or weekly basis.

A person suffering from chronic yeast infections must take preventive measures such as wearing cotton underwear and loose clothing, along with treatment to curb the infection.