Normally, the bacteria of the vagina prevent yeast from overgrowing, but when their efforts fail, the delicate balance of the vagina is disrupted and voila! Yeast.
The main symptoms of candidiasis are itching, thick white vaginal discharge and a red and swollen vulva, while odor is not a common symptom. There may or may not be an obvious vaginal discharge which can appear as thick or lumpy white and cottage cheese-like in consistency. Inflammation of the vagina and vulva can be obvious but these symptoms can also be subtle which makes the diagnosis confusing. If you take a mirror and have a close up with your vagina you can see the lips (vulva) enlarged, inflamed and swollen. The normal pink color of the lips will appear irritated, sore, tender and angry. The walls of the vagina will also be irritated and tender with a noticeable vaginal discharge which will be heavy, cottage cheese-like and uncomfortable. The outer vagina and the labia will be itchy and sore. These are the classic symptoms of a yeast infection.
The vagina can be delicate and temperamental, often affected by everyday routines including diet, medications, stress, fragranced body and laundry soaps, douching and sex, especially if you haven’t had adequate foreplay. Anything that disrupts the ph balance makes the vagina a not so happy place.
Every day unsuspecting feminine rituals can disrupt the pH balance and irritate all areas of the vagina. The list is long and some of the common offenders may surprise you.
Common irritants and other vagina offenders:
- Fragrant soaps, bubble bath liquids, bath salts, talcum powder
- Detergents, fabric softeners and dryer sheets
- Sanitary wipes and pads
- Warming gels and scented lubricants
- Nylon underwear or bathing suits
- Rubber products such as diaphragms and condoms
- Saliva or semen
- Spermicides such as foams, creams and jellies
- Feminine hygiene sprays, tampons or deodorant pads
- Douching
- Creams or ointments applied to the vulva
- Wearing a bathing suit or exercise clothing for extended periods of time
- Overconsumption of caffeine and alcohol
- Medications including antibiotics, such as Erythromycin and Tetracycline, and steroids
- New sexual partners
You may even notice a vaginal odor. A simple vaginal culture can identify this infection.
There are many infections of the vagina that mimic a yeast infection. They include sexually transmitted infections such as Chlamydia and Trichomonas’s, a bacterial infection, a skin allergy to latex or feminine hygiene products, a lack of estrogen as seen in menopause or breastfeeding or tears in the vagina.
It’s best to have a pelvic exam and do a standard vaginal culture checking for yeast and bacteria along with cultures for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
When in doubt it’s best to see your health care provider to see what you have baking. A simple vaginal culture can identify this infection.
If you try over the counter medications and you still have disruptive symptoms, it’s important to see your health care provider to make the correct diagnosis. When in doubt it’s best to see your health care provider to see what you have baking in the vagina! Treatment of a confirmed yeast infection can include over-the-counter vaginal Monistat or prescription oral fluconazole (Diflucan).
Vaginal boric acid treatments have been extremely effective in combatting chronic yeast infections. Using the boric acid capsules twice a week for 2 weeks has been an effective alternative to traditional medication.
Adding oral or vaginal pro-biotics to your daily regimen will also keep the vagina in complete balance and harmony.