Yeast (Candida) infections of the vagina are common in both pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women. Some women experience occasional yeast infections (i.e., candidiasis) of the vagina, whether other women experience frequent (i.e., recurrent) yeast infections of the vagina.
In a yeast infection of the vagina, the yeast grows on the mucous membranes (lining) of the vagina and inflames the tissue, leading to a condition called vaginitis (i.e., inflammation of the mucous membranes of the vagina). Scientists and physicians believe that any of the following conditions can contribute to overgrowth of yeast in the vagina:[1, 2]
• Lack of proper pH (ratio of acidity to alkalinity) of the vagina. Eating candies, pies, or other pastries) by a woman of any age can disturb the proper pH and can increase inflammation in various parts of the body, including the vagina. In addition, insufficient levels of sex hormones after menopause can disturb the proper pH of the vagina.
• Use of commercial douches and/or vaginal deodorants, either of which can reduce the amount of healthy bacteria (including Lactobacillus) in the vagina
• Use of antibiotics, which can reduce the amount of healthy bacteria (including Lactobacillus) in the vagina
• Wearing tight clothes and fabrics that prevent air circulation in the pelvic area
• Dryness (from less secretion of normal mucus in the vaginal lining) and fragility of the vaginal lining, due to insufficient levels of estrogen after menopause
• Current use of birth control pills (which contain the hormones, estrogen and progesterone) can make the vaginal lining more susceptible to yeast infections.
• Systemic candidiasis, which is the presence of and overgrowth of yeast in various parts of the body, can cause recurrent yeast infections of the vagina.
Also, alternative medicine physicians believe that an unbalanced energy system (i.e., vital force) of the body can lead to yeast infections of the vagina and systemic yeast infections.[1]
Symptoms of yeast infections of the vagina may include:[1]
• Itching of the vagina
• Sensation of burning in the vagina
• Other types of vaginal pain
• Redness or raw appearance of the inner part of the vaginal lips and the lining of the vagina
• Swelling of the vulva (vaginal area), vaginal lips, and/or lining of the vagina
• White, thick, creamy- or curdy- (i.e., cottage cheese-like) appearing discharge from the vagina
• Odorless or unpleasant-smelling discharge from the vagina
If you are experiencing vaginitis, or if you think that you have a yeast infection, consult your integrative medical physician or gynecologist. Diagnosis of a yeast infection involves:
• An examination
• Looking at a sample of the vaginal discharge under the microscope
• A culture (i.e.., taking a sample of the vaginal discharge and culturing the microbes in it to determine which types are present)
Many ways to prevent, manage, and treat yeast infections of the vagina are available. See our Q&A called Treatment of Yeast Infections of the Vagina.
REFERENCES
1. J. Reichenberg-Ullman. Whole Woman Homeopathy. 2004. Edmonds, WA: Picnic Point Press.
2. I.Ikenze. Menopause & Homeopathy: A Guide for Women in Midlife. 1998. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.
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