Yeast Infection

Overview of yeast infection

Infections of the genital regions are common in people living in unhygienic environments. Young and middle-aged women are the common vulnerable groups of these diseases. A widespread disease that affects nearly 75% of women worldwide is “yeast infection”. But it is important to note that yeast infections do not fall within the category of sexually transmitted diseases. The manifestations are also not very severe in most cases. But critical cases of yeast infection need proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent the spread of the disease.

What is a yeast infection?

Yeast infection is a type of fungal infection that occurs due to an abnormal proliferative growth of the yeast present in the genital regions. Yeast infection is common in the vagina. In a few cases, yeast infection may occur in the penis as well. The pathogen responsible for yeast infection of the vagina is the Candida albicans. Under healthy and normal conditions, a few yeasts are always present in the vagina. The vaginal bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus) help maintain the pH of the vaginal environment. But due to a number of precipitating factors, the concentration of vaginal yeast may increase abnormally. At some point in time, the yeasts may outnumber the vaginal bacteria, and inhibit their normal functions. This causes a reduction in the acidity of the vagina and makes it prone to infections.

Nearly 3 out of 4 women develop yeast infections. But the manifestations are not so severe in case of minor infections. Yeast infection can also occur in the mouth, skin and lower intestinal tract.

What causes yeast infections?

Yeast infections are primarily caused by the Candida albicans. Following are the general causes of yeast infection-

• Fungal species of the Candida family such as Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis and Candida lusitaniae.
• Hormonal imbalance during menstruation, pregnancy, menopause etc
• Certain broad-spectrum medications such as Cortisone drugs, chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics (Penicillin, Tetracyclin) and birth control pills
• Mental stress
• Insufficient sleep
• Poor diet
• Fatigue
• Medical conditions like Diabetes or HIV infection
• Overuse of scented tampons or douches
• Excess use of vaginal lotions and spermicides
• Excess moisture and humidity of the vagina
• Wearing poorly aerated or moist underwear
• Increase in pH of the vaginal environment (ideal for yeast growth)
• Wiping and cleaning of the vagina from the back to the front (carries the pathogens present in the rectum to the vagina)
• Unhygienic toilet habits like wearing an overloaded sanitary napkin for a long time, using dirty toilets, not cleaning the genital region properly after urination or bowel movement
• Weak immunity

In very rare cases, unhygienic sexual practices can lead to yeast infection.

What are the warning signs of a yeast infection?

Yeast infection does not cause serious manifestations in many cases. In the critical cases, the common symptoms are observed-

• Whitish or greyish curd-like vaginal discharge
• Unusual stickiness and thickness of the vaginal discharge
• Unpleasant smell of the vaginal discharge
• Alteration in the quantity of vaginal discharge
• Vaginal spotting
• Soreness and itching of the vagina
• Pain and burning sensation while passing urine
• Redness of the vaginal flaps (labia)
• Pain, irritation, and inflammation of the vaginal skin
• Tenderness and warmth of the vagina
• Painful intercourse
• Dry and itchy skin of the genitals
• Swelling of the vaginal skin and vulva
• The appearance of rashes on the genitals (mostly in men)
• Frequent urge to pass urine
• The appearance of lesions and warts at the mouth of the vagina
• Pain and cramps in the lower abdomen
• Fever and occasional chills

Types of yeast infection

Yeast infection may be of two main types depending on the degree of infection-

• Acute yeast infection: This type of yeast infection usually occurs for a short period of time. Very mild symptoms are present in this case. The patient may have abnormal vaginal discharge and mild vaginal itching. The symptoms usually disappear with medical intervention. In many cases, acute yeast infection is self-limiting in nature. It resolves on its own after the patient starts maintaining the hygiene and health of the vaginal regions.
• Chronic yeast infection: This type of yeast infection persists for several months. The symptoms are very severe in such cases. Thick and sticky vaginal discharge with an obnoxious odor is common under such conditions. Lesions and warts appear on the vagina or penis. Swelling and soreness of the vagina and vulva occur in such cases. It leads to painful urination and an equally painful sexual intercourse. Chronic yeast infection occurs in men as well. Painful warts are present at the mouth of the penis that leads to difficulty passing urine. Chronic yeast infection persisting for a long time can cause the fungus to spread to the inner parts of the renal tract as well. This gives rise to serious complications. Permanent renal failure can also occur in certain cases.

Can there be an association with vaginal infections?

Due to lack of proper diagnosis and treatment, yeast infections can increase the risks of associated vaginal infections as well. The following list describes a few of them-

• Bacterial vaginosis: It occurs due to the transfer of the bacteria present in the anus to the vagina. These bacteria along with the fungal pathogens aggravate existing yeast infection.
• Atrophic vaginitis: In this condition, degeneration and shrinking of the vaginal walls occur. This disease occurs due to the reduction in the estrogen level during childbirth, breastfeeding or menopause. It leads to severe irritation, itching and burning sensation in the vagina.

Diagnosis

A list of necessary diagnostic tests are given below-

• Vaginal swab test
• A full examination of the genitals
• Pap test

Treatment & Prevention

Treating a yeast infection involves:

• Antifungal creams and ointments which are available over-the-counter. These should be used as per the directions.
• Use of other home remedies such as tea tree oil or boric acid. Both of these have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, which help in controlling the infection without disturbing the natural healthy bacteria culture.
• Eating yogurt along with taking antibiotic medications is also helpful. Yogurt contains probiotics, which keep the yeast infection in check.

A yeast infection can be easily prevented by following these measures:

• Practice proper hygiene.
• Wear cotton undergarments which are dry, clean, and not tight.
• Avoid using scented products such as perfumes and talcum powder in the vaginal region.
• Avoid vaginal douching.

 
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