Vaginal Yeast Infection - Factors That Can Increase Its Risks!

The female reproductive organ is an area of the human body where many microbial organisms inhabit together and it is a necessary requirement for its health. These organisms may include fungi and bacteria and play important roles individually in maintaining the pH levels (the acidic and alkaline balance) levels of the vagina. However, when one of these, especially the fungi go out of balance and begin to propagate, it results in a vaginal yeast infection.

Symptoms
A yeast infection or vaginal candidiasis is a fungal infection that causes extreme itchiness of the vulva (which is the opening of the vagina) and the further insides of the vagina as well. It may result in a white discharge from time to time and causes vaginal inflammation. Some of the other symptoms are:

1. Pain in the vagina akin to a burning sensation while urinating or when having sex
2. Rashes in the vagina
3. General soreness and pain
4. White odorless discharge, which is thick in consistency
5. Colorless watery discharges can occur as well
6. Swelling and redness near the vulva or the vagina in general

Causes
The type of fungi that causes vaginal yeast infections is the ‘candida fungus’. Usually, this fungus is present within the vagina, but is kept in check by the Lactobacillus bacteria. These are bacteria naturally present within the vagina and secrete acids, which keep the fungi in check. However, when the levels of bacteria are reduced, it will cause the levels of fungi to increase causing a yeast infection.

Risk Factors
The below mentioned factors can aggravate the risks of this disease:

1. Problems brought on by diabetes
2. A compromised immune system
3. Pregnancy may also disturb the balance
4. Starting to use or stopping the use of oral contraceptive pills
5. Hormone therapy
6. Usage of antibiotics that may kill off lactobacillus bacteria within the vagina

Generally, yeast infections are not considered to be sexually transmitted, although yeast infection could be spread through sexual contact as well.

The primary treatment includes a course of anti fungal oral medication to lessen the levels of the fungi within your vagina. It could be supplemented with vaginal creams, which may reduce the itching and the inflammation. If you have recurrent infection multiple times within a year, then you may have to go for a longer course of treatment and correct the underlying conditions that may be causing it.