What are the common causes of recurrent yeast infections. How can you recognize the symptoms of a yeast infection. What are the most effective treatment options for recurring vaginal yeast infections. How can you prevent future yeast infections from occurring.

Understanding Vaginal Yeast Infections: An Overview

Vaginal yeast infections are a common condition affecting many women at some point in their lives. These infections occur when there’s an overgrowth of Candida, a naturally occurring fungus in the vagina. While occasional yeast infections are normal, recurrent infections can be frustrating and require special attention.

Recurrent yeast infections are defined as four or more episodes within a single year. These repeated infections can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life and may indicate underlying health issues that need to be addressed.

What exactly is a yeast infection?

A yeast infection, also known as vaginal candidiasis, is a type of vaginitis or inflammation of the vagina. It occurs when the balance of microorganisms in the vagina is disrupted, allowing the Candida fungus to multiply excessively. This overgrowth leads to the uncomfortable symptoms associated with yeast infections.

Common Causes of Recurrent Yeast Infections

Understanding the factors that contribute to recurrent yeast infections is crucial for effective prevention and management. While the exact cause may not always be identifiable, several risk factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing repeated infections:

• Antibiotic use: Certain antibiotics can disrupt the vaginal flora, creating an environment conducive to yeast overgrowth.
• Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, menstruation, and hormone replacement therapy can alter vaginal pH levels, promoting yeast growth.
• Diabetes: Elevated blood sugar levels can create an ideal environment for yeast proliferation.
• Compromised immune system: Conditions like HIV or medications that suppress the immune system can make women more susceptible to yeast infections.
• Tight clothing: Wearing restrictive, non-breathable clothing can trap moisture and heat, encouraging yeast growth.
• Douching and hygiene products: Overuse of feminine hygiene products or douching can disrupt the vaginal ecosystem.

Is there a genetic component to recurrent yeast infections?

While research is ongoing, some studies suggest that genetic factors may play a role in susceptibility to recurrent yeast infections. Certain genetic variations may affect the body’s ability to maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome or respond effectively to antifungal treatments.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Yeast Infections

Identifying the symptoms of a yeast infection is crucial for timely treatment and prevention of recurrence. While symptoms can vary in intensity, common signs include:

• Intense itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva
• Burning sensation, especially during urination or intercourse
• Redness and swelling of the vulva
• Thick, white, odorless vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese-like consistency
• Soreness and pain in the vaginal area

Can symptoms vary between acute and recurrent yeast infections?

While the core symptoms remain similar, women with recurrent yeast infections may experience more severe or prolonged symptoms. Additionally, they may become more attuned to early signs of infection, allowing for quicker recognition and treatment initiation.

Diagnosing Recurrent Yeast Infections

Proper diagnosis is essential for effective treatment of recurrent yeast infections. Healthcare providers typically follow a comprehensive approach to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential causes of symptoms:

1. Medical history review: The doctor will inquire about your symptoms, frequency of infections, and potential risk factors.
2. Physical examination: A pelvic exam allows the healthcare provider to assess visible signs of infection and collect samples if necessary.
3. Laboratory tests: Samples of vaginal discharge may be examined under a microscope or cultured to identify the specific type of yeast causing the infection.
4. pH testing: Measuring the vaginal pH can help differentiate between yeast infections and other types of vaginitis.

When should you seek medical attention for suspected yeast infections?

While over-the-counter treatments are available for yeast infections, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider if you experience recurrent infections, if it’s your first yeast infection, or if you’re pregnant. Additionally, seek medical attention if your symptoms don’t improve with self-treatment or if you have concerns about the diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Recurrent Yeast Infections

Managing recurrent yeast infections often requires a more aggressive and prolonged approach compared to treating occasional infections. Treatment strategies may include:

• Long-term antifungal therapy: Extended use of antifungal medications, either topical or oral, to suppress yeast growth.
• Maintenance therapy: Regular use of lower-dose antifungal medications to prevent recurrence.
• Boric acid suppositories: These can help restore vaginal pH and combat resistant yeast strains.
• Probiotics: Supplementing with beneficial bacteria may help maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome.
• Lifestyle modifications: Addressing underlying risk factors through dietary changes, stress reduction, and improved hygiene practices.

Are there any new or emerging treatments for recurrent yeast infections?

Researchers are exploring novel approaches to treating recurrent yeast infections, including:

• Immunotherapy: Enhancing the body’s natural defense against Candida overgrowth.
• Personalized antifungal treatments: Tailoring medications based on the specific strain of yeast causing the infection.
• Microbiome restoration: Developing therapies to reestablish a healthy vaginal ecosystem.

Preventing Future Yeast Infections

While it may not always be possible to prevent yeast infections entirely, several strategies can help reduce the risk of recurrence:

• Maintain good hygiene: Gently clean the vaginal area with mild, unscented soap and water.
• Wear breathable clothing: Choose cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting pants or synthetic materials.
• Practice safe sex: Use condoms to reduce the risk of introducing new microorganisms to the vaginal environment.
• Avoid irritants: Steer clear of scented hygiene products, douches, and harsh soaps.
• Manage underlying health conditions: Keep diabetes under control and address any immune system issues.
• Consider dietary changes: Some women find relief by reducing sugar intake and incorporating probiotic-rich foods.

Can certain foods help prevent yeast infections?

While scientific evidence is limited, some studies suggest that consuming probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables may help maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome. Additionally, foods high in vitamin C and garlic have been associated with potential antifungal properties.

The Impact of Recurrent Yeast Infections on Quality of Life

Experiencing repeated yeast infections can have significant physical and emotional effects on women. The constant discomfort, frustration, and anxiety associated with recurrent infections can impact various aspects of life, including:

• Sexual health and intimacy
• Self-esteem and body image
• Work productivity and daily activities
• Mental health and overall well-being

How can women cope with the psychological impact of recurrent yeast infections?

Coping strategies may include:

• Seeking support from healthcare providers, therapists, or support groups
• Practicing stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga
• Educating partners about the condition to foster understanding and support
• Focusing on overall health and self-care practices

When to Consider Further Testing for Underlying Conditions

In some cases, recurrent yeast infections may be a sign of an underlying health issue that requires additional investigation. Healthcare providers may recommend further testing if:

• Infections persist despite appropriate treatment
• Symptoms are atypical or severe
• There’s a suspicion of a compromised immune system
• Other vaginal infections or sexually transmitted infections are suspected

What types of tests might be recommended for persistent yeast infections?

Additional testing may include:

• Comprehensive blood work to assess overall health and immune function
• Diabetes screening
• HIV testing
• Hormonal evaluations
• Genetic testing for rare immune system disorders

Understanding and managing recurrent yeast infections requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the immediate symptoms and underlying factors contributing to their recurrence. By working closely with healthcare providers, implementing preventive strategies, and staying informed about treatment options, women can effectively manage this challenging condition and improve their overall quality of life.

It’s important to remember that while yeast infections are common, frequent recurrences should not be dismissed as normal. Seeking professional medical advice and personalized treatment plans can make a significant difference in managing and preventing these infections. With the right approach, many women find relief from the cycle of recurrent yeast infections and regain control over their vaginal health.

Recurrent Yeast Infections | Baylor Medicine

Healthcare: Obstetrics and Gynecology

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What Are Recurrent Yeast Infections?

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Yeast infections are caused when too much of one of the naturally occurring candida fungi grows in the vagina. Yeast infections are a common condition and treatment is available; however, the condition may recur. Women that suffer from recurrent yeast infections – four or more in one year – require special treatment. A yeast infection is one of the most common types of vaginitis, or inflammation of the vagina.

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What Causes Recurrent Yeast Infections?

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Yeast infections are caused by a fungus known as candida that is normally found in small numbers in the vagina. When the normal balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina is altered, the yeast may overgrow and cause symptoms. Some factors or conditions that can increase the risk of a yeast infection include:

• Certain types of antibiotics
• Pregnancy and changes in the body’s hormone level
• Diabetes
• HIV
• Change in immune status (e. g. in transplant patients)

In many cases, the exact cause of the yeast infection is not known.

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What Are the Symptoms of Recurrent Yeast Infections?

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Common symptoms include:

• Itching is the primary symptom but there may also be burning in the area outside the vagina (vulva), which may worsen when urinating or during intercourse
• Red and swollen vulva
• Increased vaginal discharge
• Vaginal discharge that is white, clumpy and odorless

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How Are Recurrent Yeast Infections Diagnosed?

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Diagnosis starts with a thorough medical history and detailed discussion of your symptoms. A pelvic exam will be conducted and a sample of vaginal discharge will be taken and tested to determine if you have a yeast infection. You may be asked to avoid douching, sexual intercourse or using any vaginal medications before your visit, for accurate test results.

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How Are Recurrent Yeast Infections Treated?

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Yeast infections are typically treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams or suppositories, or oral antifungal medication. Treatment of recurrent yeast infections is more challenging and may include:

• Long-term antifungal therapy (vaginal cream, ointment, tablet or suppository)
• Maintenance therapy after initial treatment clears up the infection
• Lifestyle changes to reduce recurrence, including avoiding tight clothing that holds in heat and moisture and avoiding certain perfumed hygiene products

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Vaginal Yeast Infections | HealthLink BC

Condition Basics

What is a vaginal yeast infection?

Yeast is a fungus that normally lives in the vagina in small numbers. A vaginal yeast infection means that too many yeast cells are growing in the vagina. These infections are very common. They may bother you a lot, but they usually aren’t serious. A yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

What causes it?

A healthy vagina has many bacteria and a few yeast cells. When something changes the balance of these organisms, yeast can grow too much and cause symptoms. Taking antibiotics sometimes causes this imbalance. Other causes include certain health problems, like diabetes, and high estrogen levels from pregnancy or hormone therapy.

What are the symptoms?

A yeast infection causes itching or soreness in the vagina. It sometimes causes pain or burning when you urinate or have sex. Some women also have a thick, clumpy, white discharge that has no odour and looks a little like cottage cheese.

How is it diagnosed?

It’s easy to guess wrong about a vaginal infection. See your doctor if you aren’t sure what you have, if this is the first time you have had symptoms, or if you’re pregnant. Your doctor may be able to diagnose you based on your medical history and a vaginal examination.

How is a vaginal yeast infection treated?

If you’re not pregnant and you know you have a yeast infection, you can treat yourself with over-the-counter antifungal medicine. If you’re pregnant, don’t use these medicines without talking to your doctor first. If you have more than four infections in a year, see your doctor for testing and treatment.

How can you help prevent a vaginal yeast infection?

Practicing good genital hygiene can help prevent yeast infections. For example, keep your vaginal area clean. After using the toilet, wipe from front to back. Avoid tight-fitting clothing. Wear cotton underwear. Change out of a wet swimsuit right away. Change pads or tampons often. Don’t douche or use feminine deodorants.

Cause

A healthy vagina has many bacteria and a small number of yeast cells. The most common bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus, help keep yeast and other organisms under control. When something happens to change the balance of these organisms, yeast can grow too much and cause symptoms.

Things that may cause an overgrowth of vaginal yeast include:

• Taking antibiotics.
• Having a high estrogen level. This may occur during pregnancy, hormone therapy (HT or ET) use, high-dose birth control pill use, and the menstrual cycle.
• Having diabetes, especially if your blood sugar tends to be high.
• Having a disease that weakens the immune system, such as HIV.
• Using steroid medicines, such as prednisone.
• Being overweight.

Most yeast infections are caused by a type of yeast called Candida albicans. Yeast infections that keep coming back tend to involve other types of yeast. These are harder to treat.

Learn more

Prevention

The following actions can help prevent a vaginal yeast infection.

• Eat a balanced diet.

  A balanced diet includes vegetables and fruits, whole grain foods, and protein foods.

  Some women think that eating foods with lactobacillus organisms, such as yogurt or acidophilus milk, will help prevent yeast infections. So far there is no evidence for this connection. But eating foods that contain lactobacillus can be part of a healthy diet.

• Control diabetes.

  Good control of blood sugar levels decreases the risk of yeast infections anywhere on your body.

• Avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics.

  Antibiotics can change the normal balance of vaginal organisms, allowing excess growth of yeast.

• Practice good genital hygiene.
  • Keep your vaginal area clean. Use mild, unscented soap and water. Rinse well.
  • After using the toilet, wipe from front to back to avoid spreading yeast or bacteria from your anus to the vagina or urinary tract.
  • Wear underwear that helps keep your genital area dry and doesn’t hold in warmth and moisture. One good choice is cotton underwear.
  • Avoid tight-fitting clothing, such as panty hose and tight jeans. These may increase body heat and moisture in your genital area.
  • Change out of a wet swimsuit right away. Wearing a wet swimsuit for many hours may keep your genital area warm and moist.
  • Change pads or tampons often.
  • Don’t douche or use deodorant tampons or feminine sprays, powders, or perfumes. These items can change the normal balance of organisms in your vagina.

Learn more

Symptoms

The symptoms of vaginal yeast infection include:

• Vaginal itching. It’s often severe.
• Thick, clumpy, white vaginal discharge. It has no odour. It looks a little like cottage cheese.
• Red, irritated skin around the opening to the vagina (labia).
• Pain while urinating. This occurs when urine touches irritated skin.
• Pain in the vagina during sexual intercourse.

Symptoms are more likely to occur during the week before your menstrual period.

What Happens

Vaginal yeast infections often clear up on their own without treatment, usually when menstruation begins. Menstrual blood raises the vaginal pH, causing the number of yeast cells to decrease because they can’t grow in the pH present during menstruation.

There are significant differences between occasional, easily treatable yeast infections and recurrent infections that seriously affect a woman’s life. Recurring vaginal yeast infections can be difficult to prevent or cure. Women who have recurring yeast infections should be evaluated for other causes (such as diabetes, hormone therapy, or treatment-resistant strains of yeast) so that the cause can be treated or reversed.

Learn more

When to Call a Doctor

Call your doctor now if you:

• Have pain in your lower belly along with a fever and vaginal discharge. This may point to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
• Are pregnant and have symptoms of a vaginal infection or a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Call your doctor for an appointment if you:

• Have an unusual vaginal discharge with an unusual or foul odour.
• Have unusual vaginal itching.
• Have pain during sex or urination.
• Have any other symptoms that may point to a vaginal infection.
• Still have symptoms after trying home treatment with a non-prescription medicine.
• Have symptoms return within 2 months, and you have not been taking antibiotics.

Watchful waiting

If your symptoms are mild and you are sure they are caused by a vaginal yeast infection, waiting several days to see if the symptoms clear up on their own isn’t harmful, especially if you expect your menstrual period within that time. Sometimes a menstrual period will relieve the symptoms of a mild yeast infection. If your symptoms continue, you can use non-prescription medicine. If you still have symptoms after treatment, see your doctor.

Examinations and Tests

It’s easy to guess wrong about a vaginal infection. See your doctor if you aren’t sure what you have, if this is the first time you have had symptoms, or if you’re pregnant. Your doctor may be able to diagnose the problem based on your medical history and a vaginal examination.

If your symptoms aren’t typical of a yeast infection, your doctor can do a wet mount test to look for signs of yeast or other organisms.

If you have vaginal yeast infections that are severe or that keep coming back (recur), you may have other tests. Tests include:

• A vaginal culture. This can confirm that you have a yeast infection.
• A blood test to find out if you have a health problem that makes you more likely to get yeast infections.

Learn more

Treatment Overview

A mild vaginal yeast infection may go away without treatment. If your symptoms are mild, you may want to wait to see if they clear up on their own.

If you’re not pregnant and you know that your symptoms are caused by a yeast infection, you can treat yourself at home with over-the-counter medicines. You can use an antifungal cream or vaginal suppositories.

Don’t use over-the-counter treatment without talking to your doctor if you:

• Are pregnant.
• Are not sure that your symptoms are caused by a yeast infection.
• Have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
• Are having a repeat (recurrent) infection.
• Have pelvic pain or fever.

Treatment options also include prescription antifungal pills or vaginal medicine.

Learn more

Self-Care

Here are some things you can do at home to ease symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection.

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Go away, milkmaid!

Go away, milkmaid!

Thrush is a word familiar to many people. The medical name for this disease is candidiasis . This is a disease of the skin, mucous membranes, internal organs caused by the pathogenic effects of fungi of the genus Candida . One of the common misconceptions is that it is only a female disease , so its role is often underestimated.

“First date” with this fungus can occur in the neonatal period , but immunity to this fungus is not formed and thrush can be repeated several times during life.

In the current situation of the rapid development of the pharmaceutical market, new highly effective antifungal drugs have been introduced into the doctor’s practice, which help to save the patient from the troubles caused by the fungus. But if the causes are not identified , according to which the fungus periodically attacks you – you will have to take drugs in a constant mode , but they are not so harmless.

Fungi of the genus Candida are widely distributed in the environment. As saprophytes, they can be found on the skin and mucous membranes of a person, they can be isolated from urine, feces, sputum in small quantities in a healthy person. The disease develops both when these fungi enter from the environment, and due to their own, living in the body’s environments.

Causes of fungus appearance
There are many reasons why a fungus turns from a friend into an enemy. Here are some of them:

• intestinal dysbacteriosis,
• immunity failure,
• lack of intake and assimilation of vitamins.
• occupational hazards,
• inflammatory diseases,
• diabetes mellitus,
• frequent lesions of the skin and mucous membranes,
• uncontrolled use of antibacterial drugs and antibiotic therapy without parallel administration of appropriate doses of antifungal drugs,
• hormonal disorders,
• taking hormonal contraceptives, etc.

Disease types and localization
Isolate superficial candidiasis of mucous membranes, skin, nails, chronic generalized, granulomatosis and visceral candidiasis. The main complaint in lesions of the skin and mucous membranes are itching, burning, and sometimes soreness. On the mucous membranes, against the background of redness, white dot plaques appear, which gradually merge with each other to form films. With the defeat of the genital organs in women (vulvovaginal candidiasis), there is a discharge of white color, thick, reminiscent of curdled milk in consistency, may be crumbly, with a sour smell. In men, the lesion is localized in the region of the glans penis and the inner layer of the foreskin (candidiasis balanoposthitis): foci of redness appear, superficial erosions, white plaques may form.

Another favorite localization of candidal lesions are natural skin folds: under the mammary glands, inguinal, intergluteal. Lesions on the skin with clear boundaries, with a border of whitish macerated epidermis, the surface is weeping, crimson-cyanotic color.

Among workers in the food sector, the fungus Candida often affects the skin of the hands . Most often, the third interdigital fold is affected, which becomes red, in the marginal zone of the focus the epidermis is swollen, whitish-pearl, and candida paronychia (inflammation of the periungual ridge) is also found. When the process passes into the chronic stage, the nail plastic can also be affected, which becomes brown, bumpy, depressions and stripes appear, and later the nail plate becomes thinner and exfoliates.

Diagnosis of candidiasis
Diagnosis is carried out by conventional methods and primarily includes microscopic examination of preparations obtained from various biological media. In the future, if necessary, cultural diagnostics (inoculation on nutrient media to identify the pathogen and determine its sensitivity to antifungal drugs) and serological diagnostics can be carried out (blood tests). An important point is the diagnosis of concomitant diseases and the doctor’s appointment of a full complex treatment .

Thrush after electrolysis – is there a relationship

Last update:

11/15/2022

Candidiasis is one of the most common fungal infections. This is due to the fact that more than 70% of the world’s population are carriers of the pathogen, so almost everyone can encounter it.

Especially often it develops in women due to the peculiarities of the immune and hormonal systems of the female body.

The disease occurs as a result of the active reproduction of unicellular fungi belonging to the genus Candida.

This is an opportunistic microorganism, that is, it is part of the normal microflora of the skin and mucous membranes.

However, as a result of an imbalance in the body, it can begin to multiply rapidly, which provokes the development of candidiasis.

Normally, the fungus is found on the skin, mucous membranes of the digestive tract and genital organs. The number of cells is small, and active development is suppressed by other microorganisms that are our symbionts.

For example, lactic acid bacteria living in the vagina or bifidobacteria living in the intestines.

Also, in the regulation of the activity of this microorganism, local and general immunity plays an important role, which has a significant impact on maintaining the balance of microbes living in the human body.

Why candidiasis occurs

The main reason for the development of this disease is the weakening of the immune system or the development of dysbacteriosis. There are a number of concomitant factors that provoke the development of infection:

• Hormonal failures.
• Improper nutrition.
• Bad habits.
• Taking drugs that suppress the immune system.

Often in women, the development of candidiasis (thrush) occurs in certain phases of the menstrual cycle.

In any case, for the appearance of the disease, a deviation of the state of the mucous membranes or skin from the norm is necessary, which leads to the rapid growth of the fungus.

There are also pathogenic strains of candidiasis that spread like common infections (transmitted by contact or sexually). But their prevalence is relatively low, since a healthy body easily suppresses their growth.

Can electrolysis cause candidiasis

Electrolysis is one of the most effective ways to remove unwanted hair. It allows you to completely destroy the hair follicles without the possibility of their restoration.

At the same time, the likelihood of side effects is minimal, because after the procedure, only microscopic damage remains at the site of the destroyed follicles, which heal quickly and without a trace.

By itself, the technique cannot provoke the development of candidiasis.

The impact of electric current is strictly local and does not have a special effect on the rest of the body.

But there may be situations when the procedure becomes one of the provoking factors. After all, even small skin lesions can become a “gateway” for infections, including candidiasis.

However, if you follow all the recommendations of an electrologist for skin care after electrolysis, the likelihood of such troubles will be close to zero.

It also cannot be ruled out that the stress experienced by the skin area that received microdamages during the procedure could provoke an outbreak of fungal growth. Especially if the bikini area or adjacent areas were treated.

In this case, indeed, electric hair removal can become a provoking factor.

It is important to understand that in all these situations, the removal of unwanted hair essentially serves as a “trigger” for the development of problems and imbalances already existing in the body.

In a normal situation, the occurrence of infectious complications or candidiasis is almost impossible.

Article prepared by:

Author: Sergey Uzyakov, general practitioner
Published by: Olesya Smagina, Assistant Director of the Universe of Beauty Hair Removal Centers

Sources:

1.