Candida Yeast and Women

Although a Candida yeast infection can affect anyone, children, men, and women, there is a special connection with women. The reason is that this type of yeast grows naturally in the vagina, which is needed by the body. However, if Candida yeast grows too quickly or to high levels anywhere in the body, serious problems can develop. Because there are so many unique symptoms and many that appear unrelated, doctors often miss the true diagnosis.

The thing to know about Candida yeast is that in addition to being preventable, it is also treatable, especially when caught early. The key is eliminating the parasite from the body, which can be done in a number of ways. However, the most effective way is taking an all-natural approach. Once the Candida yeast overgrowth is contained, all the problems will disappear.

In women, we see what is called Candida yeast vaginitis. This infection of the vagina usually occurs in women who are in the child-bearing years. Typically, a woman would experience intense itching, burning during urination or intercourse, and some type of discharge, which could be yellow, white, or a cottage cheese texture of either color. With Candida yeast vaginitis, the symptoms will start and then become their worse at about day three.

What most women do not realize is that even if there has not been a recent yeast infection, they still have up to a 30% chance of developing a colonization of Candida yeast by PCR or Polymerase Chain Reaction. However, for women who have had ongoing and recurrent yeast infections, the chance of seeing an overgrowth of Candida yeast is even greater. Another interesting fact is that women who wear tight pants and pantyhose are also at higher risk for developing Candida yeast vaginitis.

For a woman who experiences any of the mentioned symptoms, doctors can do a simple gram stain test, which is actually very accurate. This coupled with a vaginal examination and clinical history can confirm the diagnosis so proper treatment can be offered. Remember, getting the Candida yeast vaginitis infection under control as soon as possible will help stop the spread of the infection, which can go on to causing serious health problems.

Candida yeast vaginitis not only increases in risk in reproductive age women, those who wear tight clothing and panty hose, and women who have recurrent infections but also while pregnant, if they are taking antibiotics, and in cases where the body’s immune system is weakened such as Diabetes and HIV. The problem is that while the yeast infection will eventually disappear, it is important that any underlying causes be treated as well.

Often, a woman will experience both a Candida yeast infection along with some kind of bacterial infection simultaneously. In this case, both infections would need to be confirmed and treated. There are a number of good topical creams on the market that can ease the symptoms associated with Candida yeast infections of the vagina but in addition, it is important to change diet, eliminating refined sugar and yeast.

Depending on the severity of the Candida yeast vaginitis, a doctor might also recommend prescription medications such as Terconazole or Diflucan. There are also boric acid suppositories that can be used for seven to ten days that will not only provide much-needed relief but also kill off the infection. Again, it is important to have the doctor test for an overgrowth of Candida yeast too so appropriate measures can be taken.

Women who have problems with reproductive organs may find the cause to be an overproduction of Candida yeast. Working closely with a doctor can find the right diagnosis and then the right treatment. If you find yourself in this situation and are tired of getting rid of the yeast infection only for it to return one month later, make sure you get the right blood test and stool analysis so Candida yeast overgrowth can be ruled out.