Understanding vaginal yeast infections

More than 75 percent of women will encounter yeast infections in their lifetime. Although this condition isn’t life-threatening, it is still important to understand what a yeast infection is to prevent it from occurring.

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Vaginal yeast infections are usually caused by a fungal organism called Candida albicans, which is commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract, mucous membranes, and skin. The body usually produces enough good bacteria to keep C. albicans at bay, which is why vaginal yeast infections usually occur whenever women get sick or suffer from anything that would upset the natural balance of the body. In addition, women who take antibiotic medications and contraceptives, such as diaphragms, sponges, intrauterine devices, and hormone contraceptives, and those who are pregnant or have a weak immune system have a higher risk of developing yeast infections.

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Itching, discharge, pain, and reddening of the labia are the common symptoms of this condition. Additionally, some women were reported to have thick (and odorless) vaginal discharge that resembles cottage cheese.

Vaginal yeast infections can be treated at home using over-the-counter antifungal creams, tablets, and vaginal suppositories. However, if the person with yeast infection is pregnant, medical supervision is advised prior to taking antifungal medication to prevent any pregnancy complications.

Since C. albicans thrive in moist environments, maintaining good genital hygiene can go a long way to prevent vaginal yeast infections from happening.

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Dr. Cristian Andronic specializes in advanced gynecologic and robotic pelvic reconstructive surgery. Visit this Twitter page for more information about his area of expertise.

Vaginal secretions: Nature's way of protecting the vagina

There are many products out on the market, some of which even advertise that they are the best solution to protecting and cleaning the vagina. There are even products that claim to make the vagina smell like a flower or an expensive perfume.

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Women do not actually need those, as what was given by nature to women is enough.

According to NHS.UK, the vagina already has everything it needs to keep itself clean and protected—in the form of natural vaginal secretions and bacteria that all women have. According to Dr. Suzy Elneil, who is a urogynaecology consultant at the University College Hospital in London, all women need to keep their vaginas healthy is to make sure that they are in good general health. Healthy diet and exercise, which includes running and walking, are what all women need to maintain good vaginal function.

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Using douches, vaginal wipes, and vaginal deodorants is not recommended, as they can disrupt the vagina’s healthy, natural balance. Furthermore, according to Professor Ronnie Lamont, who is the spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, if nature intended the vagina to smell like flowers, then it would have made it smell like flowers. Women only need to use plain, unperfumed soaps to wash the area outside the vagina, as the inside will keep itself clean every day.

The only time that the vagina would present a strong, unpleasant smell is that when it has a bacterial infection, such as bacterial vaginosis/vaginitis, thrush, or STD. In those cases, a visit to a highly trained gynecologist/obstetrician the likes of Cristian Andronic and Marilyn Milkman is highly recommended.

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Keeping your reproductive system in good shape is important. Visit this blog site for more reproductive health tips.