Vulvovaginal Candidiasis Symptoms

Candida is an organism, which lives on and in our bodies. The most common type of Candida is Candida albicans. The problem happens when Candida grows without any limits. This overgrowth of the organism happens with the helpful bacteria in our body can no longer balance the overgrowth of Candida.

The result is vulvovaginal candidiasis. Vulvovaginal candidiasis also called yeast infection; happens frequently. In fact it’s estimated 70% of all women will have at least one yeast infection in their lives. A worry for many women and the biggest challenge is the lack of knowledge.

What Causes The Infection?
There are a number of conditions, which can start an overgrowth of this fungus and lead to vulvovaginal candidiasis. The first is simple and requires no more than a change in the clothing chosen.

When clothing is tight or made of synthetic fibers it leads to an increase in body temperature and keeping in of body moisture. This leads to prime growing conditions for overgrowth of yeast. Yeast loves to grow in a warm moist environment.

So when clothing like tight jeans, thongs or other close fitting clothes is chosen the natural evaporation of sweat and moisture doesn’t occur. This leads to the best growing conditions for yeast.

Stress plays a very big part in the development of yeast infections. Our lives today are rush, rush, and rush some more. We skimp on sleep and don’t make time for healthy food. A change in diet ( Candidiasis diet recipes) can make it easier for our bodies to fight vulvovaginal candidiasis. Other things in our lives add to the increased possibility of candidiasis.

Pregnancy, sexual intercourse, NO-9 and birth control pills can all increase the possibility of having the Candida albicans overgrow.

Because our life is stressful we tend to live lives that can make a yeast infection a recurrent condition

How To Identify Candida Symptoms
Every woman will notice her symptoms in her own way. Some women will first notice the vaginal discharge. The discharge looks white, creamy and lumpy. There usually isn’t any odor to the discharge.

Itching and redness are symptoms most women have. The redness leads to a very sore and tender area. When this happens it becomes difficult to have good personal hygiene. Body odor can result. Sexual intercourse and urination burn an already tender area.

What Are The Options?
The first step is relief of the symptoms. Having the constant burning and irritation relieved makes it easier to think and follow through on the correct treatment. The biggest wish is for the symptoms to go away and never return.

It’s possible to treat vulvovaginal candidiasis in several ways. Medications prescribed by a healthcare provider are one option though historically not 100% effective. For longer-term elimination of not only the symptoms but also the problem it is important to include a holistic approach for decreasing or even eliminating vulvovaginal candidiasis symptoms.

Graphic by Peter Suneson