Homeopathy for Genital Candidiasis (Vaginal Thrush or Yeast Infection) – Part 1

Candidiasis, commonly known as Candida or Thrush or Yeast Infection, is an unpleasant but common fungal infection that occurs when there is overgrowth of a fungus called Candida Albicans.
 
Candida Albicans is always present in the body in small amounts and is usually harmless when the immune system is strong. It multiplies quickly and causes distressing symptoms (see below) when the immune system is compromised in any way. The fungus likes warm, moist areas. When it affects the vaginal and genital area, it is known as Genital Candidiasis or Vaginal Thrush (it is one type of Vaginal infection).
 

Source of image:  http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/imagepages/17141.htm

Symptoms may include:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge – it ranges from a watery discharge to a  thick, cottage cheese like discharge. It could be white to white-yellow in colour.
• Redness, rawness and/or swelling of the skin around the vulva
• Itching and burning in thevagina and labia (vaginal “lips”)
• Pain with sexual intercourse
• Pain with urination
   

Causes and risk factors 
Candida Albicans is always present in the body in small amounts. However, when an acid/alkaline imbalance occurs, like when the normal acidity of the vagina changes or when hormonal balance changes, Candida Albicans can multiply. It occurs predominantly in women in the reproductive age.

• Antibiotics taken for some other purpose end up suppressing the growth of protective vaginal bacteria (which prevent fungus), and make the vaginal environment favourable to fungal growth.
• Increased level of estrogen in the body e.g. from use of estrogen-containing birth control pills or pregnancy when estrogen levels increase, changes the vaginal environment making it favourable for fungal growth.
• Excessive intake of refined sugar and simple carbohydrates. Long-term nutritional imbalances
• Chronic, unabated stress
• Diabetes and Problems that affect the immune system (such as AIDS or HIV)
• Sexual contact with an infected person

…………. in the next post, we will look at what you can do to aid healing, and some prevention tips.