How Is Genital Candidiasis Treated?

Genital Candidiasis, more commonly known as a yeast infection, is so named because of the Candida yeast species (part of the fungi kingdom) which causes it. Almost 75% of all adult women will have at least one yeast infection in their lifetime. The genital infection, though possible, occurs very rarely in men .

Genital Candidiasis Overview

The idea of a fungus growing in your genital area may seem disgusting, but it's actually quite normal. In places like the mouth, digestive tract, skin, and genitals we have a whole population of microorganisms which are considered normal flora. With them we have what is called a mutualistic relationship, where both we and the microorganisms benefit by living together. Our bodily surfaces provide a warm place to live while these harmless microorganisms out-compete space and resources from more pathogenic, or harmful, microorganisms. Not all species of vaginal normal flora are known. One of the larger populations that have been identified is the Lactobacillus bacteria. It is thought that Lactobacillus keep Candida populations at a minimum by producing a weakly acidic compound called hydrogen peroxide (the same chemical you may use to flush out wounds) during metabolism.

Treatment Options

Once a genital yeast infection has been established, there are several methods of treatment to both soothe symptoms and fight back against uncontrolled yeast growth.

Over-the-Counter Medications

All OTC medications for genital Candidiasis are antifungal drugs and function by killing fungus like yeast. Drugs are generally administered in the form of topical or antifungal cream or a suppository inserted with a special applicator. Most treatments last anywhere between several days to two weeks. These treatments, while effective, often have undesired side effects such as mild to moderate vaginal burning and itching, or the ability to weaken latex condoms.

Alternative Treatment Methods

• Probiotics: A probiotic is considered anything which helps the survival of bacteria. Most yogurts are considered probiotic and contain active cultures of bacteria that when applied to the vagina can help establish a bacterial population. This can in turn compete with a Candida population. Using unsweetened (plain) yogurt containing active cultures of Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria saturate a tampon and insert into the vagina. Repeat this twice daily until symptoms disappear. This is considered a alternative treatment .

• Garlic: Garlic has mild antifungal properties. You can create a garlic tampon of sorts by placing a freshly peeled garlic clove in a small piece of cheesecloth and tying it with unwaxed dental floss. Insert into the vagina, leaving a piece of string outside for removal, and leave there for several hours. Repeat once a day until symptoms subside.

• Acidic/Antifungal Douche: Yeasts don't do well in acidic conditions. You can induce such conditions by mixing 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 2 cups of water and one garlic clove. Let this mixture sit for several hours and then use for douching after removing garlic glove.

Genital Candidiasis is often self-diagnosed incorrectly, even by those who have previously had a yeast infection. If you have any doubt about your infection, be sure to check with a doctor first. It may turn out to be a urinary tract infection .

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Sources: http://www.scq.ubc.ca/microbes-and-you-normal-flora/ http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/yeast-infection-genital.html?pageNum=6#6 http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/candidiasis_gen_g.htm