EFFECTIVE NATURAL TREATMENT FOR VAGINAL YEAST INFECTION IN NIGERIA

A vaginal yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, is a common condition. A healthy vagina contains bacteria and some yeast cells. But when the balance of bacteria and yeast changes, the yeast cells can multiply. This causes intense itching, swelling, and irritation.

Vaginal yeast infections aren’t considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Sexual contact can spread it, but women who aren’t sexually active can also get them. Once you get a yeast infection, you’re also more likely to get another one.

They’re itchy and uncomfortable, and no one really likes to talk about them. But vaginal yeast infections are very common in women. It’s estimated that 75% of all women will have at least one in her lifetime, and 40%-45% will have multiple cases.

The vagina normally contains a healthy balance of bacteria and yeast. The hormone estrogen helps bacteria called lactobacilli to grow. These bacteria kill harmful organisms in the vagina and keep you healthy. But when something happens to tip that balance, a fungus called candida can grow out of control and cause a yeast infection.

WHAT CAUSES YEAST INFECTIONS?

There are many reasons you could get a yeast infection, including:

• Hormones: Changes during pregnancy, breast-feeding or menopause (or if you’re taking birth control pills) can change the balance in your vagina.
• Diabetes: If your diabetes is not well-controlled, the increase in sugar in the mucus membranes (moist linings) of your vagina can create a place for yeast to grow.
• Douches and vaginal sprays: The use of these products can change the balance in your vagina.
• A weakened immune system: If you are HIV-positive or have another immune system disorder, the yeast may also grow uncontrolled.
• Sex: Though a yeast infection is not considered a sexually transmitted infection, it can be passed from person to person through sexual contact.

THE SYMPTOMS

Itchiness and discomfort are the main symptoms of a yeast infection, but there are others. You may also experience any or all of the following:

• Burning, redness, and swelling of the vagina and the vulva (the outer part of the female genitals)
• Pain or burning when you pee
• Pain during sex
• A thick, white, odorless discharge, similar to cottage cheese