VAGINAL YEAST INFECTION
BY MAURICE ALAL (KISUMU-KENYA)

It is always a norm that most people usually pay no heed when they experienced strange itches in their private parts. For instance in women the sensation itch is referred as the Virginal yeast infection.

Most of the women usually experience the unpleasant burning and itching sensation of a vaginal yeast infection. If one is prone to this problem, she may find natural supplements useful to strengthen the overall defenses against yeast overgrowth.

According to medics Candida albicans is a yeast like- fungus that is often found in the mouth, vagina and intestinal tract. It is a normal inhabitant of hormones that usually does not cause any adverse effects. When Candida is found in the vagina is called vaginal yeast infection.

Vaginal yeast infection is also scientifically known as Candidosis or Moniliasis it is caused by anything which disturbs the normal balance of yeast and bacteria or the PH level in the vagina can create ideal conditions for yeast to grow uncontrolled.

According to the Kisumu District hospital Gynecologist Dr. Aggrey Akula, vaginal yeast infection is a common infection in women and that women should be aware of the infection.

Dr. Akula says that about 75% women in Nyanza Province suffer from this ailment, mostly teenagers, expectant mothers and those who have reached menopause and fail to seek medical attention due to lack of knowledge.

He however says that yeast imbalance is caused by wearing of tight jeans or nylon underwear, sharing of towels or wash cloth, use of perfumed soaps, sanitary towels or tampons, hormonal changes during pregnancy, use of some birth control pills, spermicides that are rampant with our teens or by diabetes in Kenya.

It can also be caused when the immune system is weakened by illness, stress, lack of sleep or if it is severely compromised by HIV infection or chemotherapy. “Use of birth control pills and antibiotics may lead to recurrent vaginal yeast infection,” he said.

Dr. Akula further explained that birth control pills and antibiotics lower the immune system of the body. The medic advised women to stop using perfumed sanitary towels because it may increase the chance of contacting this infection.

“About 60% women experience the symptoms to this infection but still are unable to tell whether it is sexual transmitted disease or yeast infection. The symptoms are intense genital itching, inflammation and redness in the external genital area, white, curd like or thick vaginal discharge which may smell yeasty or odorless, pain during sex”, said the gynecologist.

However, there are some infections which have similar symptoms as the vaginal yeast infection, for example bacterial virginities is a fungal infection.

“Bacterial virginities is a far more prevalent than vaginal yeast infection; it has a foul odor which is not present in yeast,” he explains.

“Untreated bacterial virginities can result in pelvic inflammatory disease and lead to future infertility,” he added.

Dr. Akula said that women who are experiencing these symptoms for the first time should not hesitate to consult a doctor.

He also advises that severe yeast infection may cause swelling of the vulva and some cases women experience painful frequent urination which is caused by inflammation of the urinary opening. He further said that vaginal yeast is common and it tends to recur.

“To lower the chances of experiencing another yeast infection one should ensure that the vaginal area is always clean and dry completely, under garments are washed in hot water, pads are changed regularly, eat a diet high in vegetables, protein and grains as well as consuming yoghurt” he added.

Dr. Akula advises that women who suffer from recurrent thrush should avoid all foods that contain sugar with yeast fed on and food containing any form of yeast, mould or fungi such as bread, mushroom, grapes, wine, yeast extracts and ‘mouldy’ cheese.

“According to medical report 75% of women will experience at least one vaginal yeast infection during her life. Yeast infection is common among women infected with HIV and women who suffer from recurrent yeast infection are advised to go for HIV test, cervical cancer screening and other related infections such as sexual transmitted diseases”, he said.

Concerning the treatment, Dr. Akula said that various antifungal medications are available to treat yeast infection. Women can buy antifungal creams or tablets. He further explains that there are drugs that are taken orally and some are inserted in the private part of a woman.

“Women see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis should before taking any kind of drug,” he emphasized citing that the pregnant women who have this infection should get treated as fast as possible because when the infection becomes severe the unborn baby might get infected with the mouth thrush.

He further explains that there are some drugs that may react negatively to the body of a pregnant woman. He advices pregnant women to use natural treatment, side effect free, secure, and easy to use and do not create resistant strains for bacteria.

“Women are supposed to use the drugs that are inserted locally through the vagina and not those that are taken orally,” he said. Do men also get infected? “Men can get genital yeast infection too especially if they are uncircumcised,” he said.

The medic explained that this may be caused by dirt which may accumulate in the foreskin of the penis. “Not only dirt that may cause this infection but it can also be transmitted from one person to another during sexual intercourse. Partners are advised to use condoms to avoid such infections,” he said.

“Men should seek for the circumcision especially now that there is Voluntary Male Circumcision (VMC) program to help in reduction of these bacterial infections,” he pointed out.

Dr Akula said that men rarely have symptoms but the only symptom that may be seen is the inflammation and itching of the head of the penis. He also said that men should also see a doctor if they see the symptom before transmitting it to his partner.

“Generally people should maintain cleanliness, that is to always ensure that their private parts are clean to reduce the chances of contracting this unpleasant infection,” he advises.
END