Recurring Yeast Infection

Yeast infections, also known as vaginal candidiasis, are very common, and research shows that up to 75% of women have suffered from yeast infection at least once in their life. The infection can go away if treated properly, but for 5% of women, recurring yeast infections are something they have to deal with throughout their entire lives. According to doctors, if your yeast infection reappears more than 4 times in one year, you are most likely suffering from recurring yeast infection. The yeast infection is caused by fungi that form part of the vaginal flora, but an imbalance in your metabolism can cause the Candida to multiply and create an infection, characterized by inflammation, itching and a burning sensation at vaginal level. While experiencing yeast infection once or twice in your life is only cause for moderate discomfort, recurrent yeast infections can be extremely unpleasant, as well as draw serious alarm signals about your general state of health and hygiene.

The causes for recurring yeast infection can be hormonal, metabolic or related to local or general immune deficiencies. As such, recurrent yeast infections can be related to pregnancy or phases of the menstrual cycle, when hormonal secretion alters the vaginal pH levels and, by the nature of the secretion, can create a vaginal environment in which the Candida can thrive.  A compromised immunity, either locally or generally, can also cause recurrent yeast infections. Locally, immunity can be compromised after topical treatments with antibiotics or bactericides, after the use of spermicides or lubricants, soaps or lotions that contain certain chemicals, all of which can create an imbalance in the vaginal flora.  Generally, immunity can be deficient in women who frequently use powerful antibiotics, such as cephalosporins, tetracycline or ampicilin or who use high-dose oral contraceptives, and also in women who suffer from immuno-compromising illnesses, such as AIDS, or who have undergone chemotherapy or immunosuppressive treatment. Recurring yeast infections can also appear in the obese, diabetics or women with a sugar-rich diet.

Studies show that topical treatment with Imidazoles has given excellent results after 7 days of treatment in pregnant women with recurring yeast infection, with no side effects to the baby.  Studies have also shown that variations in estrogen and progesterone levels are also responsible in stimulating or respectively inhibiting the development of Candida in the vaginal flora, which would explain why the recurrent yeast infections are sometimes determined by menstrual phases, and why high dose contraceptives influence its proliferation.

Treatment for recurrent yeast infection consists in the administration of antifungal medicine and the elimination, if possible, of the cause for the recurrent yeast infection(diet, medical treatments, hygiene). Antifungal treatments are divided into two major categories: Polyenes(Nystatin, Amphotericin) and the Imidazoles (Butoconazole and Ketoconazole). While the Imidazoles are the mainstay in antifungal treatments, Polyenes can still be used to very good effect, especially for their low side-effect qualities. A balanced diet and a good control of sugar levels is also a necessary step in the treatment of recurring yeast infection, especially in obese or diabetic patients. A positive recurrent yeast infection diagnosis, as well as the creation of a treatment plan must be done with the help of a doctor. Please see your doctor for proper diagnosis of what’s causing your recurring yeast infection.