Reproductive health

Yeast vaginitis/candida albicans

Candida (also called candidiasis), a yeast type of fungus. Normally present in the mucus membranes of healthy people, candida albicans can cause reduced immunity or disease when present in excess. This is because, by reducing the body's natural immune protection, candida becomes a harmful fungus, rather than a beneficial yeast.

While it affects both sexes, candida is more common in women. At some point in their lives, between 30 and 60 percent of women will be affected by candida.

In men, candida can cause irritation, itching or burning, and redness or red patches under the foreskin or on the tip of the penis. It can also make pulling back the foreskin difficult.

In women, candida tends to cause a profuse vaginal discharge, usually of a thick or curdy nature, with patches of white on the vulva or vagina. Other symptoms typically include itching, soreness and discomfort, and the appearance of a skin rash similar to eczema.

Candida can cause infections of the ears, eyes, nose, mouth, sinuses, upper respiratory system, skin, nails, urinary tract, bladder, and much more. Urination may become painful, since salty urine will cause sore tissues to sting. Sexual intercourse may become painful.

The toxins from candida can affect the brain and the glandular system, as well as muscles and joints.

Candida affects moist areas of the body such as the mouth, throat and esophagus, groin, axilla (armpit), vagina, and skin folds, including the labia.

The appearance of these symptoms is associated with a number of factors, including pregnancy, diabetes, AIDS, herpes, constrictive clothing, sugar intake, allergic reactions, and prescription medications such as antibiotics, corticosteroids, and female sex hormones. The appearance of candida is common after treatment with antibiotics and/or oral contraceptives, since these drugs have a tendency to alter the body's normal bacterial—or pH—balance. What's more, because of its adaptability, candida is easily transmitted from one person to another. It has been found on exercise equipment in fitness clubs, for instance.

Candida doesn't necessarily require treatment unless it "flares up" and causes problems such as the discharge, itching, soreness, and discomfort mentioned above.

Using a cotton swab to draw a sample from inside your vagina, your doctor can diagnose candida by sending the sample to a laboratory for analysis. If the diagnosis of candida is confirmed, your doctor will advise you to keep the affected area dry and clean and to avoid bubble baths, deodorant/scented vaginal sprays, and scented soaps. Antifungal agents (Canesten or Monistat, for example) are a common treatment option, although your doctor may instead prescribe probiotics—"live" bacteria commonly found in yogurt, cottage cheese, or supplements.

If you are concerned about candida, talk to your doctor, gynecologist or health care professional.