Seventy five percent of women have reported that they have had vaginitis some time in their lives. Vaginitis is the term used for vaginal inflammation. It can be caused by different infections including protozoans (trichomonas), bacteria (gardnerella and gonorrhea) and yeast (candida). Among the different infections occurring on women, the most common is the yeast infection also termed as vaginal candidiasis.

Causes of Yeast Vaginitis

Vaginal Candidiasis happens when new yeast is introduced in the vagina or when the quantity of yeast in the vagina has increased more than the normal amount of bacteria. For example, when a patient takes an antibiotic to treat a urinary tract or respiratory infection the protective bacteria are destroyed by the antibiotic, and then the yeast multiply, invade tissues and this causes vaginitis or irritation of the vagina lining.

Other causes can also be the result of an injury on the inner part of vagina. This could happen when a patient has undergone chemotherapy. Also, women who have weaker immune systems are more likely to acquire yeast infections than women who have normal immunity. Other conditions such as pregnancy, diabetes mellitus and drinking of oral contraceptives can also influence the development of vaginal candidiasis or vaginal yeast infection. Using scented feminine washes or other hygiene products like vaginal sprays or sanitary pads can also increase the risk of acquiring such infection.

It also important to take note that though vaginal candidiasis is not really a type of sexually transmitted disease (since candida is present in the vagina of normal women and the condition can actually occur in celibate women), men can acquire this kind of infection from their partners.

How is Yeast Vaginitis Diagnosed?

Vaginal yeast infection is said to occur among women when a white, cheesy and thick discharge is noted along the vagina walls. Other symptoms also include soreness, burning, and pain during urination or intercourse. However, the signs and symptoms of this vaginal infection are non-specific and could also be a result of other conditions. So what doctors do to fully establish the diagnosis of the symptoms is to take a specimen from the affected area and then analyze it in the laboratory.

Vaginal Candidiasis Treatment

Vaginal yeast infection can actually be treated with the use of antifungal medications that are applied around or in the vagina, or with the use of antifungal medications taken orally. In some cases, oral and topical treatments are used together if more than one microbe causes the infection. The topical treatments that can be bought over the counter can be an option to treat vaginal yeast infection.

Medications are also available in vaginal tablets, a treatment suggested by most physicians because it is unlikely to cause side effects such as nausea, headache, and abdominal pain unlike oral medications. However, the symptoms can also be caused by other kinds of infections and therefore might not be cured by medication for vaginal candidiasis. To be really sure about what medicine to buy, it's still best to consult your doctor.

There is something else to consider and that is natural cures of yeast infection. Over the years, there have been great developments in this field. These natural treatments help prevent the initial occurrence of infection because they work on the root cause. Attacking the infection at the root also means you will able to get any existing problems under control effectively.