Vaginal Yeast Infection Treatment in Delhi, India

The primary symptoms of vaginal yeast infection include itching and discomfort. Apart from that, various other symptoms are as follows:

• Burning sensation while passing urine
• Redness and swelling in the vagina and vulva
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Soreness of vagina
• Rashes around the vagina and vulva
• Whitish vaginal discharge 
• Vaginal pain
• Small cracks in the skin of the vulva

Following are the various causes of vaginal yeast infection:

• Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes in females leads to an increase in the sugar levels in the mucosal membranes of the vagina, thereby resulting in abnormal growth of yeast.
• Hormones: Hormonal changes during menopause, breastfeeding and pregnancy result in the balance shift among bacterial and yeast cells in the vagina.
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics are responsible for destroying various good bacteria in the vagina due to the enormous growth of yeast cells.
• Sex: Although vaginal yeast infection isn't considered a sexually transmitted infection, it can be transferred or passed from one individual to another through sexual contact.
• Immune system: A weakened immune system because of HIV or any other immune disorder may result in uncontrolled yeast growth in the vagina.
• Vaginal sprays: The application of these sprays results in the alteration of balance in the vagina.
• Candida albicans: This is a specific type of yeast which is responsible for causing most yeast infections.

To diagnose a yeast infection, the doctor proceeds in the following manner:

• Medical history: This comprises collecting information about any previous history of vaginal or sexually transmitted infections.
• Pelvic examination: The doctor first examines external genitals for any possible signs of infection. After this, the doctor places an instrument called a speculum into the vagina to hold the vaginal walls open to examine the vagina and cervix, the lower, narrower part of the uterus.
• Testing of vaginal secretions: The doctor collects a sample of cells containing vaginal fluid for further testing to determine the type of fungus responsible for causing the yeast infection. Identifying the fungus is crucial as it can help the doctor prescribe a more effective treatment for recurrent yeast infections.

Treating vaginal yeast infections depends mainly on the severity and frequency of infections.

For mild to moderate infections

• Vaginal therapy: This comprises taking anti-fungal medications on a short-term basis for three to seven days. These come in creams, tablets, ointments, lotion and suppositories.
• Oral medications: A one-time and single oral dose of Fluconazole is administered among patients. But in the case of pregnancy, oral medication isn't recommended.

For severe infections

• Vaginal therapy: Long-term anti-fungal medications are administered daily for two weeks, followed by once a week for six months
• Multidose oral medication: Instead of vaginal therapy, two to three doses of anti-fungal medicines are administered orally to the patients. This form of treatment isn't given to pregnant ladies.

To help prevent and treat vaginal discharge:

• Maintain a dry and clean genital area. Avoid using soap and merely rinse with water. Your symptoms might improve by taking a warm bath—not one that is hot.
• Do not douche - After periods or sexual activity, many women may feel cleaner, but douching may make vaginal discharge worse. Douching eliminates the beneficial bacteria that line the vagina and serve as an infection barrier.
• When using antibiotics, consume yoghurt with live cultures or take Lactobacillus acidophilus tablets. This might aid in avoiding a yeast infection.
• To prevent contracting or transmitting additional infections, use condoms.
• Do not use feminine hygiene powders, sprays, or scents on the genital area.
• Avoid donning shorts or pants that are too tight. These could irritate you and make you perspire.
• Put on cotton underwear. Avoid wearing silk or nylon underwear. These might cause increased vaginal perspiration, which would encourage yeast growth.
• If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar levels under control.
• Spend as little time as possible exercising or wearing wet clothing. After each use, wash wet or sweaty clothing.

Although yeast infections are frequently encountered, timely treatment can lessen the unpleasant symptoms within a few days. One can avoid these illnesses in the future by being aware of an individual's risk factors. In case one gets recurrent yeast infections that persist for more than two months, consult the doctor immediately. Also, the patient may choose to see a doctor in any of the below cases:

• A patient has never before had vaginal yeast infection symptoms.
• It's unclear whether a patient has a yeast infection.
• The condition worsens.
• A patient experiences  new symptoms.
• One might have come in contact with a STI.

Reviewed by Dr. Ankita Chandna, Associate Director, Obstetrics And Gynaecology on 02-May-2023.