A vaginal yeast infection is called vaginal candidiasis. Vaginal candidiasis is one of the most common gynecological conditions . The pathogens responsible for vaginal yeast infections are usually Candida yeasts. Candida species are part of the normal vaginal flora and are usually harmless. However, hormonal changes, a weakened immune system, changes in pH levels, and/or disruptions to the normal vaginal microbiome can cause them to multiply and lead to symptoms.
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The symptoms of vaginal mycosis
About three quarters of all women experience a fungal infection at some point in their lives. Typical complaints include itching and a burning sensation as well as redness and gray-white coatings with a crumbly discharge. The most common causative agent of vaginal mycosis is Candida albicans, accounting for 80% of cases. The following pathogens can also cause vaginal mycosis:
- Candida glabrata
- Candida krusei
- Candida parapsilosis
- Candida tropicalis
Like all fungi, they thrive in a warm, moist environment. Candida species can form spores and thus survive under unfavorable living conditions. Fungi often colonize the skin and mucous membranes and are therefore part of the normal flora of women and men. They do not cause symptoms when they live in a natural balance with other microorganisms, for example with lactic acid bacteria in the vagina. However, if the healthy flora becomes imbalanced, the fungi can multiply. Typical symptoms of a fungal infection include, among others, redness and swelling of the genital area. The fungi either directly colonize the skin and mucous membranes of the vagina, oral cavity, or glans, or they reach these areas via the gastrointestinal tract. The vaginal flora is mainly colonized by lactic acid bacteria. They produce lactic acid, creating an acidic environment: the vaginal pH value is normally below 4.5. In this acidic environment, pathogens are unable to multiply excessively.
The causes of vaginal mycosis
Hormonal changes in women can influence the vaginal flora, especially an increased estrogen concentration. This can occur due to natural fluctuations and is particularly common during pregnancy. However, it can also be triggered by taking oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy. With oral contraceptives, estrogen content varies depending on the product. Metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus also promote fungal infections. In addition, the following circumstances are considered to promote the development of vaginal yeast infections:
- Medications that suppress the immune system (immunosuppressants) or corticosteroid preparations can lead to vaginal mycosis. However, the main risk factor for a Candida infection in the genital area is the use of antibiotics. Antibiotics not only kill pathogenic bacteria, but also health-promoting bacteria. As a result, beneficial lactic acid bacteria in the vaginal flora are destroyed, allowing fungi to multiply.
- Excessive hygiene in the intimate area can alter the natural skin flora. In particular, the use of aggressive or heavily perfumed care products contributes to the destruction of beneficial bacteria.
- Unprotected sexual intercourse: Pathogens can be transmitted from one partner to the other.
It is therefore crucial to maintain a healthy balance of the vaginal flora and minimize these risk factors in order to prevent the occurrence of vaginal mycosis.
Treatment of vaginal mycosis
The following steps may be helpful in the self-treatment of vaginal mycosis:
- Use of over-the-counter antifungal creams or suppositories specifically developed for this purpose,
- Wearing loose, breathable clothing to avoid a moist environment that promotes fungal growth,
- and avoiding perfumed soaps or shower gels in the intimate area, which can worsen symptoms.
As a general rule, if no improvement occurs after three days of self-treatment, a visit to a gynecologist is necessary. The doctor can better examine the genital area and make an accurate diagnosis. Usually, a swab is taken from the affected area. Microscopically, it is checked whether a fungal infection is present. If thread-like structures are visible, this indicates a fungal infection. Otherwise, it could also be a bacterial infection. Subsequently, the sample is examined in a laboratory to determine the exact type of fungus. A doctor can prescribe prescription medications in tablet or suppository form that specifically combat the pathogenic fungal species.
If more than four vaginal yeast infections occur within one year, a doctor should rule out underlying conditions such as diabetes mellitus. In such cases, gynecologists refer to the condition as chronic vaginal yeast infection.
Vaginal mycosis during pregnancy
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor immediately if they experience the symptoms mentioned. Both bacterial vaginosis and vaginal yeast infections can be dangerous for the baby: bacteria can ascend into the uterus and trigger premature birth, and a fungal infection can be transmitted to the baby during birth.
What can generally help with frequent vaginal mycosis?
Taking oral contraceptives can be another cause of vaginal mycosis. In this case, alternatives can be considered with regard to the estrogen and progestin content of hormonal preparations:
- Avoiding alkaline soaps or shower gels and generally excessive cleansing of the external genital area can reduce the reinfection rate. “pH-neutral” or slightly acidic syndets are recommended.
- Cotton materials in the intimate area can reduce germ proliferation.
- Another possible measure is improving the vaginal flora through products containing lactic acid bacteria.
Probiotics for vaginal mycosis
Probiotics are products containing biologically active, i.e., health-promoting bacteria that can maintain the vaginal flora. Lactic acid bacteria are particularly important here. Through the colonization of a large number of beneficial lactic acid bacteria, there is no longer room for pathogenic bacteria. There are products specifically for the vaginal flora and for the intestinal flora. A balanced intestinal flora automatically has a positive effect on the vaginal flora, as the organs are closely interconnected. Discover our premium product Lactobact INTIMA, which was specially developed for the female intimate flora. For your health, also discover our brands from HLH BioPharma Lactobact, Casa Sana and DentaSan. Choose our health products from HLH BioPharma now!
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Sources:
RKI, 2020: Chapter 7 of the GBE report “Health situation of women in Germany”; available online at https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/Gesundheitsmonitoring/Gesundheitsberichterstattung/GBEDownloadsB/frauenbericht/07_Sexuelle_reproduktive_Gesundheit.pdf?__blob=publicationFile
Sina H., 2021: Fungal infection: Clotrimazole, helpful against vaginal yeast infection; available online at https://www.spektrum.de/news/clotrimazol-was-hilft-gegen-scheidenpilz/1882141
