Vaginal Yeast Infection - The Symptoms

A vaginal yeast infection is a common one. It is caused when Candida albicans, a naturally occurring fungus found in the body, starts to multiply due to many factors such as stress, diabetes, steroid medications, poor hygiene, unprotected sex with an infected partner, antibiotics, poor nutrition, or birth control pills. In most cases, these yeast infections occur several times a year. There are even cases when outbreaks become chronic.

A vaginal yeast infection is known by its primary symptoms, which include itchiness, redness, and irritation in the genital areas, pain or difficulty during sexual intercourse, inflammation of the vagina and vulva, menstrual pain, a white cheesy discharge, painful urination, and a distinctive foul odor. A woman suffering from a vaginal yeast infection may secondarily experience headaches, stress, depression, irritability, joint pain or swelling, fatigue, and even memory loss. These secondary symptoms vary from woman to woman, and doctors usually diagnose symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection by relying on the primary manifestations of an outbreak.

While most vaginal yeast infections go away by themselves, some outbreaks are chronic and require medical attention to relieve symptoms. There are two ways with which to treat a vaginal yeast infection. One is through over-the-counter or prescription medication, and the other is through natural remedies. At present, an increasing number of sufferers have resorted to natural remedies to help them get rid of yeast infections of the genitals. These natural remedies have included consuming yogurt, applying tea tree oil and hydrogen peroxide to the infected areas, and espousing a healthier lifestyle that includes protected sex.